Segway Milestones

Most of you know that I have a "List With Jay For a Free Segway" program available to qualified sellers that list their homes For Sale with me.  But have you ever wondered how the Segway got its beginning?  Or where it's headed?

For those of you that want to know more about this most amazing lean, green, eco-friendly machine, here's the history (thus far):

July 27, 1999

Renowned inventor Dean Kamen founded a new company with the vision to develop highly-efficient, zero-emission transportation solutions using “dynamic stabilization” technology. The Company’s research and development was focused on creating devices that took up a minimal amount of space, were extremely maneuverable and could operate on pedestrian sidewalks and pathways.

February 2001

The Company broke ground for its manufacturing plant in Bedford, New Hampshire. Construction was completed in November 2001.

December 1, 2001

The Company adopted the name Segway from the word segue, which means to "to transition smoothly from one state to another".

December 3, 2001

Segway unveiled the Segway® Personal Transporter (PT), the first self-balancing transportation device, to the public for the first time.

February 15, 2002

The first state bill allowing Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMDs) to operate on sidewalks is signed into law in the Company’s home state of New Hampshire. Within the year, a total of 31 states passed laws allowing the Segway PT to operate on sidewalks.

March 29, 2002

Segway auctioned three limited edition Segway PTs on Amazon.com to benefit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit organization founded by Dean Kamen. The auction generated a combined total of $364,800.00 for FIRST and drew more than 500 bids from across the country. Segway PT #1 sold for $160,100, Segway #2 for $104,100, and Segway #3 for $100,600.

November 8, 2002

Popular Science Magazine awarded the Segway PT with a 2002 Best of What's New Award in the general technology category. Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and innovations each year to honor the world's most outstanding breakthroughs. The Segway PT was among only 100 winners.

November 18, 2002

Segway Personal Transporters went on sale to the public for the first time on Amazon.com. The Company hosted an Early Delivery Essay Contest and 30 lucky winners received their Segway PTs before the holiday gift-giving season, a tour of Segway headquarters and dinner with Dean Kamen.

August 29, 2003

Two hundred Segway PT owners and enthusiasts gathered in Chicago, Ill. for the first SegwayFest, an event created, organized and implemented by Segway PT owners to celebrate the Segway PT ownership experience.

March 22, 2004

The Company announced its 2004 U.S. dealer expansion program to recruit qualified dealers to distribute, market and sell the company’s line of Segway PTs, accessories and associated services.

October 2004

The U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration released a study entitled “Characteristics of Emerging Road Users & Their Safety”. It was undertaken to clarify the operational characteristics of both motorized and non-motorized transportation users. The Segway PT was found to have the second shortest braking distance, highest eye heights, one of the smallest footprints, and quickest perception-reaction time. The Segway PT met or exceeded all recommendations made by the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide to the Development of Bicycle Facilities.

November 29, 2004

TIME Magazine features Segway's four-wheeled prototype which can operate either statically balanced or balanced on its rear wheels as one of the “Best Inventions of 2004” in its Nov. 29th issue.

March 1, 2005

Segway announced the Segway Cross-Terrain Transporter (XT) and Segway Golf Transporter (GT), as well as a refresh of the flagship i Series model. Each new product is equipped with extended-range Saphion® Lithium-ion batteries.

December 12, 2005

In a ceremony held at Epcot® at Walt Disney World® Resort, the ten thousandth participant in the “Around the World at Epcot” tour was honored with a Segway PT from Segway Inc. “Around the World at Epcot” is a two-hour guided tour that allows guests to operate a Segway PT throughout World Showcase before the area opens for other park guests.

August 14, 2006

Segway takes self-balancing technology to the next level with the introduction of the second generation Segway PT. The new Segway product line includes the versatile Segway i2 and a cross-terrain model called the Segway x2, as well as six product packages tailored to specific commercial, police and consumer market segments and riding environments. All the products feature breakthrough LeanSteer™ technology and a wireless InfoKey™ controller that enhance the Segway experience by making the ride even more intuitive and adding new and useful functions.

August 14, 2006

Segway launches a new marketing campaign today to introduce the second generation Segway PT. The company’s new tagline, “Simply Moving”, and supporting communications focus on Segway’s innovative technology and the many practical ways consumers and commercial customers are incorporating Segway PTs into their everyday routines.

May, 2007

Growing global interest spurs Segway’s worldwide distribution presence to more than 250 retail points in 60 countries.

September 10, 2007

On the eve of the International Motor Show (IAA), Segway Inc. and General Motors Europe (GME) announce a design collaboration resulting in a comprehensive solution for eco-friendly mobility – the Opel Flextreme concept car with integrated Segway PTs.

April 15, 2008

Segway launches Segway Social, an online social networking site for Segway PT owners and enthusiasts. Owners can connect with others nearby, map glides and tag places, and upload photos of their experiences, celebrating the Segway lifestyle.
May 1, 2008

Segway introduces a new Segway PT i2 model color! We call it Metallic Sage, a unique stylish finish with dynamic appeal that grabs the changing light as you move. The new color complements the existing anodized black and gloss white color options.

September 20, 2008

Segway sponsors Bicycle For A Day, at the South Street Seaport in NYC. The first-of-its-kind alternative transportation event, where people are encouraged to leave their gas-powered motor vehicles at home and use alternate forms of transportation on that day, including biking, walking, skating and electric personal transportation.

October, 2008

Over 1,000 police and security agencies are using Segway PTs in their patrolling operations.

March, 2009

Segway Social users log more than 1 million miles on their Segway PTs.

April 7, 2009

Segway announces the Project P.U.M.A. prototype as part of an ongoing collaboration with General Motors (GM). The prototype leverages existing dynamic stabilization technology and electric propulsion to address growing urban congestion and pollution issues.

March 24, 2010

Segway introduces the EN-V Project at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China. In collaboration with General Motors/SAIC, the concept sets a vision for transportation in 2030. A fully-functional two-person vehicle with advanced dynamics, connectivity, and sensory capabilities, it combats urban congestion while being environmentally-friendly and fun.

There you have it...the history of the SEGWAY.  Maybe I'll be giving away PUMAs in future years!  Stay tuned.