With an 12mph top speed, the Segway could not be said to be fast. It is surely set to turn heads though.
The design is a cross between a child’s scooter and a pogo stick. The rider stands aboard a small platform between the two wheels. From the platform extends a long shaft with handlebars at the top.
To operate the device the rider simply tilts and the Segway tilt sensors detects what the rider intends and reacts accordingly. Steering is effected with a handlebar control.With a 15 mile range under ideal conditions, the Segway is obviously not for long journeys, but the device could easily find a niche.
The legal position is still to be sorted out for the UK, but most US states allow the use of the Segway.
Perhaps the biggest stumbling block though is the price: with £65M in development costs to recoup, the £3000 price tag is understandable but will limit the market considerably.