The visionary journey of inventor Dean Kamen and his groundbreaking Segway, from its secretive development and dramatic unveiling to its mixed reception and the tragic death of its owner, Jim Heselden.

ABOUT

Segway to a Better Place is a documentary that chronicles the ambitious journey of inventor Dean Kamen and his groundbreaking innovation and ultimately commercial letdown of the Segway. The film delves into the secretive development and dramatic unveiling of the invention, capturing the excitement, speculation, and eventual mixed reception it garnered. Through interviews with key figures like Kamen, his engineering team, and prominent investors such as Jeff Bezos and John Doerr, the documentary explores the challenges that defined the Segway project. It highlights the intense media frenzy—a forerunner to viral marketing—public reactions, and the strategic PR efforts that shaped its launch, presenting a nuanced portrayal of an attempted disruption to personal transportation that was the right idea at the wrong time.

The narrative takes a poignant turn with the tragic death of Jim Heselden, the Segway company owner, who died in an accident involving the device. This event adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, examining how it affected the company's image and public perception. The documentary also delves into the broader cultural and technological impact of the Segway, showcasing its influence on future personal transportation devices and its presence in popular culture. Segway to a Better Place offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the Segway's journey, from an ambitious idea to a controversial icon, exploring the cultural impact and technological legacy of one of the most ambitious innovations in personal transportation.

Why This Story?

The salacious death of the owner on a Segway is a good way in to tell the story of the inventors wide-eyed ambitions of a clean energy last-mile solution for cities and how his hopes never materialized. The story also evokes a nostalgia for a time of early internet, early post-9/11.

Interview Subjects

Key Figures and Inventors

Dean Kamen: The inventor of the Segway. His insights into the development process, vision, and challenges would be invaluable.

Doug Field: Former Chief Engineer at DEKA, who played a significant role in developing the Segway.
Tim Adams: Former CEO of the Segway company, who could provide insights into the business challenges and market strategies.

Engineers and Team Members

Mike Ferry: A key member of the Segway team, who can discuss the engineering challenges and breakthroughs.
John Morrell: Controls engineer who worked on the Segway, providing technical details and the innovation process.
Scott Waters: Industrial designer who helped shape the Segway's look and functionality.

Investors and Business Leaders

Jeff Bezos: Founder of Amazon, who invested in the Segway and can discuss its potential and impact.
John Doerr: Venture capitalist who supported the Segway project, offering perspectives on the business and financial aspects.

Media and Public Figures

Diane Sawyer: Co-host of "Good Morning America," who was involved in the Segway's public reveal.
Charles Gibson: Co-host of "Good Morning America," who can provide reflections on the reveal and public reaction.

Critics and Skeptics

John Dvorak: Tech pundit who was critical of the Segway, providing a balanced view of its reception and criticisms.
Industry Analysts: Experts in technology and personal transportation who can discuss the Segway's place in the market and its legacy.

Cultural and Technological Impact

Pop Culture Experts: Commentators who can discuss the Segway's influence on popular culture and its portrayal in media.
Urban Planners and Mobility Experts: Professionals who can speak about the Segway's impact on urban transportation and its potential future.

Personal Stories and Users

Early Adopters: Individuals who were among the first to use the Segway, sharing their experiences and perspectives.
Jim Heselden’s Family and Colleagues: Providing insights into Heselden's ownership of the Segway company and the impact of his tragic death.

Regulatory and Safety Experts

Brian Toohey: Involved in getting the Segway approved for sidewalk use, discussing regulatory challenges and safety concerns.

Consumer Safety Advocates: Addressing the safety debates and concerns that arose with the Segway’s introduction.