The name Segway is synonymous with tech failure. After all, inventor Dean Kamen once thought that his two-wheeled scooters would become a substitute for cars. He pictured a future where people buzzed to the supermarket, library, or work on their Segway PT scooters.
We are all aware that didn’t happen. The Segway is still around and it isn’t an entirely unusual site to see someone taking a Segway out for a “drive” around the block. For a “failed” technology, that is a pretty impressive feat!
But just how do these two-wheeled scooters work? Electric motors hold the key.
Powering the Segway
Electric motors fueled by phosphate-based lithium batteries power the Segway. The scooters are easily charged by just plugging them into a standard electrical socket. Due to a combination of two computers, special software, tilt sensors, and five gyroscopic sensors the Segway remains upright and doesn’t fall over.
Making the Segway Move
The sensors register if the user shifts their body weight to change the direction and speed of movement. In other words, when you want to move forward at a quicker pace, you would pull the handlebars closer to your body and lean forward slightly. The Segway’s present top speed is 12.5 mph and is best suited for areas with plenty of wide, flat sidewalk space.
Lowered Expectations
Experts touted that the Segway would become a bigger deal that Internet. Plainly the device did not live up to that level of hype!
Of course, we all know what happened. The Segway looked strange, and people looked bizarre riding it. Which was enough to prevent the Segway from taking off as its promoters anticipated.
