Frequently Asked Questions

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Definitions:

PT – Personal Transporter; the new generic name for all first- and second-generation Segway self-balancing machines; formerly known as HT or Human Transporter

First-generation – Segway PTs produced from early 2002 until mid-2006; AKA “Gen I”

Second-generation – Segway PTs produced from mid-2006 onward; AKA “Gen II”

Base – a factory-built configuration of a Segway Personal Transporter with no accessories; with Gen II, there are two base offerings, the i2 and the x2

Model – synonymous with Base (see above)

Packages – groups of accessories that are bundled together with an i2 or x2 Personal Transporter and offered at one price, often at a discount vs. individual part pricing.  Packages are focused on specific ways to use the PT such as Police, Commuter or Cargo

Parts – hardware that is included in the base PT and is usually required for normal operation (e.g., wheels, tires, batteries, fenders, handlebars, mats)

Accessories – items that provide additional functionality and are not generally included in the base machine, but may be included in packages.  Examples of accessories include lights, cargo bags, racks and comfort mats.

InfoKey™ controller – wireless device used to turn the PT on and off, engage “beginner” setting, set the alarm, view battery charge level and operational mode status, and utilize the various information functions (speed, distance traveled, odometer, time, date).

Lean Steer™ frame – replaces the Gen I control shaft and handlebar assembly with a new tubular metal shaft that allows riders to turn the Segway PT by pivoting the whole assembly or “frame” in the direction they wish to turn.

Q:        What is the availability of my current model of Segway PT?
A:        The following models are no longer being produced:  i167, i170, i180, XT, GT, p133, and e167.  Availability of these models will be based on inventory currently in the marketplace. 

Q:        Will I still be able to purchase replacement parts and obtain service for my current model of Segway PT?
A:        Yes.  Replacement parts are available for an estimated three-year time frame from the last wholesale delivery of the product.  Parts for “first-generation” Segway PTs would therefore be available until summer 2009.  Note that in standard industry practice, some parts used for service might be refurbished parts reclaimed from units in the field. 

Q:        Will I be able to purchase accessories for my current model of Segway PT?
A:            Segway and its distribution partners will continue to offer accessories for first-generation Segway PTs as long as market demand exists for those accessories.  We expect to continue to stock the main items through 2007.

Q:        Is it possible to upgrade my current model of Segway PT to resemble and function as a Gen II model?
A:        No.  There are many new features in the new Segway PTs, as well as many new parts, which do not allow you to convert your Gen I into a Gen II.  However, the new lithium-ion batteries can be used with a Gen I Segway PT, if that unit has been upgraded to 14.0 or higher software.  Gen I lithium-ion batteries can be used on a Gen II Segway PT with a software upgrade to the batteries themselves.  NiMH batteries will not work on Gen II products; although it is physically possible to attach them, the Gen II Segway PT will not operate with them.

Q:        Are the new accessory offerings compatible with my current model of Segway PT?
A:        Some accessories are compatible.  For example, the new lock is compatible with Gen I units, and items such as lights and ramps work with all Segway PTs as well.  However, many items were designed specifically for the new Segway PTs and are not compatible with previous models.

Q:        Is there a trade-in program for upgrading to the new model types?
A:        A first-generation Segway PT cannot be upgraded to create a second-generation PT.  Although Segway Inc. does not offer a formal trade-in program through its Bedford headquarters, many dealers and distributors offer trade-in credit. 

 
Evolution from first-generation to second-generation Segway PTs:

Q:        Why did you change from HT to PT?
A:        The generic name “Human Transporter” (HT) has been replaced with “Personal Transporter” (PT).  This new name is a more approachable and easy-to-remember term, and works better in international markets.  All written documentation and official communication will transition to the “PT” name.

Q:        When will the Segway i2 and x2 be shipping?
A:            Shipments of the i2 will begin in August with the x2 to follow soon after in the fall.  The first PTs will serve as demonstration units at dealer sites until our production increases in September.

Q:        When will I be able to buy these new products internationally?
A:        Many of the first units built will serve as demonstration units at international locations.  However, larger volumes of product are planned to be available internationally in September.

Q:        Will there be any differences in your service program for the Segway i2 and x2 compared with the earlier models?
A:        A number of new service programs are being rolled out domestically and internationally to improve service levels.

Q:        My organization has been using a training program based on the Gen I Segway PT.  How do we transition our training to the Gen II PTs?
A:        In product testing, the LeanSteer function proved to be universally popular, in part because with proper training, and after reading the user materials, it is easy to become skilled at riding the Gen II Segway PT.  New riders should follow the new user materials as normal.  Experienced riders should review the new product user materials to learn the differences.

Q:        Will you be selling the new products through any new channels of distribution?
A:        The second generation of the Segway PT will be sold through more than 200 independent distributors, dealers and retail points around the planet.  Some direct commercial sales will also occur, typically with the participation of a local dealer as per current practice.

 
Segway PT Feature, Functionality and Pricing Questions:

Q:        Do the new models utilize the same balancing technology found in the previous Segway PT’s?
A:        Yes, the same dynamic stabilization technology is utilized in the new models.  Some parts of the balance sensor assembly (BSA) and other parts of the machine have changed to take advantage of new technology, but the fundamental principles used in creating the original Segway PT have remained consistent.  New technology has been added where appropriate to support the new LeanSteer and wireless InfoKey controller functionality.

Q:        What is the price of the new models in comparison to the previous Segway PT models?
A:        The i2, which replaces the i180 with lithium-ion batteries, will retail at $4995 in the U.S.  The x2 will sell for $5495 in the U.S., which is a $500 increase over the XT.  The various upgrade packages are priced between $400-500 more than the base models, depending on which package is purchased. This is consistent with first-generation Segway PT package pricing.  The x2 Golf package replaces the Segway GT.  With the x2 Golf package on the x2 model, its price is $5995, consistent with x2 pricing.  International pricing is different in each country; please refer to the individual country distributors for details.

Q:        How many speed settings does the new product have?
A:        The second-generation Segway PT has two operational settings, “beginner” setting and “standard” setting.  Beginner setting is set to 8mph/13kph, and the standard setting is set to 12.5mph/20kph.

Q:        Do I still need to shut the Segway PT off to change speed settings?
A:        No.  Unlike on earlier models, you do not need to turn off the Gen II Segway PT in order to change the speed setting.  You only need to step off the Segway PT to change speed settings.

Q:        What is the range of the new Segway i2 and x2?
A:        The range of the Gen II Segway PT is the same as the preceding Gen I models.  i2 range is 16-24 miles/25-40km.  x2 range is 9-12 miles/14-19km.

Q:        Is the new parking stand better than the one on the first generation Segway PT?
A:            Customer feedback on the first-generation parking stand indicated that two features were desired:  more strength and more stability.  The optional parking stand on the new product delivers improvements in both of these areas.

Q:        Why isn’t the parking stand included in the standard PT?
A:        The new parking stand is much stronger than the original parking stand. The new design is much larger and more obvious when attached to the base machine, and many customers do not use parking stands, preferring to lean the machine against walls or locking points.  Parking stands were also not available on p Series or XT products, with very few customer requests to add them.  Based on all of this information, the decision was made to let individual customers decide if the parking stand is appropriate for them. The parking stand is included in some packages, such as the i2 Commuter where it is likely the Segway PT will often be parked unattended.

Q:        Is there a power assist mode on the Segway PT?
A:        The Gen II Segway PT does not have the same power assist mode as the Gen I model.  The no-rider balance mode was a simpler way to move the unit up and down stairs and over obstacles and curbs.  The Gen II PT retains the no-rider balance mode for this type of operation.

Q:        What are the rider weight limits?
A:            Payload limits are identical for Gen I and Gen II machines.
The fully-loaded weight limit is 260lbs/118kg.  Riders can weigh up to 250lbs/113kg, and cargo can weigh up to 50lbs/22kg, but the combined weight cannot exceed the total limit.

Q:        Why are you offering only black and white models?
A:        While we offered some color choices on the i180, we wanted the new Segway PTs to have a sleek, clean look.  The black LeanSteer frame is anodized, providing a very durable finish.  The white LeanSteer frame is painted with a gloss finish, and can easily be customized along with the matching white console cover.  The fenders are not painted and have a very durable finish that will stay looking new longer.

Q:        Will you be offering other colors in the future?
A:        We may modify and expand the color offering in the future.

 
InfoKey Controller Questions:

Q:        How many wireless InfoKey controllers come with the Segway PT?
A:        One wireless Infokey controller is included in the box with each Segway PT.  One additional InfoKey controller is available free of charge, upon product registration, which can be completed by visiting

http://www.segway.com/infokey/

. The additional InfoKey controller will be mailed to the person or entity that purchased the product and completes the registration.

Q:        We control the speed at which our employees can ride our Segway PTs.  Can we do the same thing with the Segway PT?
A:        Yes, each InfoKey controller can be locked into the beginner setting by a special sequence of button-presses.  Further customization is possible by programming the InfoKey controller at the Segway factory.   Programming each InfoKey controller separately is an additional service offer to customers that can be quoted individually per account.

Q:        Why do I have to go online to obtain a second InfoKey controller?
A:        It is important for Segway Inc. to keep track of units in the field, so that product updates, upgrades and communications can be accomplished quickly and thoroughly.  Product registration allows us to collect and maintain this information.  The additional InfoKey controller is an added incentive to complete this product registration.
 
Q:        What is the price of the InfoKey controller if I want to order an extra?
A:        The US retail price of the wireless Infokey controller is $199.95.  Owners of Segway PTs can order as many extra InfoKey controllers as they like through their local Segway dealer.  The free InfoKey controller can only be ordered via the product registration site.

Q:        What should I do if I lose my InfoKey controller?
A:        Proof of ownership is required to obtain duplicate InfoKey controllers, to help prevent theft and misuse of units in the field. Please contact your local dealer to order replacement InfoKey controllers.

Q:            Where can I get more InfoKey controller batteries?  How long will they last?
A:        A second InfoKey controller battery is included with all new PT’s, and can be easily stored under the console cover in its own compartment.  The InfoKey controller battery is a standard size (CR2430) that is commonly available at electronics stores.

Q:        How do I manage my Segway PT fleet?  Is there a fleet InfoKey controller?
A:        On the Gen I models, fleet or master keys were provided as an additional service only to large commercial customers.  Segway Inc. is investigating a fleet key option for the new Gen II product, but one is currently not available.

Q:        Can I reprogram my InfoKey controller?
A:        You can do some basic programming, such as setting the time, date and whether you want the display to show miles or kilometers.  Please refer to your user materials for further details.  If you feel additional programming is necessary, please contact your local Segway dealer.

Q:        How far from my Segway PT will the InfoKey controller work?
A:        Range depends on a number of factors such as battery strength and obstacles between the Segway PT and the InfoKey controller.  Typically an operational range of 50ft/13M is possible.

Q:            Where should I put my InfoKey controller while riding?
A:        The InfoKey controller can be mounted on the LeanSteer frame with an included mounting bracket, which allows the rider to observe the display like a small dashboard.  It has space for a lanyard or a watchband, although those are not offered from Segway at this time.  It can also be kept in a pocket or on a keychain.

 
Packages:

Q:        When will the accessory packages be available to ship?
A:            Packages will be available starting in the fall.  Some packages, such as the x2 Golf, may be available later than others.

Q:        Why are you offering two different Police packages?
A:        Many of our police and security customers said that they wanted a Police package based on the cross-terrain model.  Many police and security operations take place on rugged terrain such as parks, trails and beaches, and the x2 Police is ideal for those environments.

Q:        Can I configure my own accessory packages?
A:        Yes. Accessories were chosen for the packages based on specific uses but you are free to configure a PT based on your needs by using the online configurator and sending your custom Segway PT to your local dealer.

Q:        Will there be any more packages?
A:        Right now there are six packages offered in the catalog and in the online configurator. As new accessories become available, we may add new packages.

 
Recall Information:

Q:        Is there any recall information I should know about?
A:        The safety of our customers and quality of our products always has been and continues to be our top priorities.