Best Inventions of 2004

Segway Centaur
Inventor: Segway
Availability: Prototype only
To Learn More: segway.com/centaur

Take a Segway scooter, add a second pair of wheels and a banana seat, and you've got the Centaur, a concept vehicle that can take on any terrain — rocks, grass, sand, you name it. Like the original Human Transporter, the Centaur uses dynamic-stabilization technology (you shift your weight to steer) but adds a thumb throttle for extra oomph. Steering sensors and a computer conspire to make sure you don't topple over when you pop a wheelie.