GoKawiilBikes should be intuitive enough to figure out on the fly—in theory, anyway. In practice, it’s a wise idea to read the instruction manual first. With Segway's new Myon ebike, the cockpit is so packed with bells and whistles—there are 11 separate buttons, toggles, switches, and a throttle—it feels like the control panel on a small aircraft. On my inaugural test ride, I was so distracted by the options that I almost collided with a car.
My bad. After I returned home, read the instructions, and rode the Myon a few more times, I found that once I understood how to operate it, the bike is loaded with features that increase its visibility, enhance its rideability, and decrease the odds of it getting ripped off.
Safety First
Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
Segway’s dedication to safety begins before you even turn on the bike. The Myon is UL 2849 certified, meaning that its electrical drivetrain, battery, and charger system have been tested to the highest US standard for fire safety. One might assume that this certification is mandatory for all ebikes sold in the US, but it isn’t—not yet, anyway. Having UL2849 certification brings peace of mind and increases the likelihood that a local bike shop will fix it.