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Is this the future of ATVing?
- dynamic
stabilization technology (safe)
- electric power
(quiet)
- controllable on 2
or 4 wheels (fun)
- 360 degree turn
in its own length (nimble)
- 30 kmph /20 mph
(quick)
- 70 kgs /150
pounds (light)
Like the mythical half-horse, half-man
of Greek lore, Concept Centaur combines the best of several technologies
to create an innovative whole. The result of exploration by Segway LLC's
product development team, Concept Centaur will challenge the way you
think about four-wheeled transportation.
From time to time Segway's product
development team devotes days, or even weeks, to creating new product
concepts with the goal of finding a prince among frogs. It's a product
exploration process they call "frog kissing." During this
time, engineers and designers are encouraged to use any available
materials in a very short time frame to prove a concept will work.
Recently, the product development team
demonstrated that Concept Centaur was a prince—a concept that passed
this initial feasibility test, but is not yet ready to become a product.
Concept Centaur demonstrates Segway's continued commitment to
breakthrough innovation and the innumerable possibilities for the future
of personal transportation.
Concept Centaur combines proprietary dynamic
stabilization technology with advanced propulsion and suspension
systems, and an intuitive user interface to create a unique four-wheel
device that is easily controllable on two or four wheels. Its full
suspension and aggressive rider positioning provide an exhilarating ride
for one or two people while maintaining control over a variety of
terrain. Its rugged performance, zero emissions, and quiet operation
make it a good low-impact way to explore the world. Its power and
versatility make it suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor
recreational and commercial applications.
Intuitive user controls:
- Thumbs forward: The Centaur's
forward and backward propulsion is easily controlled by pushing a
thumb throttle located on the underside of the right-hand handlebar.
 Pop
a wheelie: The Centaur uses dynamic
stabilization technology to limit and/or maintain the angle at
which the rider experiences the device. What would normally be a
dangerous maneuver on a motorcycle or ATV becomes safe and
controlled on the Centaur. In addition, the rider can position
his/her body in three different ways, which makes for a fun ride.
This technology also allows for a high-performance design with a
short, compact wheelbase - a combination that traditionally can be
very difficult to control.
- Lean forward, go forward: If you've
haven't yet experienced the Segway HT, now is the time. If you have,
you know what we mean by intuitive controls. Concept Centaur uses
dynamic stabilization in a similar way. When on two wheels, the
Centaur is controlled by how the rider shifts his or her weight. To
go forward, lean forward. To go back, lean back.
Simultaneous mechanical and
drive-by-wire steering:
- Smart steering: The front two wheels
turn left and right mechanically, which is made possible by an
innovative linkage system designed by Segway engineers. The
Centaur's advanced controls software also allows the rear wheels to
turn at different rates in response to data received from the
rider's steering direction. When on two wheels, steering is
accomplished in the same manner, by turning the handlebar. Sensors
in the vertical portion of the steering column monitor the rider's
input and sends a signal to the controller boards, which then issues
a command to drive either or both of the rear wheels. Turning rate
is coordinated so that even with the wheels off the ground, Centaur
follows the path defined by the front wheel angles. This allows
smooth transitions between two-wheel and four-wheel operation.
Environmentally friendly:
- No exhaust: Batteries power the
Centaur, which means that there are no emissions. In addition, the
Centaur uses regenerative braking, which means the batteries are
recharged during deceleration and hill descents.
- Quiet: Electric motors and an
innovative gearbox design result in a quiet ride.
- Low-impact tires: The Centaur
prototypes use the same non-marking silica-based tires as the Segway
HTs'. These tires are smooth, which allows the rider to perform
exciting maneuvers while having little impact on the terrain.
Distinctive design, elegant suspension:
- A profile X-shape: The profile of
the Centaur creates an "X." Right after the Centaur was
crowned a prince by the engineers, they quickly pulled in Segway's
industrial design team to integrate their vision into the product's
form and function. What resulted is a concept with a sleek
minimalist design that elegantly showcases the rider, leaving the
simple mechanical elegance of the underlying design visible.
- Three shocks: There are three shocks
on the Centaur that absorb bumps and help the wheels maintain
contact with the ground. There is one in each front "arm"
and one in the rear.
- Lightweight: Concept Centaur only
weighs about 150 pounds and can be easily transported in the back of
a large SUV or small pick-up truck. If developed, its light weight
would allow for transport on the back of small cars through a
hitch-mounted rack, similar to that used for carrying bicycles.
How fast does it go?
Concept Centaur prototypes have gone just over 20 miles per hour. If
Concept Centaur were to be manufactured in the future, more testing
would be required to determine the appropriate top speed.
How much does it cost?
Since Concept Centaur is just that—a concept—they aren't for sale.
At the present time, Segway LLC has no plans to manufacture or sell this
as a product.
 When
will it be available?
At present time, Segway LLC has no plans to manufacture the Centaur. All
new Segway products will be posted to our website as they are released.
If you'd like, you may send an e-mail to centaur@segway.com
and include your name, address, and phone number to be notified of any
additional information on Concept Centaur. This address is not monitored
by a person, so please do not send any other requests here.
Want to learn more about Concept
Centaur? Check out Popular Science's Centaur
Photo Gallery.
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