Segway-Ninebot brand is primarily known for its self-balancing scooters and then for dirt-worthy electric bicycles and go-karts. But this time, the company has unveiled an electric hydrogen hybrid motorcycle concept called Segway Apex H2.
The model is an upgrade of the Segway Apex, first revealed in late 2019 and a prototype of which had been tested on the circuit in early 2020. At the time, the Apex was a “classic” battery-powered sports electric motorcycle.
The new design is decidedly futuristic and technologically daring, with two single-sided swingarms paired with solid rims that make the wheels appear to be floating. Segway claims the motorcycle will have a power of 60 kW (80 hp) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just four seconds. The maximum speed of the model is 150 km/h (93 mph), allowing the consumer to use the vehicle on highways.
The overall range of this Segway Apex H2 is not specified at this stage, but the brand reported that the Apex H2 burns one gram of hydrogen per kilometer.
According to the company, the hydrogen canisters can be exchanged or reused, a factor that would decrease the necessary recharge time compared to a conventional electric motorcycle. On the other hand, the vehicle would also require replacement cartridges or refilling stations for changing cylinders during a trip, for example.
Given the lack of electric charging station infrastructure to date, relying on dual power sources may be a hindrance rather than an advantage. However, if the company can turn the theory behind Apex H2 into practice, it could be a really exciting platform.
The manufacturer estimated the basic version of the Segway Apex H2 at a price of 69,999 yuan (approximately $10,700). So far, the bike is only a concept, but Segway-Ninebot promises to release a production version as early as 2023.
