Segway is aiming for a much broader audience with the Xyber Air, a scaled-down version of the eye-catching Xyber e-bike it introduced last year. The original looked more like a concept vehicle than a bike, thanks to its futuristic styling, oversized frame and off-road ambitions. The new model is built to sit comfortably within standard e-bike categories.
Visually, the Xyber Air is easy to confuse with its larger sibling. It keeps the angular frame and motorcycle-inspired proportions, along with Segway's X-shaped front and rear lighting. Underneath, though, it is a more approachable machine.
A 750W nominal rear hub motor drives the bike, delivering 80 Nm of torque and peaking at 1,600W. Riders can pick Class 1, 2 or 3 operation to match local rules. Class 1 and 2 top out at 20 mph (32 km/h), while Class 3 reaches 28 mph (45 km/h). A Hybrid Mode lets the throttle work up to 20 mph while pedal assist continues to 28 mph, with no need to change ride modes. Electrek notes that some states are beginning to require true Class 3 e-bikes to have no throttle at all, so riders should check local regulations.
Energy comes from a 717 Wh battery that Segway says can cover up to 58 miles (93 km). Real-world range will vary with rider weight, terrain and throttle use. The bike rides on an 80 mm dual-crown front fork and 20x4-inch fat tires, and stops with hydraulic disc brakes using 180 mm rotors.
Several features usually found on motorcycles come along as well: traction control, hill-start assist, regenerative hill descent control and automatic lighting. Electrek questions whether an e-bike truly needs traction control or hill hold, but calls it interesting to see such technology move into the category.
Connectivity is another focus. The Xyber Air offers AirLock automatic unlocking, Apple Find My compatibility, GPS tracking, Lost Mode remote disabling, over-the-air updates and a full-color TFT display with navigation and smartphone integration. Some of these connected services will require a subscription after the first year, a growing trend in micromobility. Electrek would like to see a longer grace period of two to three years.
Segway lists the weight at 84 lb (38 kg), noticeably lighter than the original Xyber, with a payload capacity of 330 lb (150 kg). The bike is certified to UL 2271 and UL 2849 standards.
Ordering opens October 27 at a launch price of $1,999, and shoppers can already sign up on the sales page for availability notifications.
In its assessment, Electrek says Segway made the right move. The original Xyber blurred the line between e-bike and electric motorcycle, while the Xyber Air keeps the popular styling in a format that can legally use bike infrastructure in many places. The outlet says it takes aim at the same audience as SUPER73 and that the sub-$2,000 price opens the door to more riders. It adds that the bike will not match the value of something like the Juiced Scrambler, but still looks like a fun ride.
