Jack GramenzShortly after it began distributing Xiaomi electronics in Australia, Panmi has now added the Ninebot Segway brand to its stable – bringing the company’s electric scooters and mobile transport devices to Australian streets and footpaths despite it not being legal for any of the devices to operate there.
While laws differ between states and territories, all agree electric scooters can’t travel over 10km/h in public unless registered as a motor vehicle, while some states such as NSW completely outlaw the devices and restrict them to private property.
Despite this legal hiccup, Ninebot by Segway personal transport devices will soon go on display in Panmi’s weird invite and appointment only showroom at Chippendale in Inner Sydney, where potential customers can check out the devices before buying them online and not in the showroom.
The company will be selling four electric scooters, a monowheel, electric roller blades, and a segway that can be turned into a go-kart, via its website.
The collapsible 500 watt KickScooter ES1 claims a top-speed of 20km/h with a 25km range, with adjustable cruise control, airless wheels, and electronics and locking mechanical brakes.
Stepping up to the slightly faster 25km/h ES2 (A$799), which a reddit user reported receiving A$2500 in fines after being pulled over by police while riding one in Sydney earlier this year, adds front and rear shock absorbers, anti-lock brakes and safety lights, but is a little over a kilo heavier at 12.5kg.
The premium ES4 model has a top speed of almost 30 km/h, with an extended range of up to 45km, thanks to a larger external battery.
Those looking for an extended range to do laps of their private property should look towards the KickScooter Max, which offers a 64km range off a battery that charges fully in six hours.
Panmi will also bring the KickScooter One S2 (A$899) to Australia, which despite only having one wheel, is most likely also illegal to use in public here, given its 20 km/h top speed.
The knee-driven, self-balancing Segway S Pro (A$1099) can go up to 25km on a single charge with a top speed of 16km/h, but its base can be attached to an external gokart kit (A$999), capable of reaching speeds up to 24km/h and carrying users weighing up to 100kg.
Panmi will also sell the Drift W1 electric skates (A$649), which are capable of up to 12km/h, though can only offer about 45 minutes of use off a full-charge.
Panmi’s chief operating officer George Saad said Ninebot Segway “will truly revolutionise the way people move”.
The ES2, One S2, Drift W1, S Pro and Go Kart kit are available via the Ninebot Segway website, with other models expected to arrive soon.
