Segway now hopes to attract a wider audience with the brand-new Segway Xyber Air. This is a lighter version that is legally compliant for use on the road. While retaining most of the radical design elements of the original version, it has also been classified under the more common categories of level 1, level 2, and level 3 electric bicycles.
At first glance, it’s easy to mistake Xyber Air for its larger “brother” model. It retains the sharply defined frame design and motorcycle-style proportions that were the hallmarks of the original model, and also continues the iconic X-shaped front and rear lighting design of Segway.
But beneath its familiar appearance, this is a car model that is more easily accepted by the general public.
The power comes from a rear hub motor with a rated power of 750W, which can output 80 Nm of torque, and the peak power can reach 1,600W.
Riders can choose between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 modes according to local regulations. In Level 1 and Level 2 modes, the maximum speed can reach 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour); in Level 3 mode, the maximum speed can reach 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour).
Segway even incorporates a hybrid mode ( Hybrid Mode ), which allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour without the need to switch between riding modes, while the cadence assistance can sustain up to 28 miles per hour.
This is still legal in many states in the United States, but some states have begun to require that true level 3 electric bicycles not be equipped with a throttle function at all. Therefore, it is best to check the local regulations to ensure compliance.
This vehicle is equipped with a 717 Wh battery. According to Segway, its maximum range can reach up to 58 miles (93 kilometers), but as usual, the actual range will largely depend on the weight of the rider, the terrain, and how "aggressive" the use of the throttle is.
In terms of suspension, the vehicle is equipped with 80-mm front forks on both sides, paired with 20×4-inch wide tires, as well as hydraulic disc brakes with 180-mm brake discs.
This vehicle also incorporates several features that are more commonly found in motorcycles, including traction control, hill start assist, regenerative braking for downhill driving, and automatic lighting.
Whether an electric bicycle truly requires traction control or a hill parking function remains to be seen, but it's indeed interesting to see this motorcycle-style technology entering the field of electric bicycles.
Segway also continues to place a strong bet on connectivity features. Xyber Air is equipped with AirLock automatic unlocking, Apple Find My compatibility, GPS tracking, Lost Mode remote disabling, OTA wireless updates, as well as a full-color TFT display screen that supports navigation and smartphone connectivity.
Some of these interconnected services will require a subscription after the first year, which unfortunately is gradually becoming a trend in the micro-mobility sector. However, considering that these services need data connections, it makes sense to do so. Nevertheless, it would be even better if there were a longer grace period for the interconnected functions, such as two to three years. After all, we're not downloading huge movies of GB size from bicycles.
Despite possessing these features, configurations, and technologies, the official claimed weight of the Xyber Air is still 84 pounds (38 kilograms), which is significantly lighter than the original Xyber. At the same time, it still supports a load capacity of 330 pounds (150 kilograms). It has also passed the certifications of UL 2271 and UL 2849.
Of course, for an electric bicycle, 84 pounds is still not considered light, but compared to the original version which has a more motorcycle-style design, it has significantly become “slimmer”.
Pre-orders are now available, with the retail price at $1,999.
Segway is expected to begin shipping through its dealer network as well as across all SCHEELS stores nationwide starting on October 27th.
Electrek Perspective
I actually think that taking the step of Segway was the right move.
The original Xyber is indeed cool, but it also blurs the line between electric bicycles and electric motorcycles, and in many cases, it has even completely crossed that line. Xyber Air takes a step back and asks itself, “What if we retained the design that everyone likes, but made it fit into existing electric bicycle frames?”
Basically, they retained the idea of "challenging SUPER73", but in the current regulatory environment, they targeted a product form that is more easily accepted.
The final product still retains a very distinct motorcycle style, but it is also a product that can be legally used with bicycle infrastructure in many places, rather than falling into a regulatory grey zone. With a price of less than $2,000, it also enters a price range that can reach a larger audience.
It still won't compete with models like Juiced Scrambler in terms of cost-performance ratio, whether it's the hardtail version or the fully suspension version. However, it definitely looks like a fun ride. Moreover, providing more choices for riders will ensure that everyone can find something that suits them.
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