Have you ever wondered who invented the Segway? The Segway electric vehicle, created by an inventor named Dean Kamen, is a distinct unit with a self-balancing, two-wheeled design. Many experts and consumers often consider it as one of the most outstanding breakthroughs in the world. In this post, we’ll show you a brief history of this innovative vehicle.
Who Invented the Segway?
As said above, the Segway was created by Dean Kamen, a prominent engineer with more than 440 patents in the US and other countries. The Segway is originated from the previous balancing technology that Kamen developed in the IBOT Mobility system in 1990. He came up with this idea after seeing a man attempting to get the wheelchair over the sidewalk curb. In the beginning, it was a 6-wheeled motorized wheelchair which enables the handicapped people to climb stairs. In addition, it could lift them to the eye level.
The Segway featured a compact design that does not take up too much space. The vehicle offered extreme maneuverability and works on most pathways and pedestrian sidewalks. Additionally, it produced zero emissions. The Segway LLC was founded in 2000 in New Hampshire with 130 employees, to develop and manufacture the Segway HT.
The Introduction of Segway to the Market
The first Segway HT was launched to the public in 2001. It grasped the attention of many people because celebrities used it on national TV. On February 2002, legislation was approved that allowed Segways to be used on sidewalks. On November of the same year, the vehicle was distributed at the price of $3000. However, a software issue had resulted in some safety issues and caused a recall in 2006. These days, however, you can still see these vehicles in many urban areas, especially parks and public spaces.
Bottom Line
The answer to “who invented the Segway” is Dean Kamen. Segway is quickly becoming a popular mode of transportation in many parts of the world. With many advanced features and compact designs, these units can be a great option for moving in the short distance. Over time, we will definitely see more developments to make it better.