-Top speed: 12.5 miles per hour (20 kph). This is about three times typical walking speed. -Weight: 83 lbs (38 kg) -Width: The Segway's footprint (how much space it covers on the ground) is 19 by 25 inches (48 by 63.5 cm). This makes the Segway about the same width as an average size person, so it doesn't take up much space on the street. The platform is 8.3 inches (21 cm) off the ground. -Weight capacity: Maximum payload 260 pounds (118 kg) which is a combination of rider and cargo. Rider should be in the 100-250 pound range (110 kg), with up to 75 pounds (34 kg) of cargo. -Range: About 8-12 miles (13-19 km) on even ground, with a single charge. Operating temperature between 32F -122F (0-50C). -Driver interface: The Segway has a small multicolor LCD screen that tells the driver how much battery power is left and how well the vehicle is functioning. The screen displays a cartoon face, which expresses the general condition of the vehicle. The driver interface is designed to be simple and intuitive. -Motors: Each of the Segway's wheels is driven by a 2-horsepower electric motor that produce no emissions. -Transmission: The two-stage transmission, built by Segway and Axicon Technologies, has a compact 24:1 gear ratio. It uses a helical gear assembly that significantly reduces noise. The Segway team configured the two meshes in the gear box (the points where gears connect) to make sound exactly two octaves apart. This means the sounds are in harmony, so the gear box make a more musical noise. The gears are also designed to have noninteger gear ratios, meaning the gear teeth mesh at different points from revolution to revolution. This minimizes wear and tear to extend the life of the gear box. -Computer: The Segway's brain is made up of two circuit boards, housed in the vehicle's chassis. The circuit boards, which boast a total of 10 microprocessors, normally work together, but each can function independently in the event of a computer problem. If one breaks, the other circuit board will slow the vehicle down gradually to avoid an accident. -Power: The Segway is powered by two rechargeable batteries. Segways were expected to come with either nickel cadmium (NiCd) or nickel metal hydride (NIMH) batteries, yet i167 models shipped only with NiMH batteries. The batteries are constantly monitored by a circuit board, which communicates any performance problems to the central brain. The batteries can be recharged with household AC current. Dean Kamen estimates a Segway would cost somewhere around 5 cents a day in electricity bills. -Sensors: The Segway uses five gyroscopes and a collection of other tilt sensors to keep itself upright. Only three gyroscopes are needed -- the extra sensors are included as a safety precaution. The Segway has an additional weight sensor built into its platform to tell the computer when a rider has stepped on. -Brakes: The Segway doesn't have a formal braking system. To stop, the rider stands upright without leaning forward or backward, and the vehicle maintains its position. -Turning radius: Since it only has two wheels, the Segway can rotate around a single axis (the wheels turn in opposite directions). This gives the Segway a turning radius of zero. -Wheels: The Segway wheel consists of a forged steel wheel hub with a glass-reinforced thermoplastic rim. Each wheel is secured to the drive shaft with a single nut. The tires are made of a silica compound, which provides good traction even on wet surfaces. -Security: The Segway uses an electronic key system. The key, which looks something like a car lighter, stores a 128-bit encrypted digital code. The vehicle won't start unless the key is plugged into its port. The key can also store settings for vehicle operation. Segways include one key (black) for "beginner mode," where the vehicle has a lower maximum speed and slower turning rotation, an intermediate (yellow) key, and one key (red) for "experienced mode." Segway plans to offer programmable keys down the road, which well let users store particular operation settings. -Chassis: The Segway's sensitive electronic equipment is housed in a sturdy die-cast aluminum chassis. According to Segway, the chassis can withstand 7 tons of force. -Control shaft: The aluminum shaft that holds up the Segway's handlebars can be adjusted to different heights. Riders can attach clips to the shaft to carry bags or other cargo.
