Segway Drift W1 Review 2023
Segway Drift W1 electric hovershoes
- Unique design
- Surprisingly strong
- Great for home use
- IP54 Waterproofing
- Easy to get the hang of
- Lightweight and durable
- Auto-balancing technology
- Suitable for both kids and adults
- Custom front and rear LED lights
- Relatively low top speed
- Relatively low battery life
- No mobile application
- Not suitable for road use
Specification: Segway Drift W1 Review 2023
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Overview
Segway Drift W1 Overview
Introducing the Segway Drift W1, a smart and innovative new take on the conventional hovercraft. Remember when Heelys were a thing? Well you can forget those old shoes, Segway have brought them to the future in the glorious form of hovershoes.
Giving riders the capability to pull off trendy tricks that will surely turn heads. These hovershoes are great for impressing anyone who cares, with front/rear ambient LED lights featuring 3 modes to match your style. Read on for all the features that make these some of the best and near only hovershoes on the market.
To start, these stylish shoes are highly portable, with bottom elastic bands allowing for easy transportation. Combined with its extremely low weight of just 7.7 lbs (3.5kg), transporting and storing the Segway Drift W1 is a breeze. Holding these are similar to those times when you remember that you’re already using your phones flashlight to look for your ‘lost’ phone. So lightweight that it’s easy to forget you’re holding them!
These hovershoes boast a superior strength in comparison to most other hovercraft. This is in part thanks to its mighty magnesium alloy body, further featuring front and rear rubber bumpers to minimize damage on impact. The W1 also boasts a flame retardant polycarbonate shell, perfect for any firefighters feeling a little lazy… Not that we’d recommend riding through any fires, of course!
If you’re feeling a little aquatic and you can’t resist the ocean’s call, the Segway Drift W1 also passes IP54 waterproofing standards. This makes it suitable for use in all manner of weather conditions, capable of resisting rain, snow and more, just don’t treat them as a submarine.
Additional features of the Segway Drift W1
- Auto-balance – The Segway Drift W1 is great for new riders, auto-balance increases usability and safety for everyone.
- Dual charging – Charge both hovershoes at the same time with the featured split charging cable.
- Highly portable – Elastic bands at bottom allow for easy and efficient transportation.
- Seriously strong – Constructed with a Magnesium alloy body, alongside front/rear rubber bumpers to prevent damage.
- Innovative design – Stylish, unique and refreshing take on the conventional hovercraft.
- Extremely lightweight – Each hovershoe weighs approx. 7.7 lbs (3.5kg), perfect for carrying and travelling with.
Speed, Power & Distance
Speed, Power & Distance
Featuring a powerful 200 W motor and capable of handling slopes of up to 10° on average, the Segway Drift W1 is suitable for both children and adults alike, with a max. payload of 100 kg (220 lbs). However, one drawback of these hovershoes are its relatively low speed and battery life, with a top speed of just 7.5 mph.
However fun and free spirited you are, I’m afraid your fun with the W1 only lasts an average of 45 minutes. This figure is drawn from a number of variable factors, including rider weight, speed, terrain and more. Such is life, all good things must come to an end… Until at least 3 hours of charging time has passed. However another positive of these hovershoes are dual charging functionality, thanks to the split charging cable included.
Not as suitable for long commutes due to short distance and battery life. dual charging. Mostly for fun. Powerful 200 W motor, capable of handling slopes of up to 10 degrees. Good for kids and adults alike, suitable for ages 6+. IP54 waterproofing making them capable of tackling a number of weather conditions, such as light snow and rain. Best suited for flat, hard ground free of bumps and other obstacles.
How fast does it go?
7.5 mph (12 km/h), depending on rider weight and terrain. Top speed achieved fairly easily with a light rider (around 50-60kg) on hard, flat terrain.
What age/weight is it suitable for?
Recommended age of 6+, the Segway Drift W1 is perfect for kids and adults alike. Capable of supporting a minimum payload of 10 kg (22 lbs), with a max. payload of 100 kg (220 lbs). However, heavier riders will have a harder time reaching speeds and manoeuvring this hovercraft. In this case, we recommend hanging up the hovershoes for running shoes instead.
What is the range/distance?
45 minutes depending on weight, riding terrain and speed. In our case, tests conducted with a light rider of 63 kg on a flat, hard surface resulted in 41 minutes of use at near top speed.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery Life & Charging
As mentioned prior, the W1 will last approx. 45 minutes, depending on variable factors such as payload, surface, gradient, speed and more. Cut charging time in half, thanks to the dual charging functionality of the W1. Also featuring a split charging cable included out of the box, these hovershoes take an average of 3 hours to charge. Furthermore, the smart battery management system of the W1 results in efficient battery usage, with a auto-wake/auto sleep feature to conserve power when not in use.
The battery of the Segway Drift W1 is further protected with over/under voltage, over-current, short circuit, overheating safety measures. On average, the Segway Drift W1 will last 180 days in storage from 100% power and 30 days from 30% power, without use of course. Any would be criminal masterminds will be breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that their getaway transportation will still operate within 180 days of any grand heists.
- 44.4 Wh battery capacity, 3 hour charge time.
- Nominal voltage of 22.2 VDC
- Max. charging voltage of 25.2 VDC.
- Charging temperature between 0-40°C
How long does it take to charge?
0-100% in 3 hours. Includes dual charging capability and split charging cable to allow charging both hovershoes at once.
Battery protection & safety
IP54 waterproof certified, resistant to a number of weather conditions. Battery management system results in over/under voltage, over-current, short circuit, overheating protection. Auto-sleep and auto-wake to conserve power when not in use.
How long will the battery last for?
45 minutes, depending on rider weight, speed, terrain and gradient. During our tests, extended use with rider of 63kg resulted in 41 minutes of ride time at near top speed.
Design & Ergonomics
Design and Ergonomics
The Segway Drift W1 boasts an extremely lightweight design, thanks to its strong yet thin magnesium alloy skeleton. Alongside this, elastic bands situated at the bottom of these hovershoes enable some extremely easy transportation. I’m sure you don’t need us to tell you how to pick up something by an elastic band, but we will anyway. Simply pick it up by the band loop, wrap it round your wrist or hang it up, easy!
These hovershoes also feature some awesome ambient head/tail lights with 3 modes to choose from, a perfect match for all 3 of your outfits. Further featuring rubber front/rear bumpers to prevent any damage from any impacts. If you feel like being a gladiator, you can probably stick various objects to these to inflict maximum impact on your opponents. Once again, we obviously don’t endorse this behaviour!
Perhaps your balance isn’t what it used to be? Be at ease, the Segway Drift W1 includes a specially designed, slip resistant foot mat to increase rider comfort and safety when riding. Much like a number of Segway products, the W1 features a smart auto-balance system to further increase safety and usability for the rider. Granddad will be hanging up his zimmer frame for a pair of these bad boys in no time.
What material is it made from?
As previously mentioned, the Segway Drift W1 is crafted from an extremely lightweight, strong magnesium alloy skeleton body. Further featuring 10 mm anti-collision silicone padding to reduce damage to shoes on impact. Flame retardant polycarbonate shell to protect components from fire damage. Bear in mind, this won’t make you personally fireproof, so save playing the hero for another date.
Can it be used as a regular hoverboard?
No, once out of battery these will not operate like a normal hoverboard, or even shoes; however fashionable you may feel in them. If you want to go commando and roll down some hills with no battery, be our guest. However you’re at the mercy of your own balance and breaks. We honestly don’t recommend it.
Does it connect to your smartphone via app or Bluetooth?
No. Unlike many other Segway products, the W1 doesn’t include remote control via app or connectivity via Bluetooth.
Build quality and ease of use
Much like the majority of Segway products, the Segway Drift W1 is of exceptional build quality. As mentioned prior, these hovershoes feature a strong, lightweight magnesium alloy frame. Also featuring 10 mm anti-collision silicone padding to protect these hovershoes from impacts, bear in mind that these only protect the W1 and not the rider.
Be sensible and wear a helmet, you might think it’s cool to use your brain’s natural helmet to absorb impacts, but it’s not. Whilst better balance is required due to a lack of handlebars, these hovershoes are a joy to use and easy to use once acclimated. Recommended for ages 6+, the Drift W1 is perfect for the whole family.
With a relatively low top speed and auto-balance system in place, ride safety is very high. However, these hovershoes are most suitable for those looking for fun and not a legitimate means of extended travel. The Segway Drift W1 is best suited for flat and smooth surfaces, struggling with uneven terrains and significant cracks and bumps in the road. Because of this, we recommend these hovershoes for predominantly home use. For commuters and other lengthy distance needs, check out the rest of our hoverboard reviews.
Seeking Segway Drift W1 spares & accessories?
Lastly, Segway also offer a variety of spare parts and replacements for all manner of models. These spare Segway parts are a great way to repair or enhance your model. However, we were unable to locate and Segway Drift W1 spares or parts on their website. Browse a range of Segway spares, including electric brakes, rear wheels, handlebar grips and many other spare parts.
Discover the whole range of Segway spare parts here. Alongside these spares, Segway also offer a variety of accessories for the Drift W1; including chargers, phone holders, bags, external batteries, helmets, locks and more. Take a look at some of the Segway Drift W1 accessories on offer here.
Safety & Usability on the road
Safety and usability on the road
Like most Segway products, these hovershoes still feature auto-balance systems and IP54 waterproofing, greatly improving rider safety. Alongside this, the flame resistant polycarbonate shell protects interior components from damage. Whilst featuring highly visible, custom front/rear LED lights, the Segway Drift W1 is not as suitable for use on the road as other hoverboards and scooters.
These hovershoes are most suited for home use, as they are ideally suited for hard, flat and even surfaces. The Drift W1 still handle small bumps and cracks in the ground, however are not suited to bigger road risks such as potholes and steep hills. Because of this, we can only recommend home use or specified locations in which you know the terrain will be safe.
Is the Segway Drift W1 waterproof?
Yes. These hovershoes adhere to IP54 waterproofing standards and are UL 2272 certified
Restrictions and availability
Based on the information we’ve seen, the Segway Drift W1 is available worldwide, from America to Europe, Africa to Asia and everywhere in between. Segway have officially licensed distributors based in every continent. Check out the Segway Authorised Vendors map for yourself!
According to their IndieGoGo page, these hovershoes are seriously security friendly, available for carry-on transport on cruises, trains, planes and even rockets. So if you’re thinking of going to space any time soon, be sure to pack your trusty hovershoes!
Coupons
Ninebot Segway Drift W1 coupons, deals & discounts.
In this section, we cover a host of deals, discounts and coupons offered by Segway for the Drift W1 hovershoes. This list contains a variety of active deals and promo codes, alongside some expired promos in our hall of fame. Please note, this section cover year round deals, discounts and promos for the Drift W1, whereas the Black Friday section covers that specific season.
See the promo codes below and enjoy some of the hottest Segway deals and discounts for the Segway Drift W1 this 2023. If you think we’ve missed something, please contact us. Alternatively, check out our in-depth Segway Coupons page for 2023.
Segway Drift W1 Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Those seeking serious savings will be wondering about some Segway Drift W1 Black Friday deals. However, we believe this will be less than likely. This is partly due to how new the Segway Drift W1 is, alongside the prestige of most Segway products. On the other hand, with the rising competitive nature in the hoverboard industry, a Black Friday sale is also imperative in gaining market share and influence.
This should likely motivate a number of companies into pushing out some Black Friday deals and staying relevant. Companies who don’t take advantage of Black Friday and the sales it brings will inevitably be left in the dust. This may push Segway into offering some Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, when the time comes. Lastly, we recommend holding off for now, and waiting to see if any Segway Drift W1 Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals will pop up. Alternatively, discover our list of possible Black Friday hoverboard deals this 2023!
