The British businessman who owns the Segway company was killed when he drove one of his famous two-wheeled scooters right off a cliff.

James Heselden, who was using an off-road version of the iconic ride to inspect the grounds of his estate in northern England, was fished out of a river shortly after the freak accident Sunday.

"Officers were called to the incident around 11:40 a.m. following a call from a member of the public," the West Yorkshire police said in a statement.

Heselden, 62, who lived in Thrope Arch, was pronounced dead at the scene. His death was "not believed to be suspicious," police said.

Laying near his body was one of his company's battery-powered scooters, a device that made its debut in 2002.

"It is with great sadness that we have to confirm that Jimi Heselden OBE, has died in a tragic accident near his home in West Yorkshire," Hesco Bastion said in a statement. "Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends, who have asked for privacy at this time."

Segway, which is based in Bedford, N.H., had no comment on Heselden's demise. He bought the company in 2009.

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In the U.S., squabbling continued between the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over which would have the privilege of protecting the public by banning the sale, possession and use of the off-road model of the Segway. The Food and Drug Administration bowed out early when it was proven that the Segway was not edible, as did the powerful Environmental Protection Agency who had to admit that the Segway was quite environmentally-friendly. The Federal Aviation Administration could not demonstrate an interest since, with this one exception, Segways have not previously flown and are not meant to do so. 

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