When Segway announced they were diving into the e-bike market, it made perfect sense. Known primarily for their scooters, and of course, their iconic self-balancing transporters, could they really compete in the increasingly crowded e-bike space? After spending several months with their Xafari, I can confidently say they’ve created something special here—a teched out e-bike that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort or performance – though it comes with some caveats.
Design and build
The first thing you notice about the Xafari is its extremely commanding presence. This is no dainty city cruiser or compact commuter e-bike. With its mostly black aluminum frame and purposeful lines, the Xafari has an undeniably minimalist but also masculine aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place parked next to a motorcycle. The minimalist design philosophy works beautifully here—there’s no unnecessary ornamentation, just clean, functional styling that screams capability. Notably, the Xafari is also available in a bold crimson red option.
The Xafari’s size proportions are generous, to say the least. Its somewhat chunky 26×3.0″ tires give it an aggressive stance, while its frame geometry leans more toward motorbike territory than traditional bicycle design. It’s an attractive machine, don’t get me wrong, but it’s also substantial in a way that matters, especially when you’re trying to maneuver it.
The bike is adjustable for riders 5’1”–6’2”. However, this brings me to what might be a deal-breaker for some riders – the bike is heavy. Tipping the scales at 92.5 pounds, the Xafari is quite the beast. I’m 5’7″ and would be the first to admit I’m not winning any strength competitions. Managing this bike when it’s not powered on—whether that’s lifting it onto a rack, navigating it through tight spaces, or simply holding it upright at a stoplight—proved challenging for me.
If you’re petite or don’t have considerable upper body strength, you’re going to struggle with this e-bike. That’s not a criticism of the design per se, but it’s an honest assessment that potential buyers need to hear. On the other hand, my colleague who is shorter than me, but has substantially better upper body strength, had no issues maneuvering the bike.
Thoughtful details
Like most high-end e-bikes, the Xafari’s battery is removable, so you can bring it inside to charge rather than parking the entire bike near an outlet. And one detail that impressed me more than it probably should is the battery cover. When you remove the battery for charging, there’s a cover that can remain in place. This might seem trivial to some, but it means the bike still looks complete and finished even when the battery is out. It’s the kind of thoughtful design touch that separates good products from great ones.
Tech features: Where Segway really shines
Here’s where Segway’s Xafari truly sets itself apart from the competition. This bike is loaded with features that feel genuinely useful rather than gimmicky—it’s a refreshing change in a market increasingly cluttered with half-baked “smart” features.
The AirLock keyless system deserves special mention because it’s simply magical. Forget fumbling with keys. Your phone becomes your key, and the system works flawlessly. Walk up to the bike, it unlocks. Walk away, it locks. It’s the kind of seamless tech integration that feels like it should be standard on every e-bike but somehow isn’t. The implementation here is so smooth, so reliable, that you quickly forget it’s even a feature—it just works.
The smart cockpit is another standout feature of the Xafari. Using Bluetooth connectivity, you can control your phone’s music playback directly from the bike’s display, and you can accept or reject calls without touching your phone. The control integration is thoughtful and genuinely enhances the riding experience. There’s something liberating about being able to skip tracks or adjust volume without pulling out your phone.
The water-resistant display provides real-time ride metrics, and keeps you informed about battery status at a glance. Everything is readable even in bright sunlight, and the interface is intuitive enough that you won’t need to consult the manual repeatedly.
The Segway app: Your ride command center
Not every e-bike comes with a mobile app, and when they do, they often aren’t that useful. But the companion Segway app is far more than just a setup tool—it’s genuinely integral to getting the most out of the bike. Through the app, you can access detailed ride statistics including distance, average speed and calories burned. The navigation features in the app are particularly well-implemented, allowing you to plan routes and receive turn-by-turn directions directly on the bike’s display.
But the app’s capabilities go deeper. You can adjust performance settings, including switching between Class 2 and Class 3 modes (where legally permitted) and customize pedal assist levels. The remote monitoring features mean you can check your bike’s status, battery level, and location without physically being near it. It’s also where you manage the AirLock system, adding or removing authorized devices that can unlock the bike.
Performance: Pure exhilaration
Once you’re actually riding the Xafari, any concerns about its weight pretty much evaporate. That is because this e-bike is an absolute pleasure to pilot. The 750W motor (with peak power reaching 1300W) delivers 80Nm of torque, and you can feel every bit of that grunt when you twist the throttle. The acceleration from 0-20 mph takes just 5.2 seconds, which is genuinely thrilling.
The power delivery is smooth and predictable, never feeling jerky or uncontrolled. Whether you’re venturing on trails or navigating city streets, the Xafari handles it all with aplomb. The bike ships as a Class 2 (20 mph top speed), but it can be switched to Class 3 through the app if your local regulations permit, giving you access to even more performance.
The suspension system—80mm up front and 70mm in the rear—soaks up rough terrain beautifully, making this one of the most comfortable e-bikes I’ve tested. Combined with those fat tires, you get a cushy ride that doesn’t sacrifice capability.
Range is exceptional too. Its large 936 Wh battery with its intelligent battery system can deliver up to 88 miles on a single charge in optimal conditions. Even riding aggressively with frequent use of pedal assist level five and the throttle, I consistently saw 50+ mile ranges. For most riders, that means charging once or twice a week rather than daily.
The bottom line
The Segway Xafari is one of the most technologically impressive and enjoyable to ride e-bikes on the market. The AirLock system alone makes it worth considering, and when you factor in the Apple Find My integration, comprehensive app features, music and call controls, impressive range, powerful performance, and comfortable ride quality, you’ve got a genuinely compelling package in an e-bike that is well priced.
But—and this is important—it’s not a bike for everyone. That substantial heft and motorbike-esque sizing mean it’s best suited for riders who have the strength and stature to manage it confidently. If you’re petite or not particularly strong, I’d strongly encourage you to test ride one before committing.
For riders who can manage the Xafari’s heft, though, you’re in for a treat. This is an e-bike that checks virtually every box and delivers an experience that’s both practical and genuinely fun. Segway has proven they’re not just dabbling in e-bikes—they’re a serious contender in the space.
The Xafari retails for $2,299, but is currently on sale for $1,799, positioning it competitively in the mid-range e-bike market. Given everything you’re getting—the genuinely useful tech features, the power, the range, the build quality—that pricing feels very reasonable, especially when compared to similarly spec’d competition.
If you’re in the market for a capable, tech-forward e-bike, the Segway Xafari deserves serious consideration.