The Story of Segway: A Legacy of Innovation in Personal Transportation
Founded in 1999 by renowned inventor Dean Kamen, Segway began as a bold vision to revolutionize short-distance mobility. From its early roots in New Hampshire, where the company established its headquarters and manufacturing facility in 2001, Segway quickly captured public attention with the debut of its first product—the Segway Human Transporter (later renamed the Personal Transporter or PT)—unveiled live on Good Morning America in December 2001.
Throughout the early 2000s, Segway continued to refine and expand its technology. The PT became commercially available in 2002 via Amazon, followed by early work with DARPA that led to the development of the Robotic Mobility Platform (RMP) in 2003. Segway gained acclaim for pushing boundaries, including a concept four-wheel ATV named one of TIME Magazine’s “Best Inventions of 2004.”
In 2005, Segway introduced its first off-road model, the Cross-Terrain Transporter (XT), and a year later debuted the second-generation PT with LeanSteer™ technology and a wireless InfoKey™ controller—innovations that enhanced both performance and user experience.
Segway’s reputation for clean, reliable, and futuristic transportation earned it a place at global events like the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where over 100 Segway PTs were deployed for delegates. In 2009, the company expanded into the public safety market with the introduction of Patroller models designed specifically for law enforcement and security personnel.
Ownership of the company changed hands in 2009 with its acquisition by British entrepreneur Jimi Heselden, followed by another transfer in 2013 to Summit Strategic Investments, LLC, which brought new energy to Segway’s product development. During this period, the company launched notable updates including the i2 SE and x2 SE models and unveiled its first three-wheel transporter, the SE-3 Patroller, tailored for security professionals.
In 2015, Segway entered a new chapter through a strategic combination with Chinese robotics and mobility company Ninebot, Inc. The newly merged entity set its sights on leading innovation in short-distance personal transport, culminating in the launch of the Ninebot by Segway miniPRO—a hands-free personal transporter designed for the consumer market.
From cutting-edge transporters and robotics platforms to global adoption and corporate reinvention, Segway’s story remains one of continuous evolution, driven by a commitment to innovation, safety, and redefining the way people move.
