Who Was the Inventor of the Segway and How Did He Die
James Heselden was a British engineer and businessman who acquired the Segway company in December 2009 and later died in a Segway-related accident in September 2010. He was 62 years old when he fell while riding a Segway PT near his estate in West Yorkshire, England. The incident occurred on a steep slope close to the River Wharfe, and the coroner ruled the death as accidental drowning after the fall. Forbes reported the details of the accident and his background.
Before buying Segway, Heselden founded Hesco Bastion, a company that manufactured blast barriers used by militaries and aid organizations worldwide. He sold that business for hundreds of millions of pounds and used part of the proceeds to purchase Segway. Under his ownership, the company continued to develop personal transporter devices and expand its commercial and consumer customer base. Bloomberg covered the corporate history and timing of the acquisition.
What the Investigation Revealed About the Segway Death
The initial police investigation treated the incident as a non-suspicious accident, and the coroner later confirmed that Heselden died from injuries consistent with a fall into water while operating a Segway. Toxicology reports did not indicate alcohol or drugs as contributing factors, according to public statements from the coroner's office. The vehicle itself was examined, and authorities did not announce any product recall or formal defect finding related to the Segway PT model he was riding.
Following the death, the company he owned released statements emphasizing the importance of safety training and protective equipment for Segway riders. The incident renewed public discussion about the risks of electric personal transporters on slopes and uneven terrain. The New York Times summarized the official response and safety context.
How the Segway Company Changed After the Inventor's Death
After Heselden's death, ownership of the Segway company passed to his family and estate, and the company continued operating under the same brand name. In subsequent years, the company explored new models, partnerships, and commercial applications for its transporter devices while maintaining a focus on safety updates and rider guidelines. The business remained active in the personal mobility and last-mile logistics sectors, supplying devices to warehouses and urban environments.
Later corporate developments included changes in leadership and strategic direction as the company adapted to evolving markets for electric scooters and autonomous devices. SEC filings document the corporate structure and ownership transitions. The brand remains associated with the legacy of its former owner and the early popularization of self-balancing electric transporters.