Segway Ninebot S-Max - Self Balancing Scooter Manual

Introduction

Please read the User Manual carefully and understand the assembly and usage before allowing child to ride it. Never use in roadways, near motor vehicles, on or near steep inclines or steps, swimming pools or other bodies of water; always wear shoes, and never allow more than 1 rider.

Ninebot S-Max (referred to as S-Max in this manual) is a stylish recreational equipment. It is easy to operate and also can be assembled with the Ninebot Gokart Kit.

Enjoy your ride and connect with Segway riders worldwide!

Always step on/off from the back of the S-Max.
Otherwise you risk falls and/or collisions because the steering direction is reversed.

Packing List

When unpacking your S-Max, please verify that the above items are included in the package. If you are missing any components, please contact your dealer/distributor or nearest service center.
Please retain the box and packaging materials in case you need to ship your S-Max in the future. Always power off your S-Max and unplug from the power supply before cleaning.

Diagram

Power Button
Press once to power on/off. The S-Max will automatically power OFF when idle for 10 minutes, or when lying horizontally for over 30 seconds.

Lock
Enable Lock Mode via the App. The S-Max will vibrate and sound an alarm if anyone moves it. The remote control will also alarm if it is powered on and within range [65 ft. (20 meters)] of the S-Max.

Bluetooth
When the App is connected to the S-Max, this icon will glow steadily. When Bluetooth is enabled— but not connected to a smart phone—this icon will blink.

Speed Limit
Enable and adjust Speed Limit via the App. When the icon is illuminated, Speed Limit is on. This speed limit can be adjusted in the App. As you approach the speed limit, the S-Max tilts back.

Battery Level
Indicates the remaining battery life. Each bar equates to approximately 20% battery level. When the battery is nearly empty, this icon blinks and the S-Max beeps, indicating that you need to charge your S-Max. Your S-Max will gradually reduce the max speed as the battery level gradually decreases. Use the App to view the remaining battery and estimated remaining range.

• Install the batteries

1. Take the control panel out of the steering wheel.
2. Open the battery cover and place in batteries.
3. Close the battery cover.

• Features
  Toggle button:
• Toggle up or down to open the control panel; Press up or down to close it.
• Toggle up to increase the display's brightness; toggle down to reduce the brightness.
  Speedometer: Displays the current speed of the S-Max.
  Bluetooth: Flashing blue: Bluetooth is waiting to be connected. Solid blue: the vehicle is connected to S-Max.
  Battery level: Indicates the remaining battery of the control panel. When the battery is nearly empty, it appears red. Please replace the AAA batteries.
  Reset: Long press this key to pair when the control panel is not connected with vehicle, or need to reconnect.

* The control panel and the App cannot be connected to the S-Max at the same time. If you have connected the S-Max to the app, disconnect it first, and then pair with the control panel.

Assembling, Adjustment and Replacement

Install the LeanSteer

1. Insert the LeanSteer's upper section into the lower section, then tighten the four M4 screws with the 2.5 mm hex wrench.
   
2. Align the flange with the holes on the steering wheel and tighten it with four M5 screws with the 4 mm hex wrench.
   
3. Open the battery cover of the control panel. Place in two AAA batteries. Snap the cover.
   
4. Press the control panel into the center of the steering wheel.
   
5. Insert the LeanSteer into the vehicle body and tighten the two M5 screws with the 4 mm hex wrench.
   
6. Secure the cap.
   

Adjust the Height

1. Rotate the height adjustment knob counter-clockwise.
   
2. Lift the LeanSteer to the desired height. Rotate the knob clockwise to tighten.
   

After installing the LeanSteer, it is normal for the self-balancing vehicle to move forward or backward when powered on. Before parking, please power off the vehicle first.

Replace the straps

S-Max can be assembled with Ninebot Gokart Kit to become a go-kart. When assembling S-Max with Ninebot Gokart Kit, you need to replace the straps to fit the Gokart Kit.

1. Use the open-end wrench to tighten the nut, then remove the two bolts on both sides with the 3 mm hex wrench.
   
2. Place the straps with the logo side facing out.
   
3. As shown below, pass the straps through the frame.
   
4. Tighten the nut and the four bolts.
   

Charging

1. Lift up the cover.
   
2. Open the rubber cap.
   
3. Insert the plug into the socket.
   
   * Charging the wrong way can cause vehicle damage.

Your S-Max is fully charged when the LED on the charger changes from red (charging) to green (trickle charge).

ONLY use the original charger, otherwise the battery will be damaged and there is a risk of fire. Do not use or charge your battery if the battery is damaged or see a trace of water. DO NOT charge when the charge port or cable is wet.

Activate the S-Max

Segway-Ninebot App

There are safety risks when learning to ride the S-Max. You must read the Safety Instructions and follow the New Rider Tutorial in the App before your first ride.

For your safety, your S-Max is not activated at this time and will beep occasionally after Power ON. Until activated, the S-Max maintains a very low riding speed and steering sensitivity. Install the App on your mobile device (with Bluetooth 4.1 or above), connect to the S-Max with Bluetooth, and follow the App instructions to activate your S-Max and follow the training procedures.

Scan the QR code to download the App.

1. Install the App and register or log in.
   
2. Power ON the S-Max. The Bluetooth icon blinking indicates the S-Max is waiting for a connection.
   
3. Click Device > Search Vehicle to connect to your S-Max. The S-Max will beep when the connection is successful. The Bluetooth icon will stop blinking and remain illuminated.
   
4. Follow the prompts to watch the Riding Safety video, complete the New Rider Tutorial, and then activate the S-Max.
   

* The control panel and the App cannot be connected to the S-Max at the same time. If you have connected the App, disconnect the App from the S-Max first, and then pair the control panel.

Learning to Ride

16–60 years old
88.2–137.4 lbs (40–85 kg)
51.2–78.7 in (130–200 cm)

Wear an approved helmet and other protective gear to minimize any possible injury.

Note: Minors must study and ride under the supervision of their guardians.

After activation, the App will lead you through the New Rider Tutorial. Please follow the instructions in the App and in this manual.

For your safety, the S-Max will limit the max speed to 4.3 mph (7 km/h) until you complete the New Rider Tutorial.

After completing the New Rider Tutorial, the max speed will be limited to 6.2 mph (10 km/h).

For the first 0.6 miles (1 km) completed, you can disable the speed limiter via the App and reach a maximum speed of S-Max (see specifications).

* The actual speed limit will be increased or decreased depending on your riding habits and experience.

1. Go to a large open area and ask a friend to assist you on your first ride.
   
   * Always step on/off from the back of the vehicle.
2. Lightly place one foot on the foot mat, while keeping your other foot on the ground holding your weight. Do not press the steering bar with your leg.
   
3. Slowly transfer your weight onto the S-Max. The S-Max will beep, indicating it is now in Balance Mode. Slowly step on with your other foot.
   
4. Stand with your weight evenly distributed on both feet and relax, looking straight ahead.
   
5. Gently lean your body forward and backward to control your movement.
   
6. To turn, gently lean left or right against the steering bar.
   

Warnings and Cautions

Avoid contacting obstacles with the tire/wheel.

When traversing small bumps or uneven terrain, maintain a moderate speed of 2–6 mph (3–10 km/h) and keep your knees bent. Do not go too slow or too fast; otherwise, you may lose control and fall.

DO NOT ride on public roads, motorways, or highways unless the local laws or regulations have exceptions.

For one rider only. DO NOT ride double or carry any passengers. DO NOT carry a child.

DO NOT use a mobile phone or wear earphones when riding.

DO NOT attempt stunts of any kind. Always keep both feet on the foot mats.

Maintain contact with the ground at all times. Do not jump or attempt stunts.

DO NOT ride on low traction surfaces (including, but not limited to, wet ground, loose sand, loose gravel, and ice).

Watch your head when passing through doorways.

Avoid slopes steeper than 15°.

DO NOT ride over holes, curbs, steps, or other obstacles.

You must read and understand the Warnings and Safe Riding instructions in this manual before attempting to ride the vehicle. Failure to follow these warnings could result in death or serious injury due to: loss of balance, traction, and/or control collisions and falls.

DO NOT accelerate when the vehicle tilts back or sounds an alarm (speed limiter). Do not attempt to override the speed limiter.

DO NOT accelerate or decelerate abruptly. Do not lean more than 5° or accelerate/decelerate faster than 2.5 mph/s (4 km/h/s).

DO NOT ride through puddles or other bodies of water. Do not get wet.

The rider must be more than 1.3 m in height and 40 kg in weight.

Power-assist Mode

The Power-assist mode is helpful to push and move the S-Max. It is disabled as factory default. You can enable it in the App under "Vehicle" > "Power-assist mode".

* When Power-assisted mode is on, please hold the steering wheel to avoid moving away. Otherwise, S-Max will move forward or backward automatically due to the center of gravity.

Specifications

^[1] The two values in brackets are the lowest distance from the ground to the highest part of the mainframe.

^[2] Typical Range: tested while riding under full power, 165 lbs (75 kg) load, 77°F (25°C), 60% of max. speed on average on pavement.

* Some of the factors that affect range include: speed, number of starts and stops, ambient temperature, etc.

Maintenance

Cleaning and Storing

Use a soft, wet cloth to wipe the mainframe clean. Hard to remove dirt can be scrubbed with a toothbrush and toothpaste, then cleaned with a soft, wet cloth. Store your vehicle in a cool, dry place. Do not store it outdoors for extended periods of time. Exposure to sunlight and temperature extremes (both hot and cold) will accelerate the aging process of the plastic components and may reduce battery life.

Do not wash your Gokart Pro or S-Max with alcohol, gasoline, acetone, or other corrosive/volatile solvents. These substances may damage the appearance and internal structure of the vehicle. Do not wash your vehicle with a power washer or high pressure hose.

Make sure the Gokart Pro or S-Max is powered OFF, the charging cable is unplugged, and the rubber cap on the charge port is tightly sealed before cleaning; otherwise you may expose yourself to electric shock or damage the electronic components.

Battery Pack Maintenance

• Do not use battery packs of other models or brands, otherwise there may be safety risks.
• Only use a Ninebot or Segway approved charge cable. Please use it properly within the rated range.
• Do not place the battery pack in the fire. Doing so will cause battery failure, overheating or even fire and explosion.
• Do not store or charge the battery at temperatures outside the stated limits (see Specifications).
• Do not discard or destroy the battery. Refer to your local laws and regulations regarding battery recycling and/or disposal.
• Remember to charge the battery after each use. Completely draining the battery may cause permanent damage to the battery.

NOTE
Typically, a fully charged battery should retain charge for 120-180 days when in standby. Electronics inside the battery record the charge-discharge condition of the battery; damage caused by over-discharge or under-discharge will not be covered by the Limited Warranty.

A well-maintained battery can perform well even after many miles of riding. Charge the battery after each ride and avoid draining the battery completely. When used at room temperature (70°F [22°C]) the battery range and performance is at its best; whereas using it at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) can decrease range and performance. Typically, at -4°F (-20°C) range can be half that of the same battery at 70°F (22°C). The battery range will recover when the temperature rises. More details are available in the App.

Do not attempt to disassemble the battery. Risk of fire. No user-serviceable parts.

Do not ride when the ambient temperature is outside the operation temperature (see Specifications) because low/high temperatures will limit the maximum power/torque. Doing so could cause personal injury or property damage due to slips or falls.

Contact

Contact us if you experience issues relating to riding, maintenance and safety, or errors/faults with your S-Max.

Americas:
Segway Inc.
14 Technology Drive, Bedford, NH 03110, USA
Toll Free: 1-866-473-4929
Fax: 1-603-222-6001

Technical Support Email: technicalsupport@segway.com
Website: www.segway.com

Have your S-Max serial number on hand when contacting Segway.

You can find your serial number on the underside of your S-Max or in the App under More Settings > Basic Information.

The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the product, release firmware updates, and update this manual at any time. Visit www.segway.com or check the Segway-Ninebot App to download the latest user materials.

You must install the App to follow the New Rider Tutorial and activate your product before use.

Riding Safety

1. S-Max is a recreational product. Before mastering riding skills, you need to practice. Neither Ninebot (means Ninebot (Beijing) Tech Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries and affiliate) nor Segway Inc. is responsible for any injuries or damage caused by a rider's inexperience or failure to follow the instructions in this document.
2. Please understand that you can reduce the risk by following all the instructions and warnings in this manual, but you cannot eliminate all the risks. Remember that whenever you ride the S-Max you risk injury or death from loss of control, collisions, and falls. When entering into public spaces, always comply with the local laws and regulations. As with other vehicles, faster speeds require longer braking distance. Sudden braking on smooth surfaces could lead to wheel slip, loss of balance, or falls. Be cautious and always keep a safe distance between you and other people or vehicles when riding. Be alert and slow down when entering unfamiliar areas.
3. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear when riding. Use an approved bicycle or skateboard helmet that fits properly with the chin strap in place, and provides protection for the back of your head.
4. Do not attempt your first ride in any area where you might encounter children, pedestrians, pets, vehicles, bicycles, or other obstacles and potential hazards.
5. Respect pedestrians by always yielding the right of way. Pass on the left whenever possible. When approaching a pedestrian from the front, stay to the right and slow down. Avoid startling pedestrians. When approaching from behind, announce yourself and slow down to walking speed when passing. Please obey local traffic laws and regulations.
6. In places without laws and regulations governing self-balancing electric vehicles, comply with the safety guidelines outlined in this manual. Neither Ninebot nor Segway Inc. is responsible for any property damage, personal injury/death, accidents, or legal disputes caused by violations of the safety instructions.
7. Do not allow anyone to ride your S-Max on his/her own unless they have carefully read this manual, watched the safety video, and followed the New Rider Tutorial on the Segway-Ninebot App. The safety of new riders is your responsibility. Assist new riders until they are comfortable with the basic operation of the S-Max. Make sure each new rider wears a helmet and other protective gear.
8. Before each ride check for loose fasteners, and damaged components. If the S-Max makes abnormal sounds or signals an alarm, immediately stop riding. Diagnose your S-Max via the Segway-Ninebot App (referred to as the App in the manual) and contact your dealer/distributor for service.
9. Be alert! Scan both far ahead and in front of your S-Max — your eyes are your best tool for safely avoiding obstacles and low traction surfaces (including, but not limited to, wet ground, loose sand, loose gravel, and ice).
10. To reduce risk of injury, you must read and follow all "CAUTION" and "WARNING" notices in this document. Do not ride at an unsafe speed. Under no circumstance should you ride on roads with motor vehicles. The manufacturer recommends riders be 16+ years old. Always follow these safety instructions:

2. Riders under the age of 16 years old should ride under adult supervision.
3. Comply with local laws and regulations when riding this product. Do not ride where prohibited by local laws.
4. To ride safely, you must be able to clearly see what is in front of you and you must be clearly visible to others.
5. Do not ride in the snow, in the rain, or on roads which are wet, muddy, icy, or that are slippery for any reason. Do not ride over obstacles (sand, loose gravel, or sticks). Doing so could result in a loss of balance or traction and could cause a fall.
6. Do not accelerate or decelerate suddenly. Do not accelerate when the S-Max tilts back or sounds an alarm. Do not attempt to override the speed limiter.