Segway i2 and x2 models to be launched in India
Personal mobile vehicle-maker Segway Inc. plans to launch its self-balancing, electric two-wheelers in the Indian market, come March 2010.
Photo: Segway i2 and x2 electric vehicles
The company has entered into a tie-up with The Bird Group. The Segway models will be retailed through Bird’s 30 centres across India, as three separate knocked-down parts and assembled in Gurgaon, Live Mint has reported.
Segway will launch two models out of its portfolio of green (zero-emission) self-balancing vehicles, the Segway X2 (a new XT model) for the outdoors and i2 (from its i-series) for indoors, in India.
The Segway i2 offers a maximum speed of 20 km/h. It comes with the company’s LeanSteer technology that allows riders to lean into turns and eliminates grip-based controls.
The wireless infoKey controller enables the rider to monitor speed, distance, and battery life, while riding.
The Segway i2 is powered by Saphion lithium-ion batteries that offer a range of up to 24 miles on a single charge, depending on terrain, and payload.
It weighs 47.7 kgs and can carry a payload of up to 118 kgs.
The Segway x2 also offers a maximum speed of 20 km/hours. It comes with a wireless InfoKey controller that allows riders to set the top speed and turning rate using two modes, Beginner and Regular. The former offers a top speed of 9.6 km/hr, while the latter offers a top speed of 20 km/hr.
It weighs 54.4 kgs and can take a payload of up to 118 kg, including rider and cargo.
The Segways, though, do not come cheap. They will be available in India at a price of over Rs 3 lakhs.
However, the company is focusing on the commercial segment, rather than individuals, for sales.
“We do not expect many individuals to buy our vehicles barring maybe the 200,000 high net worth individuals. Our focus will be on commercial usage and for policing where we see tremendous potential,” Hindustan Times quoted Jason G Barton, vice president, worldwide sales, Segway Inc, as saying.
Segway Inc expects sales to come in from Special Economic Zones, airports, golf courses, malls and big factories.