I just ordered a used external battery from eBay. Is there some way I can be sure it's fully charged without connecting it to the scooter? If I simply store the battery without connecting it for a few weeks am I in danger of allowing the battery to discharge to unsafe levels? I didn't come with instructions, can I charge the battery on its own (not connected to the scooter) using the scooter power supply/charger ?

so after over 4 months, 2 separate bateries having to be sent back, 20 emails, i have a working battery!!!
and oh boy was the wait worth it. the acceleration now is insane! and going 30kmh is a bit scary!
anyway, CASE CLOSED!

Great to hear that your problem was resolved and even better to read your report about how much better you glide with the additional Ah...

So, do you believe that the problem was that when you installed a new factory battery, that the scooter sensed ot had a low charge and would not accept it as a good battery?

Was there anyway to perhaps put a charge on the external battery prior to connecting to the scooter?

*( I am newbie, although I have extensive knowledge about all things cool, I am only starting to learn SegWay )

As I was reading your tale... months and months of waiting, geeze... That was my initial impression. That the disparity of charge between the onboard battery and the newly installed battery was probably making the machine think that the new battery just couldn't take a charge, 'how else would an external battery be so deep in discharge', especially if the onboard battery was 100%

Another thing... Is this the standard customer respect that I should prepare to accept? Long waits for resolutions? Little to no response to my inquiries, and if any, they are not going to be forthcoming?

The questions I have been asking here (in fact the reason I searched this forum out) was due to no satisfaction from asking these questions from Tech Support

I am going to have a hard time chunking up that much coin to a company that gets around to answering my questions at their own leisure...
If I have a problem with this 'investment' I want PDQ solutions.

I have plans to take a mid week trip to Mount Dora, Florida. There is a Segway dealer there that also does the tour circuit. I figure I can ride one for a few hours and survey the sales climate.

I gotta say, that I am sure not used to being ignored and brushed aside when making a luxury purchase. And my first purchase is likely going to one of many for a fleet of aging airline pilots who have more money than their knees and ankles can carry around these airshows these days.

" Is this the standard customer respect that I should prepare to accept? "

YES. Segway is a very bad company. DO NOT BUY THEIR STUFF.

My ES2 $500 scooter failed after 3 months after LIGHT use (~30 miles of total use), due to their NEW firmware downloading via the iphone app and killing my unit. NO JOKE. They fixed it, but it took 6 months of emails and phone calls. INSANE.

The external battery which I later purchased at $250 failed after 5 charge cycles, but since I don't ride my scooter much, I never noticed it. The warranty is only for six months and they tell you to go away and they will not help you. This equipment is ALL Chinese TRASH !!!!!

If you are able, ONLY BUY this unit from COSTCO in the USA, since they will take it back and exchange it anytime. ALSO, BUY it with a VISA credit card which doubles your Segway warranty.