Segway

Two large wheels on either side of a platform which a user would stand on. There is a pole with handlebars in front.
The Segway i2 self-balancing scooter. Photo: Segway

The Segway is a self-balancing electric scooter that you steer by leaning in the direction you want to go. It's used by commuters, patrol officers, tour groups, and also as a platform for mobile robots.

Creators

DEKA and Segway

Year
2001
Country
United States 🇺🇸
Categories
Features
Rolling on a Segway. Video: Segway

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Did you know?

Segway polo, a variation of horse polo, with players riding on Segways, became popular among some Silicon Valley residents, including Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak.

Close-up of a glowing display.
The InfoKey shows speed and battery life for your Segway. Photo: Segway
A policeman on a Segway rides past travellers in an airport.
A Chinese policeman rides a Segway. Photo: Andia/UIG/ Getty Images

History

The Segway was invented by Dean Kamen and a team of engineers from DEKA Research and unveiled in 2001. Sales started the following year amid great hype and speculation about its potential to transform personal transportation. After several years on the market, the vehicle didn't reach the sales levels its creators and investors expected. Several cities around the world banned Segways from sidewalks and public roads due to safety concerns. In 2003, Segway developed the Segway Robotic Mobility Platform (RMP) to serve as a platform for researchers building mobile robots. In 2010, Segway Inc. was acquired by a group led by British entrepreneur Jimi Heselden, who died later that year in an accident involving a Segway near one of his properties in the United Kingdom. The balancing technology used in the Segway is part of another Kamen invention: the iBot is a robotic wheelchair that can navigate rough terrain and climb stairs.

A cameraperson on a Segway rides behind a golfer during a tournament.
The Golf Channel uses a Segway to film the 2012 Sony Open. Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
A person on a Segway takes a selfie with a group of Segway riders in front of the Eiffel Tower.
A Segway tour in Paris, France. Photo: iStockphoto

More Images

Two people on Segways with thick all-terrain wheels look out over a scenic vista.
The all-terrain Segway x2. Photo: Segway
Two people in helmets ride mini Segways which include the base on two wheels and a vertical piece balanced between the rider's legs.
Segway now makes mini and scooter versions. Photo: Segway

Specs

Overview

Able to carry up to 118 kg (260 lb), including rider and cargo. Capable of turning in place. Equipped with redundant control systems.

Status

Ongoing

Year

2001

Website
Width
63 cm
Height
130 cm (i2 model)
Length
48 cm
Weight
47.7 kg
Speed
20 km/h (max)
Sensors

Two tilt sensors, five gyroscopes.

Actuators

Two servo drive motors with redundant winding and electric circuits.

Compute

Dual control computers

Power

Lithium-ion battery. Range of 38 km (24 mi).

Cost
$6,000 to $7,000 (retail, i2 model)