7 Easy Steps on How to Build a Segway

Below are 7 'Easy' Steps on How to Build a Segway as shown on the video.

Step 1: Go to a toy shop and buy a 4x4 R/C car. (The toy car is for a small-scale prototype.)

Step 2: Design and build an interface board which includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope.


Step 3: Write some code for it. (It's a must to know C++ programming)

Step 4: Implement Kalman filter.

Step 5: Mount the board inside the car. Don't forget to put some rubber in between to avoid vibrations to the controller. Then cross your finger and hope that your car will hold it's balance. Continue fine tuning.

Step 6: Move it on large-scale. When you assemble the base, first test the motors and wheels to see if everything is working perfectly.

Step 7: Add a speedometer so you know how fast your home-made Segway is.

That's it! Be ready to test drive your 2 wheel transport! But first, see the video for more detailed info.

Max speed is around 25 km/h (15.5 mph) on a flat surface. Max distance with one charge is around 35 km (22 miles) or 3 hours of driving. The batteries are 36 Ah. Max load is 150 kg (330 lbs). Clearance from the ground is 15 cm (6 inches). Weight of the vehicle is 30 kg (66 lbs).

The final production cost was about $1000 total, with the most expensive items being the metal body (which was manufactured in a factory based on our custom order), the electric engines and the batteries, respectively. We were told in the factory that the price for, let's say, 1000 pieces, would drastically go down per piece than for making just 1 piece. Therefore, if made in large quantities, the total cost for 1 Segway would be about $600-$700.

It's not that really easy, it took them couple of months and lots of hardwork and patience, not to mentioned tons of Physics and Mathematics so that the prototype of the home-made Segway could roam the street.

For more information and full description about the Home-Made Segway, visit rkujovic. Built and coded by Dragan Kujovic.

- Blog that I blogged.