Segway are better known for producing stand-on electric perambulators, commonly seen transporting mall cops around. After a buy-out by Chinese robotics company Ninebot, they've surprised everyone with this latest development.
Segway Apex H2 Is the Hybrid you didn't know you needed in your life
Now, I know the name Segway isn't one you would associate with super-cool motorbikes, but maybe we all need to think again.
The company was bought by Chinese robotics start-up Ninebot and the first new project to come out is this super-futuristic bike, called the Apex H2. (Actually, we need to be careful about calling stuff futuristic as, increasingly, the future is getting rapidly closer!)
Slated to go into production in 2023, the Apex H2 is powered by a hybrid hydrogen-electric powertrain that Ninebot claim has more than 80 horsepower for a top speed of 93 mph, and the ability to go 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. If this stays the same between now and production, then this will be the fastest Segway ever. Mall cops will be getting excited!
The powertrain converts gaseous hydrogen into electrical energy using a specially designed fuel cell, which then feeds the energy into a buffer battery that powers an electric motor that drives the rear wheel. Because the images are only renders, we can't tell if there is a hub motor or a drive chain/belt from a centrally-mounted electric motor.
The front wheel is mounted on a single-sided swing arm, controlled by a hidden monoshock, which means hub-centre steering.
Despite it looking like a concept, Ninebot promises that the Apex H2 will be heading to market in largely unchanged form. If that's the case, then this will be the biggest head-turner on the roads. Of course, it all relies on there being a hydrogen-refuelling infrastructure in place, something that is not guaranteed at the present time.
Ninebot are projecting a price of around $10,000 which will make it a bargain when compared to any other electric sports bike on the market. Mind you, that top speed of less than 100mph might take the sting out of the 'sports bike' tag.