Segway Ends Production: A Look Back at the Iconic Vehicle

After nearly two decades of production, Segway will no longer make its namesake two-wheeled vehicle after mid-July. Touted as a personal mode of transportation that would make cars obsolete for short trips, the Segway was more often used on city sightseeing tours. Its steep price tag, which could be up to US$10,000, along with a patchy safety record, meant it was never widely adopted by the public when it debuted in 2001.

The Segway scooter, with a top speed of 10mph, was self-balancing. However, riders and even bystanders would often overcorrect, leading to accidents or injuries. Notable incidents included former US president George W. Bush falling off a Segway in 2003, and champion sprinter Usain Bolt being knocked over by a cameraman’s Segway in 2015. Moreover, just ten months after acquiring the company, British millionaire Jimi Heselden tragically died in 2010 after falling from a cliff while riding one.

Initially hyped by Apple founder Steve Jobs, who predicted it would be ‘bigger than the PC,’ the iconic vehicle faced extensive mockery. It was famously featured in the 2009 film Paul Blart: Mall Cop, where actor Kevin James portrayed an overzealous security guard patrolling a shopping center on a Segway. Additionally, Weird Al Yankovic parodied it in his music video for ‘White and Nerdy’.

In a statement, Segway president Judy Cai acknowledged the disappointment this decision may cause for its strong and loyal following among private owners, who regarded the Segway as one of the more innovative creations of the early 21st century.

The company was acquired by Ninebot, its Chinese rival, in 2015. Furthermore, Ninebot disclosed that Segway accounted for less than 1.5% of its revenue last year. About 140,000 Segways have been sold since the company was founded, marking a significant chapter in the evolution of personal transportation.