Segway Inc. Celebrates 10 Years of ‘Simply Moving’
The Company has grown, changed and is poised for continued global expansion
In December, 2001 the Segway® Personal Transporter (PT), the world’s first and only electric, two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation device was unveiled on Good Morning America. In 2002, the PT became available to customers and a remarkable, new transportation alternative was born.
Since that time, Segway has earned a global presence, is well-known as the world’s leading provider of personal, green transportation alternatives and robotics mobility platforms and will be celebrating its 10 year milestone anniversary throughout 2012! The Company’s flagship product, the PT, continues to be the heart of the business and development of a new model is well underway. However, Segway has also expanded its business further into international, robotics, public safety and tourism markets.
SEGWAY TODAY
Global Growth
In the last several years, Segway’s global presence has grown substantially and its expansion continues.
▪ Europe, Middle East and Africa
These three markets are currently home to a strong and growing network of 49 distributors. The region employs a strategy of marketing the PT as a tool to support businesses, public safety and tourism markets. Nearly 95% of sales are attributed to business-to-business relationships. The region is also fully supported by a service center in Munich, Germany.
▪ Asia Pacific
Segway has aggressively tackled this market by revamping its Asia Pacific territory and adding new distributors. In 2010, Segway opened a service center in Singapore to support the growing region. The approach to developing the Company’s presence in APAC is hands-on and significant growth is expected in 2012.
Robotic Mobility Platform (RMP)
Segway is one of the world’s leading developers of electric propulsion platforms for ground robotics applications. The comprehensive RMP product line includes both two and four wheeled platforms available in a variety of configurations. Each uses advanced PT-based technology and boasts quiet, clean and efficient operation with unmatched versatility, durability and performance.
Segway RMPs are used by academia, research laboratories and robotics integrators across the globe. Segway’s robust electric propulsion system coupled with a flexible user interface results in an open architecture transportation platform for sensors, manipulators and other payloads which suit the needs of a growing number of robotics programs and products.
Chris Crimmins, Applications Sales Engineer, said “The distinct competitive advantage of Segway’s robotic mobility platforms is that we design and produce a wide range of open architecture platforms with a level of flexibility that many other manufacturers simply can not offer.”
Segway Tours
The concept of touring on a Segway PT is not new. However, adding the tourism market to the Company’s business model is. In 2010, Segway launched a new division dedicated to developing Company run tours. Today, nearly a dozen tours are operating throughout the U.S. and Canada and that number is expected to grow. The distinct competitive advantages of Segway Inc. tours:
▪ As the product’s manufacturer, our staff has the expertise to assure a comprehensive product orientation.
▪ They offer the very best tour content because the team works with historical associations and like organizations to develop interesting and informative subject matter.
▪ As safety is a top priority, Segway implements strict guidelines to ensure a smooth glide and a safe experience. Comprehensive riding instruction is provided and helmets are required.
▪ Segway Tour locations have access to the very latest product information and training techniques.
▪ They offer a small guide-to-glider ratio and provide more personal attention.
“We are excited to be in the tour business and offer people a fun way to experience our product while taking in the sights,” said Monique Apter, Vice President of Sales – Americas. “We plan to continue to expand this year to several select areas in the U.S. and Canada.”
The Segway Patroller
Officers working in all areas of public safety have an immense amount of responsibility. To be as effective as possible, they require enhanced visibility and mobility – enter the Segway Patroller. Segway PTs have been deployed in more than 1,200 police departments and public safety organizations across the globe.
In 2011, Segway launched its ‘Patrolling Across America’ program. The 9-month mobile campaign logged 36,000 miles and visited more than 120 police departments in 39 states. Officers were trained, provided PTs to evaluate and educated on multiple procurement programs.
“Taking a hands-on approach with public safety agencies, offering them the opportunity to learn more about the product, train with it and evaluate it in their own environment was invaluable,” said Jamie Marsh, National Accounts Manager. “We expect demand for the Patroller to continue to grow both domestically and internationally.”
SEGWAY IN 2012 AND BEYOND
“It’s exciting to be celebrating the growth and success of Segway at the 10 year mark. We’ve experienced many challenges over the years. However, we’ve remained focused on moving forward, being innovative, advancing technology, developing products, expanding our target markets and earning a global presence,” said Wayne Mitchell, CEO. “This year, we’ll reflect on all that has been achieved in a decade knowing we are poised for continued expansion in 2012 and beyond.”
To learn more about Segway Inc., please read our Company Milestones!
Cox Farms in Virginia Patrols the Fall Festival with Segway x2s!
Cox Farms is located in Centreville, Virginia about 30 miles from Washington, DC. The ranch sprawls across 90+ acres and is well-known for its Fall Festival, which is held annually from September to November. Becky Thompson, Festival Captain, says, “The festival is a local tradition. It appeals to every generation because it truly offers something for everyone.” The event features activities ranging from hayrides and a cornfield adventure to giant slides and rope swings to a petting zoo and live local entertainment. Several thousand visitors per day come to enjoy this wonderful autumn tradition. As you can imagine, the staff managing the event has a great deal of ground to cover in order to ensure that all is running smoothly and patrons are both safe and happy. How do they manage it all effectively? They glide on Segway x2s!
The festival environment can present a variety of serious situations — from children and parents who have been separated to medical emergencies. The x2 allows staff gliders to safely and quickly move through crowds and reach a scene in seconds. However, typically the x2s are used to oversee customer service and patrol fairgrounds.
“Segway x2s are safe, effective and fun! Visitors love to engage with our riders, asking all sorts of questions about how they work, how fast they can go and if they can take a glide — unfortunately, the answer has to be no,” said Aaron Cox, Farm Owner. “Our x2s provide our staff with an incredibly practical mode of transportation and help us easily interact with festival patrons. We love them!”
Segway’s 2011 Sponsorship of MotoCzysz Racing – A Tremendous Success!
Did you know that Segway Inc. became the official title sponsor of MotoCzysz Racing in 2011? The goal was to promote electric motorsports and personal transportation – and what a year it was!
MotoCzysz’s latest model, the E1pc, performed incredibly well on the circuit. Its design harnesses increased onboard energy, nearly doubling horsepower while simultaneously reducing the bike’s overall weight. This provided a distinct competitive advantage on the track and translated to podium finishes at some of the world’s most prestigious electric motorcycle races. The wins, all earned on the same E1pc bike, included:
- Michael Rutter and Mark Miller securing first and second place respectively
in the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Zero Race. - Michael Czysz himself taking second place at the FIM e-Power/TTXGP International Championship Race, which is held in conjunction with the U.S. Red Bull Grand Prix, one of America’s largest motorcycling events.
- Shane Turpin, riding to a first place finish at the final electric race of the season, the USBA/TTXGP Event at Miller Motorsports Park.
“The level of technological innovation that was achieved with MotoCzysz’s E1pc in the past year was a marvel,” said Wayne Mitchell, CEO of Segway Inc. “Winning these races did wonders to solidify its reputation as the world’s most technologically advanced electric bike and helped to build the market’s interest in electric transportation.”
For more information on Segway Racing, please visit the Segway Racing Media Center or download our Segway Racing Media Kit.
We’ll Be Back…In a Big Way!
You may have noticed that our blog has been on hiatus for a short time, but that’s about to change. In 2012, we’ll be back in a big way!
We’ve missed keeping you informed and we’re sure that you’ve missed us too. This blog will be under construction for the next few weeks as we work to get you caught up on all things Segway. We look forward to being back in touch.
Leasing Options for Businesses Now Available!
Money May not grow on trees,
but it’ll feel like that with our new leasing program!
Could you benefit from Segway on the job?
Could your business use an increase in customer interaction?
What about something that grabs attention and differentiates your business from the competition?
Have you ever thought Segway PTs on the job could help you achieve all of the above and more, and then wished if only money grew on trees?
Well, Segway Inc. is proud to offer US businesses leasing options as low as $195 per month* with an enhanced warranty. Acquiring a fleet for your business has never been easier!
Financing is the best way to acquire the equipment needed for productivity. Susquehanna® Commercial Finance, Inc. is the preferred commercial & municipal finance provider for Segway PTs. They offer flexible payment options, no down payment for qualified applicants and you can even include most out-of-pocket expenses such as Segway PT accessories, delivery and training!
Click here to request more information!
*For well qualified U.S. businesses and municipalities
The Segway Personal Transporter (PT) offers businesses the ability to increase productivity, run the organization more efficiently and make transportation fleet more environmentally friendly.
Lease a Segway PT for your business today!
