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Segway’s new Myon e-bike will straddle past and future

By Robert Taylor

8 months ago

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Segway’s new Myon e-bike will straddle past and future

Segway has teased its new Myon e-bike, featuring a traditional design and optional rear-facing radar for enhanced safety, set for debut at CES in Las Vegas. The model targets commuters and leisure riders, incorporating auto-inspired tech amid growing e-bike market trends.

Las Vegas, NV – Segway, the Ninebot-owned brand best known for its innovative self-balancing scooters, is set to expand its e-bike offerings with a new model called the Myon. The company provided exclusive teaser images of the upcoming e-bike to The Verge ahead of its official debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next year. Described as an everyday commuter and leisure bike with a more traditional design, the Myon aims to appeal to a broad range of riders, from beginners to experienced cyclists.

According to Segway, the Myon departs from the moto-styled Xyber and the low-step Xafari, the brand's current two e-bike models, by adopting a look closer to a conventional bicycle. This shift is intended to make the bike more accessible for daily use. "We designed the Myon for every type of rider, from first-timers to seasoned cyclists," said Nick Howe, Segway’s head of e-bikes, in a statement provided to The Verge. "It’s an e-bike that’s equally as suited to daily commuting as it is to weekend pleasure cruises. And with technology that combines Segway original innovations with features inspired by the auto industry, we believe it represents a leap forward in terms of the rider experience on two wheels."

One standout feature highlighted in the teasers is the optional rear-facing radar system, dubbed RearView Radar, which Segway says enhances safety by borrowing technology from the automotive sector. The radar provides cyclists with alerts about approaching vehicles without requiring them to look away from the road ahead. "It’s like having eyes in the back of your head," Howe added. "It helps keep you more aware of your surroundings without taking your eyes off what’s in front of you."

The RearView Radar offers a 150-degree field of view, detecting vehicles up to 230 feet behind the rider and 20 feet wide. It includes alerts for specific scenarios based on the distance, position, and speed of detected vehicles: Blindspot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Warning (LCW), and Rear Collision Warning (RCW). If a rider activates their turn signals while a BSD or LCW alert is active, the signal frequency increases to prompt extra caution during direction changes.

Riders can customize the alerts and adjust sensitivity levels through the Segway Mobility App, allowing for personalized safety settings. However, this advanced radar is not a standard inclusion; Segway is offering it as a paid upgrade for the Myon. Pricing details for both the bike and the radar feature will be revealed on January 6, the same day the Myon goes on sale.

Rear-facing radar technology is not unique to Segway, as several e-bike manufacturers have incorporated similar systems, either as standard equipment or optional add-ons. For comparison, Specialized’s Turbo lineup features a Garmin-supplied rear-facing radar with a longer detection range of up to 460 feet, more than double Segway’s 230 feet. Segway’s implementation, while shorter in range, integrates seamlessly with the bike’s controls and app ecosystem.

Segway’s entry into the e-bike market builds on its legacy of personal mobility innovations. Founded in 1999, the company gained fame with its namesake two-wheeled transporter but has since diversified under Chinese parent company Ninebot, acquired in 2015. The brand’s current e-bike lineup, limited to the Xyber and Xafari, targets urban commuters seeking powered assistance without sacrificing style or portability.

The Myon’s development reflects broader trends in the e-bike industry, where safety features are increasingly drawing from automotive advancements to address urban cycling hazards. According to industry reports, e-bike sales have surged in recent years, with the global market projected to grow amid rising demand for eco-friendly transportation. In the U.S., cities like Appleton, Wisconsin, have seen expanded bike lane infrastructure to accommodate this shift, though challenges like theft and regulatory hurdles persist.

At CES, expected to draw thousands of attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 9 to 12, Segway plans to showcase the Myon alongside other mobility products. The event has long been a launchpad for consumer tech, and e-bikes have become a staple category as manufacturers compete to blend performance, affordability, and smart features.

While teaser images reveal little beyond the bike’s silhouette and the radar integration, Segway emphasizes the Myon’s versatility. The model is positioned to bridge traditional cycling with electric assistance, potentially attracting riders wary of more aggressive e-bike designs. Howe’s comments suggest a focus on user experience, with auto-inspired tech aimed at reducing accident risks in shared road environments.

The e-bike sector has faced headwinds recently, including supply chain disruptions and rising component costs, leading some smaller players to exit the market. Established brands like Segway, however, continue to innovate, particularly in the affordable segment. The Myon’s pricing, though undisclosed, is anticipated to align with Segway’s strategy of accessible mobility solutions, contrasting with premium competitors.

Safety remains a paramount concern for e-bike users, with data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicating that rear-end collisions pose significant risks to cyclists. Features like RearView Radar could mitigate these dangers, especially in dense traffic areas. Segway’s optional approach allows buyers to opt in based on need, potentially broadening the bike’s appeal.

Looking ahead, the Myon’s launch could signal Segway’s deeper commitment to e-bikes amid a competitive landscape dominated by players like Trek, Giant, and Rad Power Bikes. As urban planning evolves to prioritize micromobility, innovations like the Myon may play a role in encouraging sustainable commuting. Segway officials have not yet detailed motor specs, battery life, or frame materials for the Myon, but further revelations are expected at CES.

In the meantime, the teaser has generated buzz among cycling enthusiasts and tech watchers. With the e-bike market evolving rapidly, Segway’s blend of heritage design and forward-looking safety tech positions the Myon as a noteworthy addition. Riders in regions like the Midwest, where flat terrains favor commuting bikes, may find the Myon particularly suitable once it hits shelves.

As CES approaches, all eyes will be on how Segway unveils the full Myon package, including any surprises beyond the radar. The event’s history of breakthroughs suggests the Myon could contribute to the ongoing transformation of personal transport, making two-wheeled travel safer and more intuitive for everyday users.

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