As a representative of Super Segway, the Segway Gen 1 and Gen 2 distributor for the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus), I had a chance to be one of the first ones to ride a new Segway i2. This took place at the Segway Dealers meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the beginning of July 2006.
My thoughts: as you can see from the pictures, the biggest difference between the two generations is Segway's new LeanSteer technology. Now, instead of steering with the left turn grip, the rider simply has to lean left or right to steer. This leads to a much more natural, fluid experience, very similar to skiing. Although the i2 is very easy to ride for many first-time users, it was a strange experience for me and other experienced Gen 1 riders.
The pictures also show some of the steps Segway has taken to improve the build of the Segway. The handlebar is now made of a strong aluminum as oppose to the old plastic control shaft, and the unit has taken on a much more rugged, professional look. It no longer looks like a geeky toy and now truly looks like a personal mobility device.
In addition, there are NO electronics in the handlebar or control shaft, which means if and when it breaks in the future, it will be a much cheaper fix. For most users, breaking the small handlebar on a Gen 1 machine means a $499 replacement of the entire control shaft.
The tires have much better traction, as this was proven by several test videos shown by Segway Inc. The biggest advance, other than the new LeanSteet frame is the InfoKey wireless controller. The Segway now has a wireless key (that may or may not utilize bluetooth technology, this is not known yet). The key allows you to switch between regular speed and a slower "turtle" mode ( without turning off Segway PT ) , as well as turning the Segway off and on. Another huge feature introduced by Segway is an alarm that can be activated using the InfoKey. One can set an alarm that locks the wheels, activates stick shake and turns on an alarm if the Segway is moved. Spare battery for InfoKey is stored in the base.Generally, my feelings are that Segway has taken a step in the right direction with the i2 and the x2. There are still small improvements that need to be fixed for the Gen 3 version, including making the Segway easier to lift in and out of the trunk of a car. Hopefully, the success of the Segway PT will be much more than that of it's predecessor, the Segway HT.
Conrad Osipowicz
Super Segway
www.supersegway.com