Segway

Assalamualaikum dan Salam Sejahtera

Segway? Have you heard about Segway? Segway PT, is a two wheeled self balancing electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. It's produced by Segway inc. of New Hampshire , USA. The name "Segway" is a homophone "segue" (a smooth transition , literally Italian for "follows") . PT is an initial for 'personal transporter'.

Computers and motors in the base of the device keep the Segway PT upright when powered on with balancing enabled. Users lean forward to go forward, lean back to go backward, and turn by using a "Lean Steer" handlebar, leaning it left or right. Segway PTs are driven by electric motors at up to 20 km/h (12 mile/h).

Gyroscopic sensors are used to detect tilting of the device which indicates a departure from perfect balance. Motors driving the wheels are commanded as needed to bring the PT back into balance.

In 2003 the company sold 6,000 units, and by September 2006 approximately 23,500 had been sold.In May 2006, Segway Inc. reported that the city of Chicago had signed a five-year, $580,000 contract to purchase up to 100 Segway GTs, associated accessories, replacement parts and service, for use in several city departments, including Police, Fire, Airport Operations and Emergency Management. It was the largest municipal contract the company had signed.

Models of Segway ..

1. Segway i167 : Titanium color base. One of the first two Segway HTs released.

2. Segway e167 : The same as the i167, but with the Electronic Kickstand (allowing the HT to stay balanced without a rider). The e167 also came standard with the upper and lower cargo structures.

3. Segway p133 : Human Transporter - Smaller platform and wheels and less powerful motors than the i and e Series. Top speed was 4.5 m/s in the p-Series.

4. Segway i170 : Midnight Blue color base. Otherwise, the same as the i167.

5. Segway i180 : Available with Sport Red, Solar Yellow, and Midnight Blue colored fenders. Optional Saphion Lithium-ion batteries.

6. Segway XT : The first Segway HT designed specifically for recreation.

The Segway's i-Series model's maximum speed is 12.5 mph (approximately 20 km/h). Maximum power is 2 horsepower (1500 watts) per servo motor. The i-Series is capable of covering 15–25 miles (25–40 km) on a fully charged lithium ion battery, depending on terrain, riding style, and the condition of the batteries.

It takes 8-10 hours to complete a full balancing and recharging cycle. For each 15 minutes of time re-charging, the batteries regain a mile of charge. The batteries also recharge while riding downhill and stopping, and by the Segway being pushed while turned off. The p-Series is capable of covering 6–10 miles (10–16 km) on a fully charged nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, depending on terrain. It takes 4–6 hours to recharge, and regains 1 mile for every 30 minutes charging.

In 2006, series i2 and x2, were released, replacing the older lineup:

7. i2 : Uses the new LeanSteer and InfoKey technologies.

8. x2 : The new XT model, same upgrades, with its own special software for off-road use. Can be equipped with a golf bag carrier, replacing the GT model. Turf Tires Available.

Specialized variants of the i2 are sold under different names like:

9. Segway GT — Golf Transporter
10.Segway PT i2 Ferrari Edition

The newer models i2 and x2 weigh 105 lb and 120 lb (48 and 54 kg) respectively.

In May 2008, Segway introduced a new "Metallic Sage" color for the i2 model, in addition to the original white and black colors available.

Wahaha how about the Price...?

In the US the price of the various Segway models ranges from $5,350 to $6,400. [Woo hoo! It's
RM 19376.66 ~ RM 23179.56 ]

Segway's can be rented in some American and European cities for around €70 ($110 USD) per day [around RM 398.40 !!!]

Aha... it's all money matter... Same for ASIMO ....

Further Reading

The list of Segway's products can be seen here!
http://www.segway.com/individual/models/index.php

Pictures

Segway Logo

Segway x2 Golf [aah it's suit for me..]

Segway x2

Segway i2

Segway i2 [lean]

Video!!