Review - Segway Snarler AT6 SX

It is time we review our 2021 Segway Snarler AT6 SX demo unit we acquired from Segway Powersports Canada and Thunder City Power & Leisure. We have had it for over a month and have had enough riding time to really talk about what makes or breaks the newest ATV on the market. We are always open to new competition in the market and Segway did a fantastic job out of the gate. Segway only recently came into Canada with their first units showing up fall of 2021. With that being said, their dealer network is growing faster than I ever could have expected and it’s amazing to see such interest for a new arrival!

2022 Estevan, Saskatchewan. Thunder City Segway Dealer - Photo by Kyle Mainville

Before we get into the full review, there are a few things to address. Segway Powersports Canada is brand new top to bottom. Backed by a long history of design and technology in other segments on the market. I fully expected lack luster details and growing pains but I can tell you now that they are very minor but more on that later. Next is my personal bias. I received these units on loan but I am not not directly paid. They do and did cover expenses in order to pick them up but I like to be clear there is no monetary bonus to fluff this review. Even Segway has been clear to be truthful and encouraged pointing out any flaws to better their product. This is the reason I am very excited about Segway. Lastly if you want to know more “sheet data” like information use this chart: Snarler Spec Sheet.

There are currently three models of the Snarler. The AT6S E 1 Seat, AT6S X 1 Seat and the AT6L X 2 Seat. For our review we have the AT6S X One seat but this review will mostly apply to all models except a few features and the difference of a legal second seat on the AT6L X 2 Seater which is about a 6” in wheelbase length longer than it’s counter part. Like I mentioned in our Fugleman Review, my first impressions visually were drastically different between online photos and in person. I wasn’t sure if I was on board with the futuristic styling until I saw it in person. I welcome diversity in the off road market and the ATV side of the house hasn’t seen many new looks in recent years.

A common theme I’ve noticed about Segway is the fit and finish which is apparent right away when you hop onto your first Snarler. Everything fits well, fits tight and a very clean esthetic overall. I do have a few minor issues with design choices which caused some issues especially with taller riders in the 6’+ department. The front fender flair has a fairly excessive bump out that will hit taller a riders knees. Especially if you are riding a little more “spirited”. Next, the way the 44hp single cylinder engine is mounted requires a large girth between the riders legs making it feel somewhat awkward. These are design choices I hope to be adjusted in the future but won’t deter me from enjoying the Snarler overall. I try not to be picky but Segway is under microscope in the market and there is a fine line of judgment where these little details can be important to people.

2022 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fugleman Test Ride - Photo by Kyle Mainville

One thing that comes to mind when I think Segway is technology. Unlike the Fugleman and Villain where it is obvious, the Snarler isn’t. The details are there like its overall appearance in the body styling, headlights and large display on the handle bars but not completely upfront. Where that changes is bluetooth connectivity with the Segway Powersports app. All of the information you’ve ever wondered about your machine straight to your cell phone. It doesn’t have a flashy tablet to display everything like the others but your cell will have everything you’re looking for like the Segway Teams feature that helps you map where you have gone with your friends or performance analytics. This is the perfect balance for me when it comes to technology off road, where if I want it it’s there but not a distraction from my environment. Set up is simple for the app, you simply scan a vin code attached to the machine and turn on bluetooth. I did have minor hick ups but overall worked very well.

Around the machine they did a great job of providing storage considering the size of the platform. They took advantage of void space and create two key lock water and dust resistant bins. I use that last term lightly but for this vehicles indented use it is true unlike some of the hooligans I ride with. One of the bins between your legs above the seat, the other at the rear of the vehicle. Very large spaces perfect for that spare rain jacket, tire repair kit and tow rope. Front and rear racks are nice to see of course and they do have mounting locations for various Segway products like storage bins. My only concern there is the type of hard plastic used will be easily damaged and provides no real grip to tie things down well. Id like to see a textured top for them.

Overall I have to say this unit feels incredibly solid. I have had many people come over to have a look and the common theme is they “feel tight”. Hats off to Segway for their fit and finish, very impressive.

2022 Estevan, Saskatchewan. Thunder City Power & Leisure Dealership - Photo by Kyle Mainville

Time to talk performance. The only available power plant for this unit is a Segway 570cc, 4 stroke, single cylinder putting out 44hp and 35ft lbs of torque. It’s not going to compete with any of the top performers of course but in the world of one lung ATV’s you will be right at home. Lots of low end torque, the gearing and clutching seem to pair very well but as you get into the mid range of your RPM it gets a bit stale. Top end is more than enough for the trails going over 90+ km an hour. It is certainly a full competitor in its class but wont blow your mind. I think its perfect for what it is and all I would like to see is the engine line up expanded on in the future as Segway moves forward.

2022 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fugleman Test Ride - Photo by Kyle Mainville

Lastly we will talk features. Segway only entering the market recently, and just now entering Canada, it’s not surprising the list falls a little short. That being said, right off the bat they entered with three very decently fitted machines and set up a dealer network faster than I’ve seen before. The difference between a base model Snarler and a “loaded” Snarler isn’t overly drastic. Although, they did enter with a one seat and two seater option which is great. They do (as of 2022) come with full horn and signal kits so for areas around Canada makes them legal on the roads in some cases. Tire options are limited but the Wanda trail tires are actually a step up from what I have seen from other brands out of the crate and the bead locks are actually nice touch. Fairly standard steel wire rope winch coming in at 2500lbs and a 2” reciever hitch among other small details makes it a well rounded entry product that makes a fantastic platform to add upon.

2022 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fugleman Test Ride - Photo by Kyle Mainville

Final thoughts. I am truly impressed. There are many small improvements to be made and I expect Segway to be a huge contender that can rattle the market. How they handle these small issues in the coming years will tell me everything I need to know about how they handle customer feedback. I am especially excited on the technology they are implementing but I am concerned it can get out of hand when it comes to home repair or simply being needless. So far that is not the case. I have a feeling the future hybrid electric technology is what will really take this line up to a whole new place. This is the segment I am most excited for, except maybe Segways more sporty Villain. I am hoping to see a twin 800 - 1000cc in the ATV’s also along side the possible hybrid Snarler.

I will leave a list of things I would like to see improved upon.
- Model options for different niches.
- More available additions like bumpers, radiator relocation kits, snorkels and tire options.
- Larger two cylinder power plants.
- Improvements and better guidance on the Segway Powersports APP.
- Body plastic design adjustments for rider comfort.
- The removal of signal and horn kits as a base item to save costs.

Huge thank you to Segway for giving us the opportunity to check these machines out and to Thunder City in Estevan Saskatchewan for providing the units themselves. For more, make check to check out our YouTube channel.

Kyle Mainville

Mainville ATV and Outdoors, Mainville Media

https://www.mainvilleatv.ca
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