What do you think of when you hear the name Segway? If you’re like many out there, “tech failure” comes to mind. Dean Kamen’s invention of the Segway PT scooter was expected to reinvent personal transportation. The Segway was meant to usher in a new era of errand running and puttering around town.

That vision hasn’t quite come to fruition and it’s pretty rare that you see someone utilizing a Segway. They’re still around and have recently observed their 10th anniversary. So while they may be known as a tech failure, they’re still alive and kicking.

How do they work though? Below we’ll examine the tech behind the Segway.

Powering the Segway

Electric motors fueled by phosphate-based lithium batteries power the Segway. The scooters are easily charged by simply plugging them into a standard electrical socket. Thanks to a combination of two computers, special software, tilt sensors, and five gyroscopic sensors the Segway stays upright and doesn’t tip over.

Making the Segway Move

The user plays the largest role in making the Segway move. By simply shifting your weight in the direction you want to go and moving the handlebars slightly, the Segway’s sensors acknowledge the change in balance point and react appropriately. The latest version of the Segway has a top speed of 12.5 MPH. For obvious reason, it functions best on flat surfaces.

Lowered Expectations

The device never did live up to its hype. Many technology experts predicted that the Segway PT would be a bigger deal than the Internet. As a result, when company officials unveiled the first Segway scooter in December of 2001 in Manhattan, expectations soared.

In the 10 years since its release, the Segway has not completely failed, but its strange overall look and goofy riding style has made it nearly impossible to achieve its expected level of success.