What happens when a 100% electric racing motorcycle takes on one of the world’s toughest rally-raid competitions?
Michelin and Segway are joining forces for the 2028 Dakar Rally. Michelin will be the official tyre supplier and technical partner of the Segway Dakar Rally Factory Team, which plans to compete with all-new, 100% electric racing motorcycles. The collaboration starts at the development stage, bringing together Segway’s engineering expertise and Michelin’s experience in tyres and rally-raid competition.
Why is the Dakar Rally uniquely challenging for electric motorcycles?
Long distances, changing terrain, extreme temperatures and intense mechanical stresses make the Dakar Rally a demanding test for both riders and machines. Racing with a 100% electric motorcycle adds further considerations, particularly around range, energy management and performance over long stages.
For Segway, Dakar will provide a real-world testing ground for its new electric racing motorcycle. The aim is to put technologies to the test under extreme conditions while exploring new possibilities in performance and electric mobility.
How will Michelin collaborate with Segway on the Dakar project?
The partnership goes beyond supplying tyres.
Michelin will work alongside Segway’s engineering teams during the motorcycle’s development. Together, the teams will consider the specific demands of an electric powertrain, including torque, weight, traction and energy management, when analysing the stresses placed on the tyres.
Michelin will bring its experience in off-road racing and rally-raid competition, alongside its expertise in tyres and Michelin Bib MousseTM puncture-prevention solutions.
During the initial development phase, Michelin will help the Segway Dakar Rally Factory Team select suitable Enduro and Desert tyres. Michelin specialists will also provide recommendations on tyre use and on the selection, installation and use of Michelin Bib MousseTM solutions.
Joint technical workshops and training sessions will bring together Michelin Motorsport specialists and Segway engineers. Testing will also generate data in conditions representative of rally-raid competition, helping to guide tyre optimisation according to the motorcycle’s final specifications and requirements.
What expertise and technology does Michelin contribute to the Dakar Rally?
Michelin has competed in the Dakar Rally since 1983 and has recorded 40 victories in the event. That experience will contribute to the development programme for Segway’s new electric racing motorcycle.
The two partners will establish a joint testing programme, progressively adapting the tyres to the specific characteristics and operating demands of the motorcycle
For Michelin and Segway, competition therefore becomes more than a finish line. It provides a demanding environment in which technologies can be tested, data collected and development work refined.
The challenge is clear. Take electric racing into extreme conditions, learn from every kilometre and keep advancing.
What are the key facts about the Michelin and Segway Dakar partnership?
Objective: the 2028 Dakar Rally with all-new, 100% electric Segway racing motorcycles.
Michelin’s role: official tyre supplier and technical partner.
Development: joint engineering work, testing, tyre selection and progressive tyre optimisation.
Michelin’s Dakar experience: competing since 1983, with 40 victories.
Technology: Enduro and Desert tyres and Michelin Bib MousseTM solutions will contribute to the development programme.
Everything You Need to Know About Michelin & Segway
Find Answers to Your Questions
What are common questions about Michelin and Segway's Dakar 2028 collaboration?
Yes, Segway plans to compete in the 2028 Dakar Rally with all-new, 100% electric racing motorcycles, marking a pioneering step in rally-raid electric mobility.
Michelin is the official tyre supplier and technical partner, collaborating from development through competition by providing tyres, technical expertise, and rally-raid experience.
Segway will use Michelin Enduro and Desert tyres, optimized with Michelin Bib Mousse™ puncture-prevention technology tailored for electric motorcycle demands.
The Dakar Rally offers extreme conditions to test electric motorcycle technologies, including range, energy management, and performance under harsh terrain and temperatures.
Michelin works closely with Segway engineers to analyze stresses from electric powertrains, optimizing tyre traction, durability, and energy efficiency through joint workshops and testing.
Challenges include managing torque, weight, energy consumption, and tyre wear over long, varied stages, requiring innovative tyre solutions and close engineering collaboration.
Executive Summary
Michelin and Segway are collaborating to develop 100% electric racing motorcycles for the 2028 Dakar Rally, combining tyre innovation with expertise in electric mobility.
Based on the press release https://www.michelin.com/en/publications/products-and-services/michelin-and-segway-join-forces-with-their-sights-set-on-dakar-2028
Photo credits: (c) Michelin – all rights reserved
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, then proofread and approved by the Michelin teams.