- Goal: The Segway sought to replace conventional cars in cities with a compact, self-balancing device.
- Drawbacks: However, many alternatives already existed—bicycles, scooters, and simply walking—that served urban commuters better.
- Speed and Range: The original model, the PT, reached a maximum speed of 10 mph with a range of about 10 miles.
- Self-Leveling Tech: Its innovative tilt and gyroscopic sensors kept it upright, but human riders were already adept at maintaining balance on bikes and scooters.
- Public Perception: Instead of projecting a "futuristic vibe," users often looked awkward, resembling security personnel on patrol.
- Marketing Failure: The device failed to create the desired futuristic image, leading to a lack of consumer interest.
- Projected sales of 500,000 units annually were far off the mark.
- By 2009, ownership shifted to a British businessman who tragically died while using the device.
- Production ceased in 2020 with only 140,000 units produced, prompting many to joke that the Segway was "barely bigger than Betamax."
Despite its ambitious vision and innovative technology, the Segway failed to capture the imagination of consumers. It struggled against established alternatives, suffered from negative public perceptions, and ultimately concluded with dismal sales. This left a legacy of what could have been in urban transportation.
