Segway launching wild-looking 100 mile smart e-bikes & new US bike division
Segway is planting its e-bike flag in the US with a new dedicated electric bike team ahead of the upcoming launch of its two hotly anticipated long-range electric bicycle models, the Segway Xafari and Xyber.
The two impressive (and perhaps slightly imposing) e-bike models were first unveiled earlier this year and are still slated for a launch in Q1 2025, which is now fast approaching.
While Segway hasn’t spilled all the beans yet (that’s likely coming ahead of the January 7 pre-order launch), we do know that the more commuter-looking Xafari is rated for 88 miles (141 km) of range while the moto-styled Xyber will apparently be capable of up to 100 miles (160 km) per charge in its dual battery format.
Despite the radically different designs of the two bikes, they’re both technically classified as electric bikes, sporting all the necessary gear (mainly the fully functional pedals) and presumably operating within the current US three-class e-bike regulations.
But more than typical electric bikes, Segway’s models appear to be armed to the teeth with smart tech, providing incredibly connected bikes using what is known as the “Segway Intelligent Ride System”. The company describes it as “industry-leading technology with features that have more in common with cars than e-bikes.”
“In many ways, we’re a technology company first,” explained Segway’s head of e-bike Nick Howe. “Product conversations start with discussions of ‘tech stacks’ and expand from there. We are using our technology to create a more seamless user experience much like what has been done with automobiles.”
What kind of features are we talking about here? Your guess is as good as mine, but we expect to learn more as the pre-order date approaches early next year. From the pictures alone we can see both models feature full-suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lighting, fenders, and chunky batteries indicative of the long-range figures we’ve heard so far, not to mention the futuristic and sleek designs. The Xafari takes on a more recognizable cycling-focused design and includes a rear rack, while the Xyber looks more like a mini-moto, despite its pedals helping it retain that coveted e-bike classification for legal riding.
As part of the preparations for what is shaping up to be a major US launch, Segway has begun building up extensive operations stateside, including a dedicated e-bike division.
The company’s head of e-bike, Nick Howe, joined Segway this summer, bringing with him 25 years of experience in the cycling industry. That includes serving as the executive director of Orbea and as the global brand director for Trek, not to mention having owned and operated several Colorado bike shops.
Other key additions to the team include Heather Henderson as senior brand manager and Sophie Eaton as sales operations director. Henderson previously served in various roles at Trek, Cannondale, and Cervélo Cycles, and she has also owned and operated her own bike shop. Eaton has senior sales experience with HLC, Cinelli Bicycles, Giant Bicycle, and Clif Bar.
In other words, Segway has snatched up some key cycling industry folks for its e-bike division’s leadership team, underscoring the brand’s focus on a major rollout with these two new models and perhaps more to follow in the future. “These are two incredible yet very different bikes and this is only the beginning,” said Howe. “We can’t wait to show you what else we have in store for 2025 and beyond.”
In addition to building up its US team and preparing for the launch of the Xyber and Xafari models, Segway has also announced plans to grow a national dealer network in the US.
The brand has shared that it will focus on independent bicycle shops, dedicated electric bicycle shops, and what it is calling “other bicycle dealers” or OBDs—shops that may not be bike-specific but are a good fit for its e-bikes, such as motorcycle, powersports, and outdoor retailers.
Not limiting itself to only retail sales, Segway is also offering online sales options where the bikes can be ordered online and then shipped to a local dealer of their choice for assembly. This method also helps ensure riders know where they can easily find service for their bikes.
“These are awesome machines,” said Howe. “But they’re also very sophisticated and technical. We want to ensure the customer has the best experience possible, and that means professional assembly and service. It also gives us a great opportunity to support the dealers who are the backbone of the bicycle industry.”
While there are many technical details and specs we’re still waiting for, we do have a hint at the pricing. Segway has claimed that the new models will “top out in the $3,000 range.” The company is pitching that as a major deal considering the technology included in the bikes. It’s a bit hard to judge that yet without knowing what that technology package looks like, or the rest of the bikes’ specs, but suffice it to say that we’re likely looking at e-bikes that will fall somewhere in the underserved gap between the budget and premium ends of the spectrum.
These aren’t likely to compete on price with the budget e-bikes out there, but should also be more affordable than heading to the usual suspects of premium e-bike companies like Specialized, Trek, Giant, and others that have long enjoyed major market share on the more premium end of the spectrum.
What do you think of the upcoming Segway Xafari and Xyber, at least based on the details we know so far? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
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![This electric excavator has battery swap tech that lets it recharge in minutes [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/electric-excavator.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The electric construction equipment experts at XCMG just released a new, 25 ton electric crawler excavator ahead of bauma 2025 – and they have their eye on the global urban construction, mine operations, and logistical material handling markets.
UPDATE: telematics announcement.
Powered by a high-capacity 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery capable of delivering up to 8 hours of continuous operation, the XE215EV electric excavator promises uninterrupted operation at a lower cost of ownership and with even less downtime than its diesel counterparts.
XCMG is delivering on part of that reduced downtime promise with the lower maintenance and easier repair needs of electric equipment, and delivering on the rest of it with lickety-quick DC fast charging that can recharge the machine’s massive battery in 1.5-2 hours … but that’s not the slick bit. The XCMG XE125EV can be powered up without leaving the job site thanks to its BYD battery swap technology.
We first covered XCMG and its battery swap technology back in January, and covered similar battery-swap tech being developed by MOOG Construction offshoot ZQUIP, as well – but while XCMG’s battery tech has been in production for several years, it’s still not widely known about in the West (even within the industry).
XCMG showed off its latest electric equipment at the December 2024 bauma China, including an updated version of its of its 85-ton autonomous electric mining truck that features a fully cab-less design – meaning there isn’t even a place for an operator to sit, let alone operate. And that’s too bad, because what operator wouldn’t want to experience an electric truck putting down 1070 hp more than 16,000 lb-ft of torque!?
Easy in, easy out
The best part? All of the company’s heavy equipment assets – from excavators to terminal tractors to dump trucks and wheel loaders – all use the same 400 kWh BYD battery packs, Milwaukee tool style. That means an equipment fleet can utilize x number of vehicles with a fraction of the total battery capacity and material needs of other asset brands. That’s not just a smart use of limited materials, it’s a smarter use of energy.
You can check out all the XE215EV’s specs at this tear sheet, and get an in-person look at the Chinese company’s latest electric excavator this week in Munich, Germany.
Telematics announcement at bauma
Earlier today, XCMG launched its next-generation Xrea Global Telematics Platform, integrating IoT, big data, cloud computing, and AI to enable what it’s caling, “seamless cross-border fleet management.”
The new telematics platform supports a dozen languages via PC and mobile interfaces, and offers real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization of both the vehicle and the vehicle’s batteries, empowering equipment managers and fleet operators to track fleets across town, or across time zones.
“XCMG remains committed to advancing engineering technology to empower a sustainable future. Our mission is to deliver efficient, intelligent, and eco-friendly lifecycle solutions for global clients,” said Mr. Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery. “Today, 19% of our product portfolio comprises green innovations under our ‘Green Mountain’ new energy line, with full electrification across all series underway.”
SOURCE | IMAGES: XCMG; via PR Newswire.
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![A vast 600 MW Texas solar farm just hit a major milestone [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Hornet-Solar-Texas-2.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Renewable developer Vesper Energy has cut the ribbon on Hornet Solar in Swisher County, Texas, one of the largest single-phase solar farms in the US.
As Electrek reported in January, the 600-megawatt (MW) Hornet Solar includes over 1.36 million modules covering more than 6 square miles. The project will contribute more than $100 million in new tax revenue to Swisher County and deliver 600 MWac of energy–enough to power 160,000 homes annually.
January 30, 2025: “The seamless coordination between our team and our EPC partner, Blattner, has enabled us to remain ahead of schedule and on budget while ensuring quality throughout the process,” said Juan Suarez, co-CEO of Irving-based Vesper Energy.
Hornet Solar uses bifacial solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system to maximize efficiency. The solar farm is connected to Oncor Electric’s transmission system within ERCOT and is contracted to provide power to four off-take partners through individual Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs).
The Hornet Solar project in the Texas Panhandle is on track to be fully online by spring 2025.
Texas is a utility-scale solar leader in the US, with a ranking of No. 2 and 37,713 MW currently installed. It’s projected to install 51,144 MW over the next five years and move into the No. 1 spot, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The total solar investment in the state is $45.2 billion.
On January 21, the SEIA, Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation (CTEI), Advanced Power Alliance (APA), and the Texas Solar + Storage Association (TSSA) reported that existing and expected utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects will contribute over $20 billion in total tax revenue – and pay Texas landowners $29.5 billion – over the projects’ lifetimes.
Read more: Texas just became No 1 in the US for most utility-scale solar
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