Ninebot Kickscooter Air T15 Review
Ninebot Kickscooter Air T15 Specifications
- Top speed: 20 kmh 12.5 mph
- Range: 12 km 7 mph
- Motors: rear-drive hub BLDC
- Power: 250 W
- Climb angle: 8.5 °
- Battery: 167 Wh, 36 V
- Battery type: 21700 lithium-ion
- Charging time: 4 h
- Avg. charging cost: US: $0.03, Canada: $0.02, UK: £0.05, EU: €0.05
- Ingress protection (IP): IPX4
- Weight: 10.8 kg 24 lbs
- Weight limit: 100 kg 220 lbs
- Tire size: 7.5 front + 6 rear in
- Tire type: solid
- Foldable: yes
- Foldable handlebars: yes
- Seat: no
- Build material: aluminum-magnesium alloy
- Terrains: urban
- Brakes: two independent brakes + regenerative brake
- Shock absorbers: no
- Lights: front LED + front LED strip + rear brake
- Control: bezel-less digital
- Speed modes: 4
- Cruise control: yes
- Keys: no
- App: yes
- Warranty: 12 months, 6 on battery
- Rider age: 14+
- Folded dimensions (L * W * H): 102 * 20.2 * 22.3 cm 40.16 * 7.95 * 8.78 in
- Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H): 93.6 * 39.8 * 102 cm 36.85 * 15.67 * 40.16 in
- Rider height: 130-200 cm 51.18-78.74 in
- Adjustable handlebar: no
Tests and measurements
- Speed tests (third party): 20 kmh 12.5 mph
- Range tests (EScooterNerds): 9 km 6 mi
- Range tests (third party): 12 km 7 mi
- Braking distance tests (EScooterNerds): 4.5 m
- Braking distance tests (third party): 4.5 m
- Climb tests (EScooterNerds): 15
Ratings and scores
Pros
- portable
- lightweight
- bright led headlight and taillight
- innovative design
- dual brakes
- ease of use
Cons
- small tires
- no suspension lock
- low weight limit
- small range
- limited speed
When to buy
The Ninebot Air T15 is the ultimate portable adult electric scooter, ideal for short to medium commutes, students, casual riders, and those seeking an easily transportable option. Consider purchasing the Ninebot Air T15 if you prioritize portability, innovative design and budget-friendly electric scooter.
When not to buy
The Ninebot Air T15 will not be suitable for most scooterists. Those seeking high-speed performance or specialized features, or even regular commuters, should probably look elsewhere. If you prioritize a scooter with a larger frame or specific capabilities not covered by the T15’s design, you might also want to explore other options. Additionally, riders who frequently tackle long distances might find its range limiting.
In this complete Ninebot KickScooter Air T15 review, we will find out why the premium, beautiful, futuristic model is the most portable electric scooter for adults ever made, but also why it may not be the best choice for many.
Basics
Prepare to ride your electric scooter by unboxing, reading the manual, assembling its components, and folding or unfolding it for practical storage and portability.
Unboxing and assembly
The scooter arrives in a small, relatively lightweight package.
The package contains:
- Ninebot Air T15 scooter
- charger
- user manual
- quickstart guide
- warranty card
- stand for the scooter
- spare fenders
No assembly is needed for this scooter. Ensure there’s sufficient battery power and connect the scooter to the Ninebot app (details below).
An innovative feature is the scooter’s frame, which doubles as a stand and protective cover during shipping—a thoughtful, eco-friendly move by Ninebot.
The stand reduces the scooter’s footprint for storage, whether you’re keeping it in your living room for charging or preventing wheel marks on the floor.
User manual
Each Ninebot Air T15 scooter includes a comprehensive user manual, featuring standard instructions common to other popular scooters.
Additionally, a quickstart guide is provided, offering a shorter and more easily digestible overview.
While reading manuals may seem tedious, I recommend a quick skim for potential release-specific differences and, at the very least, checking out the concise quickstart guide.
Folding and unfolding
The way the Ninebot Air T15 folds is amazing. I was really impressed by how it works.
Simply press the folding lever to effortlessly fold and unfold the scooter, and it automatically powers off when folded.
This scooter folds at both the stem and handlebars. The handlebars neatly fold under a 45-degree angle alongside the stem and unfold easily with a small lever in the middle.
When I folded the scooter, it became a trolley-like structure for easy dragging which is great for transporting.
How to use the Ninebot KickScooter Air T15?
At the rear of the scooter, the fender serves as both a foot brake and the control center.
In a unique move, Ninebot has shifted control from the traditional handlebar to the rear fender pedal, making it the first scooter of its kind. This was kind of confusing to me but I got used to it quickly.
To power on the scooter, a long press on the rear fender is needed, a short press toggled the headlight, and two presses changed the speed mode.
Acceleration was under my control with the right-handlebar thumb throttle, while the left handlebar featured another thumb throttle for the electronic brake.
Pressing both buttons activates the horn. While efficient, having a separate horn button might simplify controls in my opinion.
Starting the Ninebot Air T15, a true kick scooter, involved a kick-start, my preferred choice over scooters that start automatically to avoid accidental button presses or wheel spins.
Engaging cruise control was simple – just a few seconds of acceleration and it automatically activated, with any brake use disengaging it.
The scooter includes its stand, serving as both the scooter’s home and an engineering win.
Performance
Let’s check out the Ninebot Air T15 motor performance, speed, range, battery, control and climbing angle.
Power and motor tests
The 250W brushless DC hub motor is integrated into the rear wheel, constructed with magnetic and silicon steel.
As soon as I stepped on the T15, I liked how smoothly it sped up when I pressed the throttle. The motor made it easy to move and the throttle was simple to use, letting me easily change my speed.
It utilizes vectoring-control and temperature-control technologies, enhancing both lifespan and overall performance.
Speed and climb angle
The official top speed of the Ninebot Air T15 is 12.4 mph / 20 kmh. In my opinion, it’s a pretty standard speed for commuting, but somewhat on the low side.
The Ninebot Air T15’s motor is medium-strong. I went up a 15-degree slope without any issues, and the scooter sped up fast and smoothly too.
Interestingly, multiple user reports indicate achieving top speeds of 15.5 mph / 25 kmh (I couldn’t do it personally, not sure what’s the deal here).
The scooter has 4 speed modes:
- pedestrian – 3.7 mph / 6 kmh
- energy saving – 6.2 mph / 10 kmh
- standard – 9.3 mph / 15 kmh
- sport – 12.4 mph / 20 kmh
Battery and charging
The 21700 lithium-ion battery, akin to those used in electric cars, is embedded in the scooter’s deck.
Its smart battery management system prevents overheating, overcharging, short circuits, charging faults, ensuring an extended lifespan.
With a voltage of 36 Volts and a capacity of 4 Amp-hours, a full charge takes 4 hours. Due to its small size, charging is cost-effective.
The charging port, ingeniously protected by the kickstand, allows for efficient charging while the scooter is conveniently leaning on it.
Range
The Ninebot Air T15 boasts an official range of 7.5 mi / 12 km, verified through independent user tests. However, riders near the weight limit may find it challenging to achieve this range.
While not remarkable, the scooter’s range aligns with its primary focus on portability.
I put the range on a test and was able to reach 5.6 mi, with 10% of the battery still remaining.
So, the range is definitely not a strong point of this scooter.
Turning, control, and balance
The scooter has a limited turning radius, affecting its cornering capabilities.
The handlebars are not very wide, which increased my turning difficulty.
Additionally, since the tires are small-profile I felt like I couldn’t balance the scooter properly.
In summary, while the scooter is user-friendly and offers safe rides, control is somewhat traded for portability.
Ride Experience
Riding the Ninebot Kickscooter T15 Air around the city was really cool. It’s super easy to carry because it’s light and has a sleek design. I could easily jump on and off buses or trains without any trouble.
For my short trips, the scooter was smooth and easy to handle. It moved well on the busy sidewalks and streets, even though it doesn’t have a bouncy part like some other scooters.
But, I noticed that the T15 Air is more about being easy to carry than going super fast. If you like going really fast, this might not be the best choice. Also, if you need to ride a long way, you have to plan because the battery might not last for a really long journey.
Additionally, I did not like the size of the tires. They are smaller than any scooter I’ve tried so I had a little trouble balancing while riding.
In the end, the Ninebot Kickscooter T15 Air is great for people who live in the city, go to school, or just want something stylish and easy to carry.
It’s perfect for short trips, but you have to know it’s not the fastest or for really long rides.
Ninebot Kickscooter Air T15 vs Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 Pro
The Ninebot Kickscooter T15 Air excels in portability, ideal for short to medium commutes and casual riders.
However, its performance may not satisfy those seeking high speed or extended range.
In contrast, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 Pro offers impressive performance with a powerful motor, delivering longer ranges up to 18 mi / 30 km, making it suitable for users with more demanding commuting needs.
The Mi Electric Scooter 4 Pro is less compact compared to the Ninebot T15 Air. That’s the only advantage the Ninebot scooter has.
Build quality
The Ninebot Air T15 stands out as a premium scooter of the highest quality, showcasing thoughtful craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. The result is a robust, durable, and compact scooter.
The defect rate, particularly major defects, is impressively low – only two reports of faulty units exist. With these promising early results, the scooter is likely to endure for years to come.
Design and engineering
The scooter’s aesthetic is truly striking, boasting the most original design seen in decades within the scooter world.
Arguably the most elegant model today, the Ninebot Air T15 exudes a sleek appearance with contemporary lines, thoughtful color choices, and seamlessly integrated elements.
Unique features include space-age foldable handlebars, a stylish stem, and a distinctive look when folded and charging in its stand.
It’s not just a scooter; it’s an object I’d proudly display in my living room, resembling a modern smart device that adds to the overall cool ambiance of the space.
Features
These are the most important features of the Ninebot Air T15.
Tires
The Ninebot Air T15 features radial-hollow solid tires filled with polyurethane foam, ensuring they can never go flat.
The tread pattern enhances grip and control.
The front tire has a diameter of 7.5 inches, while the rear tire is slightly smaller.
Since the tires are very small, I had some difficulty balancing the scooter.
Brakes and safety
The Ninebot Air T15 features a redundant braking system with two separate mechanisms.
The electronic brake in the rear motor, engaged by the left thumb throttle, is regenerative, refilling the battery with each use.
The rear fender foot brake serves as an emergency brake.
When I used both brakes at the same time, the scooter came to a quick stop.
The combination of moderate speeds and dual brakes makes the scooter feel very safe.
Lights and riding at night
The Ninebot Air T15 is equipped with stylish and robust LED lights.
At the front, a primary dual 2.5-Watt headlight is positioned near the top of the stem, pointing slightly downward. The front stem also includes a multi-colored LED strip.
The rear fender has a horizontal brake light that turned red when I used any of the brakes.
As I rode the scooter, I noticed that the brake light is impressively wide. It’s easily visible to other traffic participants even from a distance. It stands out as one of the few rear lights on a scooter that’s genuinely useful.
Waterproofing, IP rating, riding in the rain
Officially, the Ninebot Air T15 carries an IPX4 ingress protection rating, signifying water resistance rather than full waterproofing. It can endure water splashes from all angles without sustaining damage.
Notably, compared to other scooters with an IPX4 rating, the Ninebot Air T15 appears more waterproof. With minimal exposed cables, fewer open holes, and well-protected components like the screen and charging port, it seems more resistant to water damage.
In my experience, it surpasses many scooters claiming the same IP rating in terms of water resistance.
Can you ride the Ninebot Air T15 in the rain or snow?
While not recommended, riding the Ninebot Air T15 in rain or snow is unlikely to harm the scooter.
Its official IPX4 rating indicates robust water resistance, and its tightly sealed design supports this.
Nevertheless, it’s advisable to avoid riding in the rain unless absolutely necessary.
Weight, dimensions, portability
The Ninebot Air T15 stands out as one of the most portable electric scooters for adults ever made.
Its design and engineering allow for easy folding into a small, super-compact, lightweight package without protruding parts.
Weighing just 23 lbs / 10.5 kg, it also ranks among the lightest electric scooters for adults. When folded, it becomes remarkably tiny, measuring 40.3 x 8 x 8.8 in / 102.4 × 20.2 × 22.3 cm, solidifying its status as one of the most compact scooters for adults.
The combination of foldable handlebars, a simple folding mechanism, and the option to pull it like a trolley make the Ninebot Air T15 arguably the most portable electric scooter for adults — I could effortlessly carry it with just one hand!
Weight limit and performance for heavier adults
The Ninebot Air T15 boasts an official weight limit of 220 lbs / 100 kg, a notable feat given its compact size and light weight.
However, for adults exceeding this weight, a noticeable drop in performance may occur, prompting consideration of other scooters designed for heavier individuals.
Additionally, the non-adjustable handlebar height, optimized for the average person, may be a bit short for taller individuals. Taller riders may want to explore scooters designed for tall adults.
Deck, stem, and frame
Constructed primarily from aluminum-magnesium alloy, including aluminum wheel covers, the scooter boasts resistance to corrosion and rust.
The wheels, made of solid rubber, along with other components like the deck and handlebar covers, also feature rubber construction.
Despite its compact size, I felt like the deck was surprisingly spacious, providing a comfortable standing platform.
Screen
The bezel-less screen (which is a fancy word for a screen without a frame) will show the most important stats of the scooter:
- current speed
- battery level
- speed mode
- light status
- bluetooth status
- cruise control status
- error codes
The screen may not be the brightest one out there, and I had some trouble reading it on a sunny day.
Accessories and customization
The Ninebot Air T15 currently lacks known accessories or customizations.
However, it’s feature-complete, including critical safety features, and its compact size doesn’t accommodate any seat attachments.
While generic electric scooter accessories may be worth exploring, fitting them to the scooter’s unique design might be challenging.
A great after-market purchase could be a suitable electric scooter helmet.
App
The Ninebot Air T15 connects to the official Ninebot app through bluetooth. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
For the initial scooter unlock, using the app is essential; without it, riding won’t be possible. If you lack an account, creating one with your email address is necessary.
Once connected, the app provides control over various settings and parameters, allowing you to customize them to your preference.
Among the many features, you can monitor and control:
- locking and unlocking the scooter
- monitoring the current speed
- checking your average speed
- monitoring your current riding time
- check battery life
- total mileage, remaining mileage, and current mileage
- vehicle temperature
- setting the cruise control preferences
- setting the energy recovery level (regenerative brake level)
- setting the speed mode
- tail light always on
- front LED strip color and effects
You should also take a look at the Universal Scooter App by EScooterNerds. It works great in tandem with the Ninebot app, and it’s not meant to replace it but to complement it. It comes with over 30 helpful features, resources, guides, tools, calculators, hacks, etc. You can find it for both iOS and Android.
Security
Given its lightweight and portable nature, leaving the scooter outside rarely makes sense.
It’s hard to imagine scenarios where you can’t take it with you, ensuring maximum security and minimizing the likelihood of theft.
However, if you’re leaving it outside, investing in a suitable lock is advisable. While the lock’s price typically matches the scooter’s value, for the Ninebot Air T15, consider a stronger, more expensive lock.
Tradeoffs
With this scooter you could face dead-on-arrival problems, indicating potential flaws in the scooter’s initial functionality. So, instances of non-functional scooters, even after replacements, raised questions about Segway’s quality control and the scooter’s overall reliability.
Additionally, I must mention the T15 Air’s lack of power, especially on inclines. The Ninebot Kickscooter T15 Air struggled on even slight hills, requiring continuous momentum.
If you live in a hilly area make sure to check out my list for best climbing scooters.
The scooter’s limited power is a factor in its lower speed and range, which is reasonable.
However, if you’re looking for something more powerful, there are other scooters within a similar price range offer greater speed and range.
You could encounter battery issues, including dead batteries upon arrival and a need for charging every 60 days. These concerns cast doubt on the scooter’s reliability, especially for users planning longer intervals between rides.
Also, there is a chance that the scooter won’t turn on, even after extended charging periods exceeding 24 hours. Persistent non-start issues revealed potential reliability challenges in the T15 Air’s electrical components.
These concise points encompass various tradeoffs, including ride comfort, design flaws, quality control issues, and performance limitations.
So, prospective buyers should consider these factors before deciding to purchase the Ninebot Kickscooter T15 Air.
Verdict
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend the Ninebot Air T15 to most potential scooter owners.
It may be a top choice for those that heavily prioritize portability, making it ideal for short to medium commutes, students, and casual riders. However, I’ve never met or heard about a scooterist who would sacrifice performance to this level in the name of portability. It will simply not be suitable for those requiring high speed or extended range.
Priced at around $770, it still offers some value for its premium design and unique features.
With a weight limit of 220 lbs, it accommodates most adults, but individuals needing higher capacity should explore alternatives for heavy adults.
While it stands out in terms of style and elegance, those with budget constraints may consider options in the under $500 or under $300 range, and they will often get more performance for less money.
The scooter excels in city environments with solid wheels and no suspension, providing a thrilling experience for appropriate short to medium rides.
Overall, it’s a compelling choice for those willing to trade speed and range for portability and style, but I’m just not sure how many people have those exact needs. Anyway, if that’s you, definitely go for it, as the scooter’s quality is pretty good.
