TIME Coolest Inventions 2004: Segway Centaur

More Categories:

Invention of the Year

Zoom Zoom

Sporting Life

Wet & Wild

Overboard

Hi, Robot

Safety Net

For Your Health

Fresh Ideas

Cook Smart

Hot & Cold

Now Hear This

Cutting Edge

Fire Fighter

Light Touch

Kid Friendly

E-mail this to a friend

previous | next

WHEEL FUN
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.

Next: Adidas 1 Sneaker

BY ANITA HAMILTON, MARYANNE MURRAY BUECHNER, LEV GROSSMAN, SIMON CRITTLE AND SORA SONG / WITH REPORTING BY HANNA KITE AND YUKI ODA/TOKYO