Segway-Ninebot is a global technology company that specialises in smart short-distance transportation, electric mobility, powersports vehicles, and consumer robotics. The firm is widely recognised for its electric kick scooters, self-balancing personal transporters, e-bikes, robotic products, and intelligent recreational vehicles, operating internationally under the Segway and Ninebot brands.[1]

Established in 2015 through the strategic combination of American personal mobility pioneer Segway and Chinese robotics company Ninebot, Segway-Ninebot has become one of the most prominent names in the global micro-mobility industry. It focuses on integrating electric drive systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, and connected technologies to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of urban transportation.[1]

Origins of Segway (1999–2015)

The origins of Segway-Ninebot trace back to Segway Inc., which was founded in Bedford, New Hampshire, United States, in 1999 by inventor Dean Kamen. The company introduced the Segway Personal Transporter (Segway PT), a two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicle utilising gyroscopic sensors and dynamic stabilisation technology.

Although the original Segway did not replace automobiles as initially predicted, it became an iconic example of consumer robotics and electric mobility technology, serving as a compact alternative for short-distance travel. Over time, Segway products were adopted across various professional sectors, including security and law enforcement patrol, tourism operations, industrial facilities, corporate campuses, and warehousing and logistics. The company subsequently expanded its portfolio to include smaller personal mobility devices, robotics platforms, and recreational vehicles.

Founding of Ninebot (2012)

Ninebot was established in Beijing in 2012 by a team dedicated to robotics and intelligent personal transportation. The company developed self-balancing scooters, electric mobility products, and smart hardware technologies. Its research and development capabilities were accelerated through investment support from entities including Xiaomi, Sequoia Capital, and Shunwei Capital.

Merger of Segway and Ninebot (2015)

In 2015, Ninebot acquired Segway to form Segway-Ninebot, combining Segway’s experience in self-balancing technology with Ninebot’s manufacturing capacity, robotics expertise, and background in consumer electronics.[1] This merger transformed the entity from a niche personal transporter brand into a broader consumer technology company focused on electric scooters, smart mobility products, robotics, recreational vehicles, and commercial mobility solutions.

Public Listing (2020)

In 2020, the parent company, Ninebot Limited, was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market, marking its transition into a major publicly traded technology enterprise.[1]

Segway-Ninebot’s stated mission is to simplify the movement of people and goods while making life more convenient and enjoyable. The company uses the slogan “Simply Moving” to represent its commitment to accessible and intelligent mobility.[1]

Core technological themes underpinning the brand include:

• Electric mobility
• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• Internet-connected devices
• Sustainable transportation

Electric Kick Scooters

Electric kick scooters are among Segway-Ninebot’s most internationally recognised products. The company manufactures both consumer and commercial models designed for daily commuting, urban transportation, shared scooter fleets, and leisure riding. Common features across these scooters include folding designs, smartphone connectivity, electronic braking systems, long-range lithium batteries, and intelligent riding modes. Consequently, the company has become a significant supplier for shared scooter operators globally.[1]

Self-Balancing Vehicles

Continuing the legacy of the original Segway, the company produces self-balancing transportation products that utilise gyroscopic sensors, motion-control algorithms, electric motors, and intelligent stabilisation systems. Key examples include Segway Personal Transporters, Ninebot self-balancing scooters, and hands-free personal mobility devices.

Electric Two-Wheelers

Segway-Ninebot has expanded its offerings to include electric mopeds, motorcycles, and bicycles. These products primarily target urban commuting markets, with a particular focus on Asia and Europe.

Powersports Vehicles

Through Segway Powersports, the company develops recreational vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility vehicles, off-road vehicles, and go-karts. These products integrate electric and hybrid technologies with outdoor recreation applications.

Robotics

The company has invested significantly in robotics, developing products for both consumer and business use. Offerings include delivery robots, service robots, personal robots, and robotic lawn mowers. Segway-Ninebot views robotics as a natural extension of its intelligent mobility ecosystem.

Technological development at Segway-Ninebot centres on the integration of hardware and software across several key areas.

Intelligent Control Systems

The company develops balancing and motion-control technologies that enable vehicles to maintain stability automatically.

Battery and Electric Drive Technology

Products are equipped with lithium battery systems and electric motors engineered specifically for efficient short-distance transportation.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

AI technologies are deployed for autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, smart device interaction, and robotic automation.

Connected Mobility

Many Segway-Ninebot products connect to smartphone applications, allowing users to monitor vehicle status, adjust settings, track riding information, and receive maintenance alerts. The company reports owning thousands of intellectual property assets globally.[1]

Segway-Ninebot operates across major markets including North America, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other international regions. Regional operations are maintained in locations such as Beijing, Dallas, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Cologne, and Singapore.[1]

Distribution channels include online marketplaces, consumer electronics retailers, specialty mobility stores, and commercial fleet partnerships.

Segway-Ninebot positions itself at the intersection of traditional transportation companies and consumer electronics brands. Its market identity combines three distinct elements:

• Technology company: Focused on robotics, AI, and smart hardware.
• Mobility company: Providing electric transportation and urban commuting solutions.
• Lifestyle brand: Catering to recreation, personal mobility, and smart outdoor products.

Segway-Ninebot competes across multiple industries:

• Electric Scooter Market: Competitors include Xiaomi, NIU Technologies, and Pure Electric.
• Robotics Market: Competitors include iRobot and various manufacturers of robotic lawn mowers and service robots.
• Powersports Market: Competitors include established ATV and recreational vehicle manufacturers.

Segway-Ninebot has played a significant role in popularising personal electric mobility. While the original Segway PT became a symbol of futuristic transportation, the company successfully adapted towards mass-market electric scooters, smart vehicles, and robotics. Today, Segway-Ninebot represents the transition from traditional transportation toward connected, electric, and intelligent mobility ecosystems.[1]

1. SEGWAY-NINEBOT: WE STAND BEHIND OUR PRODUCTS WITH CONFIDENCE