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Segway’s ZT3 Pro e-scooter is the perfect backcountry sidekick for overlanders

With 6 inches of ground clearance, treaded tires, and a motorcycle-like suspension, it's built for everywhere

By Mike Richard Published December 24, 2024

Closeup of a rider's feet and legs on a Segway ZT3 Pro electric scooter. — Segway

It’s a perennial problem for many overlanders: You follow a random backcountry trail to some epic spot, make camp, and then find a hiking trail or some other landmark that requires a drive to get to. For those times when you can’t be bothered to break camp (and have to re-set everything back up again), there’s Segway’s all-new ZT3 Pro. It’s an off-road-capable electric scooter destined to be your new backcountry companion transport.

Just like every other electric scooter on the market, the ZT3 Pro can handle pavement and city streets just fine. But where this beast really shines is off-road. It’s Segway’s first-ever multipurpose e-scooter designed for on- and off-road riding. That’s thanks to a combination of beefy, 11-inch treaded tires and an integrated dual suspension. It’s all part of the company’s SegRide system that uses a rear mono-shock and motorcycle-inspired telescoping front fork for rock-solid stability and rider dynamics over any terrain. What’s more, the ZT3 Pro offers a full 6 inches of ground clearance, making it the perfect auxiliary transportation to take you from backcountry camp to backcountry trail with ease.

Segway ZT3 Pro off-road electric scooter isolated on a plain white background. — Segway

It’s powerful enough to provide more than 43 miles of range in Eco Mode, or you can opt for Sport Mode, which sacrifices range for power to propel riders up to 24.9 mph. The onboard motor is even strong enough to tackle up to a whopping 25% grade!

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Like many of today’s best commuter-friendly electric scooters, the ZT3 Pro also offers Apple Find My integration and Segway’s own Airlock system. The latter allows the scooter to lock or unlock automatically when the rider approaches or walks away.

Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

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Pirelli unveils the Scorpion XTM AT, its most extreme all-terrain tire ever

Ultra-aggressive, advanced, and 3PMSF-rated, it's the pinnacle of more than 25 years of Pirelli tire design

Ford Bronco driving through the desert on Pirelli Scorpion XTM all-terrain tires.

Forget rooftop tents and hi-lift jacks and fancy LED light bars, there's arguably nothing more important to a properly kitted-out overlanding rig than a good set of tires. After all, your truck's tires are the only part of the vehicle that maintains constant contact with the ground. That's why you need a tire that balances easy, on-pavement driving with meeting the demands of more extreme off-road conditions. Enter: Pirelli's new Scorpion XTM all-terrain tire.

"XTM" stands for "Extreme" performance, so it's no surprise that this is Pirelli's most extreme all-terrain tire ever. It features ultra-aggressive styling, a high-void tread pattern, and more advanced technology that's purpose-built for truck and off-road enthusiasts looking to explore deep into the North American backcountry. The large-tread-block design extends into the upper sidewall for improved traction and durability. It's a design that excels in the gnarliest off-road conditions most overlanders are likely to encounter, such as mud, dirt, sand, or gravel. Plus, reinforced shoulder technology adds protection from obstacles, including sharp gravel and jagged rock overhangs. One especially clever feature is the Scorpion XTM's built-in "rock ejectors," which are designed to automatically shed rocks embedded in the tire's deep treads.

Outdoors

Should you go hiking in sandals? It depends

Hiking in sandals: When to do it and how to find the best fit

Man hiking in sandals

Have you ever trudged through a trail, feet sweaty from unbreathable shoes? I certainly have. Believe it or not, sandals aren't just for the beach. They're actually a legit hiking option if you have the right pair and use them in the right scenarios. Honestly, I'm more of a trail running shoe or hiking shoe kind of gal, but there are specific scenarios when I might be tempted to trade them for a pair of sandals. And there are times when wearing sandals while hiking makes sense and times when they don't. Here's everything you need to know about hiking in sandals and how to find the best pair for your hiking needs.
Here's when hiking in sandals makes sense
Warm and dry conditions

When I lived in Arizona, hiking with my hiking boots or even my precious trail running shoes was a bit uncomfortable. For one, warm and dry conditions left my feet feeling confined and, ultimately, gross. One of the best parts of the day was heading home and washing my feet. That's when I was first introduced to the idea of hiking in sandals. Sandals will keep your feet ventilated, letting sweat evaporate fast. You may even find that you get fewer blisters throughout the season. Just make sure that you apply sunscreen so you don't get an unintentional tattoo of your sandal straps.
Wet conditions
While there's nothing wrong with wearing good water-repellant shoes while hiking in wet conditions, they can get soggy and take forever to dry if you end up accidentally stepping in too deep a puddle. Sandals tend to dry much faster than hiking boots or sneakers, so bring them on trails where you can expect stream crossings or coastal paths.
Low-impact trails
If you're planning on going on a low-impact hiking trail, particularly a paved one, you won't need heavy-duty hiking shoes. Sandals will be lighter on your feet, and the trail is easier, so there's less of a need for support or protection.
Here's when wearing sandals for hiking doesn't make sense

Outdoors

Tired of packed campgrounds? Farm camping might be your new favorite getaway

The camping alternative that's gaining popularity

Chickens in the grass in front of a white tent

Camping's popularity continues to grow, and outdoor enthusiasts are seeking less crowded solutions, from off-grid dispersed camping to luxury glamping. As a full-time traveler, I can attest that farm camping strikes the perfect balance between the two. I've camped in a lavender farm nestled in the California hills, an apple orchard in the heart of New England, and in an Airstream in Washington state's lush rainforest. These alternatives offer the natural respite of a campsite with the authentic charm of farm life.
Are you wondering how to find the perfect farm camping stay and what to expect once you get there? Here's everything you need to know to find and book the perfect farm-side experience.

What is farm camping, and what should you expect?