New Hampshire's Segway Inc., manufacturer of the Segway Human Transporter, says it is introducing two new models of the battery-powered machines. Being introduced is a $4,995 street version known as the i2 and a $5,495 all-terrain model, the x2, which can travel across dirt, gravel, grass or sand, The New York Times reported.
Both can reach a hit maximum speed of 12.5 miles per hour and can operate about 24 miles before batteries need recharging.
Klee Kleber, Segway's vice president for marketing, said the new models incorporated a technology the Bedford, N.H., company calls LeanSteer, which enables the riders to just lean in whatever direction they want to go.
Also new is a wireless controller that allows a user to start the vehicle from a distance, set the speed of the unit, records trip information such as speed and mileage and sounds an alarm when someone else steps on the vehicle.
Kleber told the Times sales have increased about 40 percent a year, with about 40 percent of Segways being sold to commercial buyers, such as airports and police departments.
Source: United Press International
