With the Segway’s popularity taking off around the world, Toyota has seen the opportunity and designed its own deceptively similar two-wheeled motorised transportation device.

Toyota's Winglet: a Segway in disguise?

Toyota’s machine is called the Winglet will be available in a 462mm high Type S model, a 680mm Type M option or flagship 1130mm tall Type L machine. Users stand on A3 size ‘wings’ that overhang each wheel.

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It’s not clear how users control the Type S and M models, because the handles are too low for most people to comfortably reach. Perhaps Toyota’s planning to target these two models at more adventurous skateboarder type riders? But the Type L model is, aside from a few stylistic differences, a Segway.

All three models have a maximum cruising speed of just over 3mph, whereas the Segway has a top speed of around 12mph. The Type S model’s 5km cruising range is half the distance available with the two other Toyota models. All three take about one hour to charge-up.

The first Toyota Winglets are expected to roll off of the production line in 2010.

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