The Segway PT | Up Close

On any list of today’s most prolific inventors, Dean Kamen’s name would be slotted near the top: The Bedford, New Hampshire, resident is the brains behind such things as insulin pumps and all-terrain electric wheelchairs. He is also, for good or ill, the man who gave us the Segway PT, the self-balancing, battery-powered scooter that doubles as cutting-edge transportation and cultural punch line. After it debuted in 2001 with a $5,000 price tag, consumer sales flopped—as did some high-profile riders (President George W. Bush and Piers Morgan took tumbles early on; more seriously, in 2010 the company’s new owner, James Heselden, died after accidentally riding off a cliff). However, this so-called personal transporter found second life in police and private security fleets. Tour operators also recognized its potential, and these days more than 1 million Segway-mounted visitors can be seen puttering about cities worldwide—with helmets firmly fastened, of course.

Heather Tourgee

Heather Tourgee served as an editorial intern for Yankee and The Old Farmer's Almanac between years at Middlebury College. When she isn't working, you can find her on the rugby pitch, traveling, or enjoying the outdoors.

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