Segway

Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter developed by Segway, Inc. and later by Segway-Ninebot. It was publicly introduced in 2001 by inventor Dean Kamen, who framed it as a compact, efficient urban mobility device. The Segway gained substantial media attention at launch, though its consumer adoption remained more limited than initially anticipated.

Design and operation of the Segway center on its balance and control systems. The device uses gyroscopes, accelerometers, and a computer to maintain upright stability on two wheels positioned along a single axis. The rider stands on opposite foot platforms and uses body weight to steer and move: leaning forward propels the unit, leaning back slows or stops, and a handle or steering column provides yaw control. A rechargeable battery powers electric motors that drive the wheels. Typical early models reached about 12.5 miles per hour, with ranges varying by model and terrain, commonly in the tens of miles.

Models and uses have included the Segway Personal Transporter family, with variants such as i2 for urban use and x2 for off-road or rough surfaces. The devices have found roles in guided tours, facilities shuttling, and some law enforcement applications, as well as private ownership. They are regulated differently across jurisdictions, with safety considerations prompting helmet use and restrictions on sidewalk operation in many places.

Corporate history notes that Segway, Inc. was founded by Dean Kamen in the late 1990s. In 2015, the company or its assets were acquired by the Chinese firm Ninebot, and Segway-Ninebot became the umbrella brand for its electric personal transport products.