Segway introduced the GT-1 and GT-2 electric scooters with a top speed of 50 mph

Until now, most people perceive electric scooters, or more simply, scooters, as a very primitive vehicle – a minimum of amenities, more than modest speed and even a license to drive them is not required. Segway intends to make a serious correction to these perceptions – its new GT series electric scooter will be able to accelerate up to 50 mph.

The first model, the GT-1, has a 1,400-watt electric motor in the rear wheel with a peak output of 3 kW, allowing it to travel up to 37 mph and accelerate to 30 mph in 7.5 seconds. A 1 kW⋅h battery located below the “deck” guarantees a 44-mile range.

The GT-1’s body is made of rugged aluminum alloy and features a customizable 15-level spring suspension combined with two – front and rear – wishbones, 5.5-inch diameter dual disc brakes and the ability to brake through the engine.

The tires are 11-inch tubeless, puncture-resistant tires with a thin “self-healing” inner layer. Road lighting is provided by LED lights and turn signals with fog protection.

The next more powerful model is GT-2, which is equipped with two 1,500-watt engines to provide 6 kW of peak power. It can “afford” 50 mph and can reach 30 mph in 4 seconds.

The 1,512-watt⋅h electric “tank” already has enough capacity for 56 miles on a single charge. The GT-2 comes with the same suspension as the GT-1, a dynamic traction control system that adjusts torque for better grip on challenging surfaces, and the panel is no longer a digital screen like the GT-1, but a transparent OLED display. The tires and lighting are the same on both models.

Segway has put the GT-1 and GT-2 on Indiegogo, where they can be pre-ordered for $2,500 and $3,500, respectively. If the fundraising campaign is successful, deliveries will begin in August.