Segways

Segways are two-wheeled electric vehicles that balance all by themselves. You stand on a platform and lean forward to go. Lean back to stop. Segways use computers and gyroscopes to stay upright. They were invented in 2001 and became popular for tours and security patrols.

How Segways Balance

Segways use sensors called gyroscopes to detect when you lean. A computer checks your balance about 100 times per second. If you lean forward, the wheels spin forward to keep you from falling. It's like how you balance a broomstick on your hand by moving your hand under it.

Where You See Segways

Segways are popular for city tours because they are easy and fun to ride. Police and security guards use them to patrol large areas like airports and malls. They can go about 12 miles per hour and travel up to 24 miles on one charge. Similar self-balancing scooters have become popular too.

Fun Facts

• When the Segway was announced, the inventor said it would be as important as the personal computer.
• Segways check your balance 100 times every second to keep you upright.
• It takes most people only about 30 seconds to learn how to ride a Segway.

Did You Know?

The inventor of the Segway, Dean Kamen, also invented a special wheelchair that can climb stairs! He loves creating machines that help people get around in new ways.