Segway moves into automotive industry

Dubbed Project PUMA (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility), the new vehicle uses Segway’s computer expertise with General Motors to produce a two person car that can drive on two wheels at around 35mph.

“We are excited to be working together to demonstrate a dramatically different approach to urban mobility,” said Jim Norrod, chief executive of Segway.

“There’s an emotional connection you get when using Segway products. The Project P.U.M.A. prototype embodies this completely through the combination of dynamic stabilisation, seamless drive-by-wire controls, and sophisticated battery systems to complete the connection between the rider, environment, and others.”

The prototype vehicle can travel around 30-40 miles between charges and, on current prices would cost around 60 cents to recharge. No prices have been released as yet.

The Segway system uses computer processors to automatically balance a platform using just two wheels. It is currently in use for mobility scooters used by the disabled, as well as a form of transport by presidents, police and polo players.