Brief Summary:
Product: Segway PT (Personal Transporter)
Inventor/Company: Dean Kamen / Segway Inc.
Country: USA
Period: Launched in 2001, discontinued original PT model in 2020.
Essence: Self-balancing two-wheeled electric scooter controlled by the rider's body tilts.
A technologically revolutionary product surrounded by unprecedented hype, but failed in the mass consumer market due to high price, regulatory issues, safety concerns, and a "ridiculous" image. Found its niche in tourism, patrolling, and other specific areas. An example of the gap between a technological marvel and market reality.
Creation History
The Segway was developed by renowned American inventor Dean Kamen based on his previous invention, the self-balancing wheelchair iBOT. The development was carried out in strict secrecy under the code names "IT" and "Ginger". Before its launch in December 2001, a massive PR campaign was deployed, fueled by rumors and enthusiastic reviews from celebrities who had seen the prototype (Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos). It was expected that the Segway would revolutionize personal transportation and change the face of cities.
Operating Principle
The Segway PT is based on a system of **dynamic stabilization**. Numerous gyroscopic and tilt sensors constantly monitor the position of the platform and the rider. Microprocessors process this data hundreds of times per second and control the electric motors to rotate the wheels so that the platform always remains horizontal. The control is intuitive: to move forward, slightly lean forward; to brake or move backward, lean back; to turn, tilt the steering column left or right.
Claimed Advantages
- Revolutionary balancing system: Intuitive control, unique riding experience.
- Eco-friendliness: Zero emissions thanks to electric motors.
- Compactness and maneuverability: Ability to turn on the spot, navigate narrow spaces.
- Personal mobility: Potential replacement for walking or short car/public transport trips.
- Low operating costs (electricity cost).
Why Did It Fail? (As a Mass Product)
- Exorbitant price: About $5000 at launch—too expensive for most potential buyers for a "last mile" transport.
- Regulatory restrictions: Unclear legal status. Bans on sidewalk use in many cities and states, danger of use on roadways.
- Safety concerns: Despite self-balancing, falls occurred, leading to injuries and concerns.
- Image issues: The Segway quickly became the subject of ridicule, associated with "geeks," lazy tourists, or something awkward and uncool.
- Limited practicality: Short range, weather dependency, inability to carry loads, need for charging.
- Unjustified hype: Overblown expectations before the launch led to greater disappointment when reality was more modest.
Ultimately, the Segway did not become the transport of the future but found its niche in tourism, security, and logistics.
Ahead of Its Time?
Technologically—yes. The dynamic stabilization system was a real breakthrough. However, the market and infrastructure (laws, societal attitudes) were not ready for such a radically new form of transport. Perhaps if it had appeared later, in an era of greater micromobility popularity (scooters, unicycles), its fate might have been different, but the price would still have been a barrier.
Can It Be Revived?
The original Segway PT as a mass consumer product cannot be revived; its production has been discontinued. However, the Segway brand is alive (owned by Chinese company Ninebot) and is successfully used to produce more in-demand micromobility products—electric scooters, hoverboards. The dynamic stabilization technologies developed for the Segway have found applications in these and other devices. So the legacy of the Segway continues, albeit not in the form the inventor envisioned.
WTF Factor
The main WTF is the level of secrecy and pomp before the launch. The world held its breath, awaiting an invention that would "change humanity," only to receive... a two-wheeled scooter costing $5000, on which adults looked somewhat awkward. The contrast between expectations and reality was simply comical.
Ironically, the owner of Segway Inc., Jimi Heselden, died in 2010 by falling off a cliff while riding... a Segway.