When Segway launched the original Xyber last year, it was one of those e-bikes that immediately turned heads. With its futuristic styling, oversized frame, and high-performance off-road ambitions, it looked more like a concept vehicle than something you could actually buy.
Now the company is hoping to capture a much wider audience with the new Segway Xyber Air, a lighter, street-legal version that keeps much of the original’s aggressive styling while fitting neatly into the familiar Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bike categories.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Xyber Air for its larger sibling. It retains the angular frame design and moto-inspired proportions that made the original stand out, complete with Segway’s signature X-shaped front and rear lighting.
But beneath the familiar styling is a much more approachable machine.
Power comes from a 750W nominal rear hub motor producing 80 Nm of torque, with peak output reaching 1,600W.
Riders can choose between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 operation depending on local regulations, with speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h) in Class 1 and 2 modes or 28 mph (45 km/h) in Class 3.
Segway has even included a Hybrid Mode that allows throttle operation up to 20 mph while pedal assist continues to 28 mph without requiring riders to switch between ride modes.
That’s still kosher in many states, but some are starting to require true Class 3 e-bikes to have no throttle operation at all, so check your local regulations to make sure you’re compliant.
The bike is powered by a 717 Wh battery that Segway claims can deliver up to 58 miles (93 km) of range, though as always, real-world mileage will depend heavily on rider weight, terrain, and how enthusiastically that throttle gets used.
Suspension duties are handled by an 80 mm dual-crown front fork, paired with 20×4-inch fat tires and hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors.
The bike also borrows several features more commonly associated with motorcycles, including traction control, hill-start assist, regenerative hill descent control, and automatic lighting.
Whether or not an e-bike requires traction control or hill hold remains to be seen, but it’s neat to know that such moto-inspired tech is heading into the e-bike space.
Segway continues to lean heavily into connected features as well. The Xyber Air includes 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 connected services will require a subscription after the first year, which is unfortunately becoming a trend in the micromobility world, but makes sense given the data connection required for those services. Still, it’d be nice to see more of a grace period, like two to three years, for connected features, since it’s not like we’re downloading gigabyte-heavy movies on our bikes.
Despite all of those features, components, and tech, the Xyber Air weighs a claimed 84 lb (38 kg), which is noticeably lighter than the original Xyber, while still supporting a 330 lb (150 kg) payload. It’s also UL 2271 and UL 2849 certified.
Sure, 84 pounds is a lot of poundage for an e-bike, but compared to the moto-styled original, it’s on a significant diet.
Ordering is now open now at a launch price of $1,999.
Bikes are expected to begin shipping on October 27 through Segway’s dealer network and SCHEELS locations nationwide.
Electrek’s Take
I actually think Segway made the right move here.
The original Xyber had that cool flair to it, but it also blurred the line between e-bike and electric motorcycle, or shot right past it in many places. The Xyber Air looks like Segway took a step back and asked, “What if we kept the styling that people liked but made it fit within the existing e-bike framework?”
Basically, they kept the “Let’s take a shot at SUPER73” mindset but aimed for a more acceptable format considering today’s regulatory landscape.
The result is still unmistakably moto-inspired, but it’s also something that can legally access bike infrastructure in many places instead of existing in a regulatory gray area. At under $2,000, it also lands at a price point that opens the door to a larger audience.
It’s still not going to compete against the value proposition in something like the Juiced Scrambler, either in hardtail or full-suspension format, but it definitely looks like a fun ride. And with more options for more riders, there’s always going to be something for everyone!
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