Segway launches two-seat, self-balancing scooter

Segway has unveiled a two-seat version of its stand-up electric scooter.

The PUMA (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility project) will be manufactured by American car maker General Motors with production starting in 2012.

The vehicle uses Lithium-ion batteries to give a range of 35 miles and a top speed of 35mph.

The self-balancing Puma is a marvel of expensive technology – its gyroscopes, tilt sensors and high-speed microprocessors cost over $100million to develop.

A high retail cost and restrictions on use have meant only 30,000 examples of the original Segway have sold in 6 years.

Segway PT remains illegal in Britain

It is currently illegal in Britain to use the Segway PT (pictured below)on roads, pavements or parks – in other words, anywhere other than on private property. The Segway is designed so that its electric motor does the job of mechanical brakes, but the Department of Transport cites this as a safety concern.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “It is likely that the Segway will one day find itself in a museum alongside the Sinclair C5, another expensive electric vehicle that failed because it was unable to compete with the bicycle.”

Segways are used in America on military bases and industrial sites and by police patrols. Despite the fact they are allowed to be used on pavements in most parts of America, their high price has meant that Segways have not been bought by the public in large numbers.

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides motorists and cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.