Segway ZT3 Pro D tested: robust e-scooter for comfortable excursions
10/4/2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Lorenz Keller
Off-road look, 70 kilometres range, 25 per cent gradient - the new Segway ZT3 Pro D is predestined for longer trips. I used the e-scooter for a test ride to Kyburg Castle.
The first stop comes after just one kilometre - not because the e-scooter is breaking down, but because I need refreshments for the journey. So I buy a few drinks and snacks at Migros Teo on the outskirts of Winterthur.
On the first kilometre, I rode over gravel paths and kerbs. This is where the Segway ZT3 Pro D really came into its own. The telescopic shock absorbers on the front axle, which are almost 20 centimetres long, and the solid suspension at the rear level out any unevenness. The scooter only rocks a little on potholes - I'm soon riding over them without braking.
First stage: over hill and dale
For my test ride, I make my way to Kyburg Castle, which towers over the Töss Valley and the city of Winterthur. The former residence of the Habsburgs and Zurich bailiwick is now a beautiful and modern museum.
The route is only 10 kilometres long, but I have to climb 246 metres in altitude on the scooter - an ideal endurance test for the Segway.
I can also use the ZT3 Pro D without the app after activation, but I find useful setting options there and switch to high recuperation at the first stop, for example; by default, the scooter hardly uses the motor brake at all.
This setting is also the right one, as newbies might be annoyed by the fact that the scooter brakes noticeably as soon as you take your finger off the accelerator. However, I like this braking effect as it means I can manage almost entirely without a real brake in city traffic - and even recover energy in the process.
Second stage: through city traffic
The first stage of the journey is through Winterthur's city traffic. It's not pleasant when the lorries thunder past close to the bike lane. But I feel safe on the Segway - at least as safe as on a bike. I can comfortably stand on the wide footboard with both feet next to each other and the handlebars are nice and wide, so I have good control.
The 11-inch tyres and suspension also contribute to the stable and safe riding experience. It's so good that I can easily give hand signals when turning if necessary. With smaller scooters, this is a challenge in terms of balance.
Thanks to the one metre high handlebars, I stand comfortably upright on the scooter and am therefore easy for other road users to see. As the Segway has 15 to 20 centimetres of ground clearance, I can be seen better than most cyclists, for example by lorry drivers. The design is not height-adjustable, but the ZT3 Pro D is still easy to ride even for people who are 1.90 metres tall.
The indicators are good, but unfortunately they are only integrated into the handlebars. They are clearly visible towards the front and better than on other models towards the rear due to the wide handlebars. However, depending on the situation, the rider may obscure the amber light. Second indicators at the rear would help.
The scooter masters the first climb over the Seemerbuck from Winterthur to Sennhof without any problems. Despite the 50 metres of elevation gain, I consistently ride the permitted 20 kilometres per hour. The 500-watt motor, which briefly delivers up to 1600 watts of power, easily lifts even a heavyweight like me up the hill.
After half the distance, I take a break at the Töss - because now the Segway is in for a real endurance test.
Third stage: steep ascent
From the Tössbrücke bridge, the road climbs over serpentines for around 1.5 kilometres to an altitude of over 620 metres. The average gradient is around 12 per cent - but this is not evenly distributed
In the beginning, the Segway has few problems: I ride at 10 to 15 km/h through the first hairpin bends. In the steeper sections, it's sometimes only half that. But the higher the scooter climbs, the more trouble it has. And after about two thirds of the way up, I have to dismount. A quick check of the rear axle confirms my suspicions: the electric motor has overheated and has probably reduced its power. Not enough for the steepest section.
The manufacturer claims that the scooter can manage a gradient of 25 per cent. But this is measured under ideal conditions with a person weighing 80 kilograms - and certainly not over a longer distance. I easily rode up a ten metre long ramp with a gradient of 18 per cent at a full 20 kilometres per hour during the test.
So I support the motor with my foot. It's not quite as comfortable because of the high footboard. At least I can get up the hill without bumping the bike.
At the finish: interim assessment on the Kyburg
I finally reach my destination and sit down on a bench in front of the castle walls. This time, I decide not to visit the «Iron Maiden». Together with the rest of the torture chamber, it was only built at Kyburg Castle in the 19th century to attract visitors. It is only marginally related to the castle's 1000-year history - but of course it still fascinates every child who visits today.
Instead, I'm going all Vogt on you and passing judgement on the Segway ZT3 Pro D. As a resident of Kyburg Castle, I would probably need a more powerful model, but in normal everyday testing, the e-scooter proved to be a powerful, robust and reliable companion. I rode it safely and comfortably on roads, country lanes and even across meadows.
With a current price of less than 800 francs, the model is a bargain for the technology on offer with a long range, powerful motor, suspension and powerful front and rear disc brakes.
In addition, there is the well-designed app with localisation via Apple's Find My network, an electronic locking system and many other setting functions.
The big disadvantage: the scooter is large, unwieldy and heavy. It weighs around 30 kilograms. This means that the Segway weighs more than e-bikes, which usually weigh 20 to 25 kilograms.
Last stage: journey home
I set off on the journey home in a positive mood: I still have half of the route ahead of me. First, it's mainly downhill. On the steep road down into the Töss Valley, the ZT3 Pro D scores points with an additional feature that can be activated via the app. The scooter uses the motor brake to control its speed when travelling downhill. This means I can zoom down almost the entire route at a controlled speed of 20 to 25 km/h and only have to brake manually once.
On arrival home, I take stock. I've covered around 20 kilometres and have 36 per cent of battery charge left. That means I can cover between 30 and 35 kilometres on such extreme routes. That's fine. Segway states a range of 56 kilometres in «D» mode, measured of course with less weight on flat routes. Only in Eco mode, reduced to 15 km/h, are up to 70 kilometres possible.
All in all, I would take the Segway ZT3 Pro D out for a ride at any time - perhaps this time to another medieval sight in the area: Hegi Castle, Mörsburg Castle, Wart Castle, Schauenberg Castle ruins or Freienstein Castle ruins. The choice is huge.
In a nutshell
Robust scooter for longer distances
The Segway ZT3 Pro D offers a comprehensive range of features at a fair price. The e-scooter has good suspension, a powerful motor and strong brakes. The range is sufficient. The biggest compromise is the weight. The two-wheeler is robust, bulky and therefore quite heavy.
Thanks to good ground clearance, you can also ride over larger bumps. However, the suspension also shows its strengths in city traffic, where you can glide very comfortably over the roads.
Pro
- Excellent suspension
- Wide running board
- Clear app with many setting options
- Powerful motor
- Sturdy construction
Contra
- High weight
- Moderate range
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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