With the latest battery and energy storage advancements, more and more mobility companies are venturing into the electric two-wheeler realm. Segway first dipped its toes into this segment last year with a powerful electric scooter, and it's now going full steam ahead with two sleek e-bikes called the Xafari and the Xyber.
Both new two-wheelers have been introduced this week at CES 2024 and bring some cool technology to the electric mobility table. They are categorized as electric bicycles in the US, but while the Xafari seems to fit under the classification, the Xyber is blurring the line between e-bike and e-motorcycle.
"We’re thrilled to introduce the launch of our Segway Xafari and Segway Xyber, representing a significant leap forward in electric bike innovation," commented Alan Zhao, Segway E-Bike Division General Manager. "These e-bikes embody Segway's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance to our riders. With adjustable features, remarkable stability, and advanced connectivity, these bikes redefine what's possible for off-road adventures."
Both bikes have some serious off-road capability and integrate several smart features, including something called Active Scene Perception, which Segway says adjusts bike parameters based on "perception of the road conditions and the user." What this means is that the bike will use a suite of sensors to adapt to its surroundings, and it will lock the bike, turn the headlights on/off when necessary, and adjust the power level on the go.
They also integrate with mobile apps to track data like mileage, speed, calories burned, and cadence in real time and come with mobile alarms, GPS anti-theft functionality, and location-based alarms.
But this is where the similarities between the two models end. Starting off with the more practical model, the Segway Xafari is a wide-tire adventure e-bike with an accessible step-through design and dual suspension.
Photo: Segway
It is powered by a rear 750W motor that delivers up to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) of torque for enough climbing power and acceleration. The motor is fed by a rather large frame-integrated 913 Wh battery (it is still removable, though). The company is still keeping the details about top speed and range close to the vest, but it claims the battery and motor combo will outperform the average e-bike in the US.
This beastly-looking bike rides on 26-inch fat tires that offer excellent grip, increased comfort, and efficiency. Coupled with 70mm of front suspension and 80mm of rear suspension, the Xafari is certainly aimed at riders who want an e-bike well-equipped for off-road riding.
The Segway Xyber, on the other hand, is a different breed of e-bike. Designed for long-distance rides and rough terrain, this model is more similar to a pedal-equipped electric motorcycle with both its looks and its capability. It has a dual suspension setup, a big seat that can handle two passengers, and a maximum range of nearly 100 miles.
The Xafari is billed as a performance-oriented two-wheeler and is built around a "motorcycle-class double cradle frame system." This frame consists of an inverted fork and a rear mono-shock that both afford 4.7" (120 mm) of suspension travel.
Photo: Segway
The styling of the Xafari is also unique, with a partially exposed frame, cutout sections, and square tubing for the rear swingarm and the bottom of the frame. A distinctive headlight with an X-shaped design, a flat scrambler-style seat, and a set of spoked wheels shod in custom wide tires complete the design.
For power, the e-bike is equipped with a much torquier electric motor cranking out up to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of instantaneous torque. We don't have top speed figures for this model either, but Segway mentions the motor will allow the e-moto to reach 20 mph (32 kph) from a standstill in 2.5 seconds.
In terms of range, Segway says the Xyber will offer riders just over 47 miles (76 km) from a 1,140Wh battery, but the bike can hold two such batteries in its open frame, so the range will double to approximately 95 miles (153 km) when equipped with a dual-battery setup.
Pricing details have yet to be revealed for both the Xafari and the Xyber e-bike, but Segway says they are slated to go on sale in the second half of 2024.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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