When I think of Segway, I can’t help but picture a group of tourists in bicycle helmets rolling around town like Astromech droids (see: R2-D2), guided by someone with a flag affixed to their backpack. After all, the mobility company made its name in the two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter space (yes, that’s a thing).
Invented by Dean Kamen, an American engineer, inventor, and businessman, the Segway HT, or ‘Human Transporter,’ was brought to market 25 years ago. The company was acquired by Ninebot, a Beijing-based rival, in 2015, which subsequently broadened the scope of transportation devices the company would create – scooters, e-bikes, robotic lawn mowers, go-karts, and UTVs, among other things.
And while the brand has dabbled in the two-wheel space with its MUXI and Myon models of electric-powered bicycles, it hasn’t made a motorcycle, until now.
The forthcoming Xaber 300 is “built for riders who want instant torque, off-road agility and the freedom to explore without compromise,” according to Heather Henderson, Senior Brand Manager at Segway. From what I’ve garnered via the initial marketing material, the Xaber is a Suron Ultra Bee competitor, with a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup, a 72V, 54Ah battery good for 21 kWs of power and a top speed of more than 60 mph. It weighs just 187 pounds, is outfitted with adjustable Marzocchi suspension, and features an e-clutch that supposedly simulates a traditional ICE clutch.
It’s kind of weird looking – like, not really a “dirt bike” – but the spec sheet and brand awareness that the Segway name brings makes me think the Xaber 300 will carve out a space in a market dominated by Suron and Zero at the moment.
In an effort to bring more attention to its next-generation off-road model, Segway has created the ‘Xaber 300 X-Lab Co-Creation’ program, which will provide a select group of riders the chance to purchase an Xaber at a discounted rate prior to its launch. According to Segway, “participants will have the opportunity to test the bike in real-world conditions and share their experiences ahead of broader availability.”
With access to the X-Lab Co-Creation Program, the selected riders will not only receive an Xaber 300 before launch but will have the opportunity to “capture your most epic experiences, and become a content creation ambassador fueling the electric off-road revolution.”
Neat?
While this all sounds like marketing jargon, what I can discern is that Segway will select 20 people through an application process, offering them a 25% discount off of MSRP, along with an exclusive extended warranty (two-year full bike, three-year key components), free home delivery, and the chance to earn up to $500 for approved content submissions.
To qualify for the X-Lab Co-Creation Program, you must have a “minimum of two years off-road riding experience, be capable of performing technical maneuvers like jumps, wheelies, hill climbs, and trail riding, have an active social media presence and riding community connection.” So, an electric off-road influencer, yea?
While I am interested in riding this new Segway Xaber 300, namely because it allows you to select from three power modes - designed to emulate the performance of 150cc, 200cc, and 300cc gas-powered motorcycles – which I think will be great for new riders looking to get into off-road riding, I’m not sure a 25% discount off MSRP and the chance to create content for the company is going to spark (see what I did there?) enough interest in the community.
As I learned from my time in the motorsport world, ‘Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday,’ is a thing… A thing that works. So, although I see this X-Lab Co-Creation Program as an interesting way to get the Xaber 300 seat under the butts of some excited off-road riders, I would love to see the brand support an all-electric enduro racing series, or enter an Xaber 300 into the ultimate off-road test, the Erzberg Rodeo. I mean, it’s a 300 with a clutch, isn’t it?
