Ewee-PT, the Poor Man's Segway

Here's a self-balancing two-wheeler that's under one-sixth the cost of the cheapest Segway.

The Ewee-PT markets itself as the Segway's "little sister", but the two-wheeled self-balancer offers more than a smaller size and a stripped down aesthetic. At $1039, it's priced way less than the most affordable Segway (around $7000). It's even cheaper than the $1400+ homemade Segway dating from 2003.

Controls for Ewee's offering are similar to its pricier counterpart. You lean forward to go in the same direction, while the reverse is true. Turning the Ewee-PT involves operating a small joystick on the right handle, and it's possible to fold the vehicle into a compact half for storage or (oh the irony) transportation.

Yet with a top speed of 16 kph (10 miles), an 8 km range (5 miles), and a price tag over a thousand dollars the Ewee-PT still looks like an expensive way to get around. But it's definitely more affordable than a Segway, and it conquers long hallways and airport terminals without creating its own pollution. Ewee says its two-wheeler will retail from www.fun-components.com soon.