Segway unveils new images of its Drift W1 self-balancing electric roller skates that are controlled by LEANING
- Segway's Drift W1 skate uses the company's famous self-balancing technology
- It doesn't attach to the feet of riders, making it easier to jump on and off
- Product will be launched during the IFA 2018 tech show in Berlin on August 30
Segway-Ninebot has given fans a new look at its high-tech electric roller skates, known as the Drift W1.
The pair of self-balancing skates use the same stabilising technology as the famous two-wheeled Segway transporter to keep riders upright as they move.
Unlike traditional roller skates, riders only need to lean forwards or backwards to move the Drift W1, which are not physically attached to the users' feet to make it easy to jump on or off.
Drift W1 is 'easy to carry, lightweight and small', according to Segway, which has not yet revealed how much the skates will cost when they launch at the IFA consumer technology tradeshow in Berlin next month.
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Segway-Ninebot has given fans a new look at its high-tech electric roller skate, the Drift W1 (pictured). The pair of self-balancing skates uses the same stabilising technology as the famous two-wheeled Segway transporter to keep users upright
At an event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Segway-Ninebot released new pictures of Drift W1, which were first announced back in June.
Gao Lufeng, chairman and chief executive of the firm, also showed off a kit that converts Segways into go-karts at the press briefing in Southern Carlifornia.
Few details were given about the Drift W1, with the company sticking to its plans to formally reveal the product during the IFA 2018 tech show in Berlin on August 30.
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For now, the company has posted a lifestyle page on its site along with a video of the skates in action.
'The tires are designed to improve stability and steering capabilities, and, combined with the high-quality materials including slip-resistance on foot mats, the product is designed for maximum comfort and fun,' Segway wrote.
The company claims the skates are 'perfect for the young generation who dare to stand out and create new trends.'
Unlike traditional skates, users simply lean to move the Drift W1, which doesn't attach to the feet to make it easy for riders to jump on or off
The gadget is 'easy to carry, lightweight and small', according to Segway, which has not yet revealed how much it will cost
WHAT IS THE SEGWAY DRIFT W1?
Segway-Ninebot is developing self-balancing, electronic roller skates called the Drift W1.
The pair of skates is black and white and advertised as 'easy to carry, lightweight and small'.
Unlike traditional skates, the Drift W1 doesn't attach to your feet, making it easier for riders to jump off.
The company claims the skates are 'perfect for the young generation who dare to stand out and create new trends'
It uses Segway's signature balancing technology and like the company's two-wheeled transporter moves when the user leans.
Segway said will formally reveal the product in August 2018.
Prices for Drift W1 are not yet known, but the similar HoverShoes XI from InMotion sell for £379 ($499).
'The new Segway Drift W1 brings all the fun and coolness you expect from Segway’s consumer products line, combined with the high-quality engineering consumers expect from the Segway brand,' it said.
Prices are not yet known for the upcoming product, but the similar HoverShoes XI from InMotion sell for £379 ($499).
Segway-Ninebot's Tuesday event focussed largely on its electric scooters, which have become an increasingly common sight around US cities.
Prices are not yet known for the upcoming product (pictured), but the similar HoverShoes XI from InMotion sell for £379 ($499)
At an event in Los Angeles on Tuesday (pictured), Segway-Ninebot released new pictures of Drift W1 following the product's official announcement in June
The firm provides vehicles for Bird - a popular app-based service for on-demand scooter rentals valued at £1.5 billion ($2bn) less than a year after it was launched.
Segway-Ninebot told Reuters it is in talks with a handful of major automakers about a new design that would enable scooters to charge in the trunk of cars, encouraging more individuals to buy scooters.
As well as teaser previews of Drift W1, the firm also showed off new images of a kit it has developed to turn its two-wheeled Segway transporters into go-karts.
Few details were given about the Drift W1, with the company sticking to its plans to formally reveal the product during the IFA 2018 tech show in Berlin on August 30
The company claims the skates are 'perfect for the young generation who dare to stand out and create new trends'
The kit adds a front bumper, seating, steering wheel, brakes, and rear wheels to a Segway miniPRO.
It said it plans to acquire artificial intelligence, battery technology and other robotics companies in an effort to build delivery robots in future.
Mr Lufeng said Segway-Ninebot - formed when the two companies merged in 2015 - expects to double its revenue every year for the next three to five years.
The firm was most recently valued by private market investors at £1.1 billion ($1.5bn) and is now looking to raise £150 million ($200m) from financiers, Mr Lufeng said.
Gao Lufeng, chairman and chief executive of the firm, also showed off images of the Ninebot GoKart Kit (pictured), which converts Segways into go-karts
The go-kart kit (pictured) adds a front bumper, seating, steering wheel, brakes, and rear wheels to a Segway miniPRO
Segway-Ninebot's Tuesday event focussed largely on its electric scooters (pictured), which have become an increasingly common sight around US cities
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