Electric Motorized Scooters

The Segway scooter PT was and still is a marvel of technology.  When it was first rolled out it was one of a kind.  Something that no one had even thought of or even thought could be done.  But Dean Kamen concured all the obsticals and rolled out a scooter that in all accounts scared the market.  First, people looked at the scooter and could not believe that a scooter could self balance itself and support anyone.  The technology was not understood since no one tried it before.  But once he was able to gain acceptance customers started the trust the scooter.

Segway scooters are powered by a electric motor and the trick with the self balancing machinary is the gyroscope in the  bottom carriage of the segway.  A computer programs reads to see how the gyroscope is moving and uses that to correct the balance of the scooter.  If the gryoscope floats left the program corrects the scooter and moves the scooter right.  If the balance of the rider starts to go off center left right forward or reverse the program corrects and always brings the passenger back to center automatically.

Segway i180 Human Transporter

The Segway Human Transporter (HT) i180 is our most versatile and colorful model. With new fenders, wheels and battery options, it was designed for extended range, stability and plenty of cargo capacity. The i180 readily navigates a wide range of operating environments and terrain.

The i180 is one of the first Segway HTs available with optional Saphion lithium-ion batteries. The new batteries deliver an impressive range of up to 24 miles on a single charge, depending on terrain, riding style and payload. Saphion lithium-ion batteries are low-maintenance, have a long service life and can operate at battery temperatures as low as 14° F (-10° C). Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) are also available.

Segway XT Cross-Terrain Transporter

Introducing the Segway XT Cross-Terrain Transporter, a rugged, self-balancing human transporter built to perform in a mix of terrain with minimal environmental impact. The XT's 7-inch-wide all-terrain tires and wide profile make it equally suitable for riding on trails, streets, sidewalks, grass, dirt roads, and even hills. Outfitted with a robust new fender design, extended-range lithium-ion batteries, and specially tuned software, the Segway XT will go practically anywhere you want to go.

The XT was specifically developed for stability, comfort, and performance on rough and uneven terrain. Its low-pressure tires smooth the ride on bumpy surfaces and minimize trail impact, while the transporter's wider track will prove more stable on uneven ground than the original Segway HT. The XT's software has been modified to support the new tire size and to improve handling, with inertial sensors that continually monitor a rider's position relative to gravity. This allows the XT to adjust for changes in terrain while keeping you upright.

The Segway scooter is a very techy toy that is not cheap.  Currently, the Segway costs between $5000 dollars to $7000 dollars depending on the model that is picked.  Of course, it is possible to buy a used model.  Check on eBay a used Segay Scooter PT would run about $4000 dollars give or take a few hundred dollars.  That is a significant savings and the used scooters run just as well as the new.

In terms of speed each Segway PT comes with two operational settings, "beginner" and "standard". Beginner setting is set to 6mph/13kph, and the standard setting is set to 12.5mph/20kph.

As an electric powered scooter the Segway if perfect for the environment.  It admits no emmissions and has a great range to go around to the store and back.  Recharging these scooters is as easy as pluging the scooter up to a household electric socket and leaving it pluged up for half a day to 24 hours.  The recommended charging time is 6 to 8 hrs and it has a range of 8-12 miles per charge.

The Segway has plenty of competition these days.  Home entrepreneurs are producing clones that work just as good as the origninal Segway and are eating into the profit of the Segway niche.  Many have found that is not as hard to duplicate the balancing as once thought it would be.  Right now Segways have found there niche in specialized industries were I am sure they will stay.  Only time will tell if the clones will eat into the profits of the Segway to a point of worry.