At first glance, the simple and sleek design of the Segway doesn’t necessarily position it as one of the most revolutionary means of transport. You could say it’s underrated.
History of the Segway:
The machine was invented by Dean Kamen. The development of the Segway was completed in 2001, and its inventor commercialised it through his company Segway Inc.
The Segway is designed as a personal mode of transport. This is why it’s often referred to as the Segway PT, or Personal Transporter.
The Segway is a gyropod, defined as an "electric single-person vehicle, consisting of a platform with two wheels on which the user stands, a gyroscopic stabilisation system, and a handlebar for balance and steering." This definition comes from the Société Française de Terminologie, which coined the term.
The brand’s history is marked by a tragically famous anecdote: A millionaire named Jimi Heselden bought the company in 2009. Ironically, he died the following year after falling into a river near his home in England... while riding a Segway.
How a Segway works:
To move forward or backward on a Segway, the user only needs to lean slightly forward or backward. To steer left or right, simply turn the handlebar.
Its inventor describes it as the first "self-balancing transport". Indeed, despite having two wheels, the gyropod stays upright on its own.
Balance is the key concept of the Segway: If you lean forward to the point where you’d normally lose your balance, you definitely won’t fall headfirst if you’re standing on a Segway.
How does it work?
A sophisticated technology is behind this small miracle.
Sensors and five gyroscopes* embedded in the platform where you place your feet calculate your body’s position relative to the vertical axis. The components then send this data to computers, which adjust the wheels’ position to keep both the device and the user balanced. This is known as dynamic stabilisation.
These calculations are repeated over 100 times per second, reducing the risk of falling to nearly zero.
The goal is to mirror the device’s movement with human motion, making its use intuitive and effortless.
*A gyroscope consists of one or more wheels rotating freely around a fixed axis. Since the Segway requires more precise technology than traditional gyroscopes, the design was reimagined using silicon for a perfectly adapted microtechnology. Only three gyroscopes are needed to operate a Segway.
However, it typically has five to ensure functionality even if one gyroscope fails.
What are the advantages of a Segway?
Now that we know more about the Segway, it’s easier to understand why some consider it a revolutionary transport method, worthy of futuristic vehicles.
But this conclusion isn’t just due to its advanced technology—it also comes from various advantages, such as being entirely eco-friendly.
Indeed, the gyropod runs on electricity, consuming the equivalent of £0.20 for 100 km. Its top speed is around 20 km/h, with a range of 1.5 to 2 hours (about 35 km, depending on the model). Plus, its batteries are fully recyclable. It’s considered the most economical personal transport in the world.
Its ease of use makes it accessible to almost anyone. Classified as a pedestrian vehicle, no licence is required to ride one.
Today, all-terrain gyropods are available for adventurous escapes through the stunning landscapes of our regions.
Fun, economical, eco-friendly, and high-tech, it’s winning over more businesses and tourists alike.
However, the Segway hasn’t yet become the revolutionary vehicle pioneers envisioned at its launch. Still, it has the potential.
Is it ahead of its time? Share your thoughts in our dedicated Segway forum!
