The birth of a revolutionary idea

In the 1990s, inventor Dean Kamen sought to revolutionize personal mobility. His creation, the Segway, was meant to change how people moved in cities.

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The mind behind the Segway

Dean Kamen, a visionary inventor, developed the Segway after creating groundbreaking medical devices like AutoSyringe and the iBOT wheelchair.

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The technology behind the Segway

The Segway used gyroscopes and tilt sensors to maintain balance, allowing riders to control movement by shifting their weight.

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A launch with high expectations

When the Segway launched in 2001, industry leaders like Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos believed it would be bigger than the internet.

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The marketing missteps

Despite high praise, the Segway's rollout was flawed. Delayed consumer availability and high expectations hurt its market reception.

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Practicality concerns emerge

The Segway was heavy, impractical for sidewalks, and required both hands to ride, making it less user-friendly than alternatives.

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Price and accessibility issues

At a steep price, the Segway was out of reach for most consumers, making bicycles and e-scooters more attractive alternatives.

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Legal and regulatory hurdles

Many cities restricted Segway use on sidewalks and roads, limiting its adoption as a mainstream transportation option.

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A tragic turn for Segway’s new owner

In 2009, Segway was sold to British entrepreneur Jimi Heselden, who tragically passed away in a Segway accident the following year.

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The rise of Segway Ninebot

In 2015, Chinese firm Ninebot acquired Segway, shifting focus to newer, more profitable personal transport options.

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The end of the Segway era

In 2020, Ninebot discontinued Segway production, marking the end of an era for the once-hyped personal transporter.

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Segway’s legacy in mobility

While the Segway failed commercially, its innovations influenced modern e-scooters and self-balancing transporters.

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Image source: Dave Proffer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons