Fluid Freeride Horizon vs Segway Ninebot Max
In this head-to-head comparison, we match two very different mid-range commuter scooters against each other: The Fluid Freeride Horizon and the Segway Ninebot Max.
The Fluid Freeride Horizon and Segway Ninebot Max are two quite different Mid-Range Commuters yet both offer low-maintenance features and enough power, range, and quality to suite many riders.
The Fluid Freeride Horizon is stronger performer when it comes to top speed, acceleration, and hill climbing ability. Its more powerful motor allows you to go faster and also accommodates heavier riders. The Horizon also folds much more compactly of the two scooters.
The Segway Ninebot Max is a bit more durable, better designed, and has larger pneumatic tires. The pneumatic tires will give you better traction in all conditions, especially wet and are pre-filled with tires slime to help reduce your chance of flats.
Fluid Freeride Horizon Pros
- More power With a tested top speed of 24.0 mph, it’s over 6 miles faster than the Ninebot Max.
- More battery capacity The Horizon is a zero-start scooter with performance features and 624 wh of battery capacity. In our tests, the Horizon has a shorter range given its higher top speed, but we expect the range for both scooters to be around the same in the real world.
- Dual suspension
The Horizon has a dual spring suspension, whereas the Max has none. The dual suspension will help to provide more cushion on rough roads. - Higher weight capacity The Horizon is rated for riders up to 260 lbs compared to the Max’s 220 lbs.
- More portable Although they weigh the same at 42 lbs, the Horizon has a smaller folded footprint of 38 in long by 7 in wide by 14 in tall, and is more portable given its screw-in handlebars and shorter deck.
Segway Ninebot Max Pros
- Sleeker, more cohesive design The Max is durable and thoughtfully put together, with cables neatly routed into the stem, a sturdy stem lock, fixed handlebars, and a bright built-in LED display.
- Heftier build quality
The Horizon is no slouch, but the Max is the more solidly built of the two scooters and was originally designed for the scooter-sharing market. - Beginner friendly With kick-to-start activation, lower top speed, a thumb throttle, and more standing room, the Max is a great beginner scooter, as it’s user-friendly features are intuitive and result in a solid ride (zero stem play).
- Robust safety features With pre-slimed 10.0 in tubeless pneumatic tires, handlebar-mounted headlight, rear brake light, and IPX5 rating, the Max packs excellent features to keep you scooting safely without having to fix a flat.
- More effective braking With a front drum and rear electronic brake, the Max has a tested braking distance of 11.3 ft. Braking is more effective and evenly applied on the Max than on the Horizon, where both brakes and the motor are housed in the rear over a solid tire.
- 12-month warranty With double the warranty provided for the Horizon and more than 6 times the number of polled owners, the Max is a popular scooter from a well-known brand that many customers appreciate.
Verdict: Horizon for power, Max for range
Segway Ninebot Max
Both great mid-range commuters, the Ninebot Max is preferable for riders who are looking for a well-designed and very durable scooter. It will perform best for riders below 180 lbs who prefer range over top speed and power; it has acceptable hill-climbing performance, but will slow down more-so than the horizon.
Configured as a kick-to-start scooter, the Ninebot Max eases riders into speed and has a tested range of 21.6 mi, more than enough to calm range anxiety on an average commute. It has safety features that we appreciate in a scooter at any price, including the comfortable thumb throttle, solid stem, large pre-slimed, air-filled tires, and IP rating. With a power converter built into the deck, you carry less weight (no charging brick needed), and can even use a DC cable or plug in a standard IEC 320 C5 power connector to charge the Max in a pinch. It’s a solid starter scooter with great range and beefy construction.
The Ninebot Max remains a reliable and safe contender for beginner scooter riders, while the Horizon offers more power, faster tested top speed, a heavier max load, and folds more compactly.
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Fluid Freeride Horizon
The Fluid Freeride Horizon has more of the power that heavier riders or those living in hillier cities will need. Those who want to go faster or want a more portable scooter will also prefer the Horizon. It also has a dual suspension, a telescoping stem and folding handlebars to suit riders of different sizes on the go. The mixed tire configuration means you’ll deal with fewer flats, given the solid rear tire. With 26.0 mi of tested range, the Horizon goes the distance and does so at a faster clip, accelerating from zero to 15 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The Horizon is a great choice if you’re looking for a a faster, more powerful commuter that can accommodate higher weights and fold more compactly..
Our content is independent, but buying through our links may earn us a commission.
