You’ve seen the videos. Someone is drifting around a parking lot, tires screaming, looking like they’re living out a real-life Mario Kart fever dream. That’s usually the Segway GoKart Pro 2. It looks like a toy, but honestly, calling it a toy feels kinda disrespectful once you actually sit in the bucket seat. Most people assume Segway just makes those dorky two-wheeled stand-up things mall security guards use, but this machine is a completely different beast. It’s an evolution of the original Pro model, and while it looks similar at a glance, the gut-check reality of the Pro 2 is that it’s trying to bridge the gap between a backyard hobby and a legitimate sim-racing rig.
The Segway GoKart Pro 2 isn't just about going fast in circles anymore. Segway did something weird here—they added a haptic gaming mode. Basically, you can hook this thing up to your PC or console, and the steering wheel vibrates and provides resistance while you play Forza or Assetto Corsa. It sounds like a gimmick, right? I thought so too. But then you realize the entire chassis acts as a giant vibration motor. When you hit a rumble strip in the game, you feel it in your tailbone. It’s bizarre. It’s loud. It’s actually pretty cool if you have the space for a full-sized go-kart in your living room.
The Raw Power and That Infamous Drift Mode
Let's talk about the actual driving because that’s why you’re here. The Segway GoKart Pro 2 packs a punch that genuinely catches people off guard. We’re talking about a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a peak power output of 4,800W. To put that in perspective, that’s enough torque to propel a grown adult to 26.7 mph (43 km/h) almost instantly. It’s fast. Not "scary fast" like a gas-powered 125cc shifter kart, but definitely "I should probably wear a helmet" fast.
The magic is in the Drifting Assistant System.
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Most electric karts are either "on" or "off" when it comes to traction. Segway programmed the Pro 2 with different driving modes—Eco, Sport, and Race—but the real fun is the manual drift setting. You can actually adjust how much the computer helps you. If you’re a beginner, it keeps the tail tucked in. If you’re feeling brave, you can set it to let the rear end slide out. Because the rear tires are basically slick TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), they lose grip predictably. You aren't fighting the machine; you're dancing with it. It makes you feel like a much better driver than you actually are. Honestly, the smell of warm plastic tires after a twenty-minute session is weirdly addictive.
More Than Just a Go-Kart: The Detachable Engine
One thing people constantly overlook is that the back of the Segway GoKart Pro 2 is actually a Ninebot S Max. You can literally unclip the powerhouse from the kart frame, attach a handlebar or a knee-control bar, and ride it around like a standard self-balancing scooter. It’s a 2-in-1 deal.
Does anyone actually do this?
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Probably not often. If you bought the Pro 2, you bought it for the kart. But it’s a nice bit of engineering. It means if you ever get bored of drifting, you still have a high-end personal transporter. The S Max unit itself is beefy, with a massive battery that supports the kart’s claimed 15.5-mile range. Just keep in mind that "15.5 miles" is the marketing number. If you’re 200 pounds and spend the whole time in Race mode with the "engine" speakers blasting V12 noises, you’re going to get significantly less than that. Expect more like 8 to 10 miles of hard, aggressive driving.
The Build Quality: Is It Flimsy?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: It’s a tank. The frame is high-strength steel, and it's rated for a payload of up to 220 lbs. One of the best updates on the Segway GoKart Pro 2 is the adjustable frame. It has four different length settings. Whether you’re 4’5” or 6’3”, you can probably fit, though if you’re on the taller end, your knees are going to be up near your chin. The steering wheel is height-adjustable now too, which was a major gripe with the older versions.
The braking system is a hybrid. You have the electronic brakes (which regen some power back to the battery) and a mechanical handbrake. The handbrake isn't just for stopping; it’s for initiating those tight slides. It feels solid. It doesn't feel like a cheap plastic lever that’s going to snap off the first time you yank it.
The Sound System and Gaming Gimmicks
Segway included four 8W speakers that mimic engine sounds. You can choose between a single-cylinder, two-cylinder, V8, or V12 soundtrack. Some people hate this. They think it’s fake and annoying. Personally? I think it’s necessary. Electric motors are silent, and when you’re hauling down a sidewalk at 25 mph, you want people to hear you coming. Plus, the V12 sound adds a layer of theatricality to the whole experience that just makes it more fun.
The gaming mode is where things get really nerdy. You connect the kart via Bluetooth or a cable to your computer. The pedals act as your gas and brake in the game, and the steering wheel handles the input. It’s essentially the world’s most expensive racing seat. Is it better than a dedicated Fanatec or Logitech sim rig? No. The steering rack isn't designed for the millisecond precision of high-level e-sports. But for a casual session of Mario Kart or Forza, it’s an absolute riot.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Ownership
There’s this misconception that you can just buy a Segway GoKart Pro 2 and use it anywhere. You can’t. This thing has about two inches of ground clearance. If you try to take it on a gravel path or a cracked-up street with huge potholes, you’re going to have a bad time. You’ll scrape the bottom of the chassis, and the vibration will rattle your teeth out. You need smooth asphalt. A fresh cul-de-sac or a dedicated kart track is where this thing shines.
Also, maintenance isn't zero. While you don't have to change oil or spark plugs, those rear TPE tires wear out. If you drift a lot—which you will—you’re going to be buying replacement tires every few months. Luckily, they aren't terribly expensive and they’re relatively easy to swap out if you’re even slightly handy with a wrench.
Real Talk: The Limitations
It’s not perfect. The Segway GoKart Pro 2 is heavy. It’s about 100 pounds. If you live on the third floor of an apartment building without an elevator, don't buy this. You will hate your life. It also takes a while to charge—about four hours for a full cycle.
Then there’s the price. It’s an investment. You’re paying for the brand, the engineering, and the fact that it doesn't explode like those cheap "hoverboard karts" you see on Amazon.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
If you're serious about picking one up, don't just hit "buy" on the first site you see.
- Check your local laws: Some cities are really strict about where "micro-mobility" devices can go. Since this has four wheels and goes 26 mph, it falls into a legal gray area in many places.
- Measure your vehicle: If you plan on taking this to a park or a track, make sure it fits in your trunk. It folds down slightly, but it’s still bulky. You’ll likely need an SUV or a hatchback with the seats down.
- Gear up: Seriously. 26 mph is fast enough to cause some major road rash. Get a decent helmet and some gloves at the very least.
- Buy spare tires immediately: Don't wait until the rear slicks are bald and showing the rim. Have a backup pair in your garage so your weekend isn't ruined when you finally pop a tire during a drift.
- Update the firmware: As soon as you get it, connect it to the Segway-Ninebot app. They frequently push updates that improve battery management and motor controller smoothness.
The Segway GoKart Pro 2 is one of those rare tech products that actually delivers on the "fun factor" it promises in the commercials. It’s a niche product for a specific kind of person—someone who wants the thrill of a go-kart without the headache of a gasoline engine and the added bonus of a killer sim-racing setup. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s arguably the most fun you can have on four wheels for under two thousand bucks.