Segway

John Doerr said "This will be bigger than the internet" — 19 years later, Segway had sold 30,000 units total before Chinese Ninebot discontinued production, the smartphone proving that self-balancing was more useful in your pocket

Years-long decline before final shutdown · Fatal mistake: Segway launched in December 2001 after massive secrecy and hype — John Doerr said "This will be bigger than the internet." The $5,000 device was too expensive, too heavy, and US cities banned sidewalk use. Sold 30,000 units over 19 years vs. millions projected. Ninebot (Chinese company, which makes cheaper hoverboards) acquired Segway in 2015. Ninebot discontinued Segway PT production June 2020 due to low demand.