Segway sighting!
 

Saw someone on a segway today for the first time. It was awesome in a way. He was just gliding along. Then he got impatient and crossed the street and when he tried to go up the ramp, his wheel caught and he started spinning, and then fell off, then the segway went backwards and almost out into the street. He missed getting hit by a Taxi by inches. I was laughing my ass off.

[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RwDeAmwWPjxmE1uorxvUh8IDudmZaAlQ3H80cTvvt9d8fGrzIggjfKWsVRkSzqicSFIH4YUXyMfu!3SSmiwZBYcu2lkHs5ijDDlVujRXR*Q/segway.jpg?dc=4675419611718683480[/img]

Segways are not meant for New York City. Keep them in the burbs! What do you think? Have you seen people on them? Ever seen someone bite it?

All the joy of walking without all the getting in shape baggage. If I see someone on one coming down the sidewalk they better not expect me to move. Well, I'll move, but it will only to get something to lance them with as they go by.

Re: Segway sighting!
 

I think I would become immensly annoyed with these things if they proliferate. Partially, I'm just jealous though. They're awesome.

I followed the link but still dont understand their market strength. What are they for? Transportation obviously, but to replace bikes, scooters, what? DOes anyone know if BIll Gates had anything to do with funding the design of these things?

I thought that pic Halx had in photochopping in the previous TFP was a joke.

Gates had NOTHING to do with segways. They're meant to replace WALKING of all things (crazy ain't it?)

The technology involved is pretty cool, but I really hope we don't get to the point in civilization where we don't WALK.

I would have smacked the fucker upside the head with a lead pipe.


That's just me though.

Quite a few of them up here in New Hampshire where Dean Kamen invented and builds them. The Manchester PD tried out a couple of 'em for a few months - found they could sneak up on folks pretty easily. The Post Office in Concord, NH used 'em for a test period as well. I could see a real value for people such as letter carriers or meter readers. Pretty pricy for the public as they run about $5,000. for the civilian version on e-bay.

They aren't selling very well though and certainly not to the manufacturer's expectations. I don't know what the future holds for them. Lots of anticipated large orders from utility companies, police departments and amusement parks (Disney has a few but only for their employees at the moment) failed to materialize.

Very cool devices. I watched someone trying one out for the first time in my company's parking lot last week. It didn't appear as simple and easy as the Segway folks have led us to believe. I'm sure once a person gets some time on their machine it becomes second nature but there is definately a learning curve.

I personally hope Segway make it and I hope that their prices come down.

I saw some security guards or police, not sure which, at the ATL airport. Seems like a great thing for police and security but for commuting I don't get it. If everyone had one we'd have to triple or quadruple sidewalk space.

I thought they were supposed to be super affordable, like in the $1000 range? Wasnt that what they were saying when the hype began?

Pretty cool concept but can imagine them being a pain in the ass in crwded situations. I suppose if your going to drop that much cash why not just buy a moped?

How fast do they go?

why the fuck can't people walk?!? or ride a bike, or something? and if you're going far enough that those aren't realistic options, then a segway would be fucking ridiculous too. and i'm just guessing here, but it doesn't look very fast at all, and i'm sure you have to stay on very flat, even terrain, too... it'd have to be a bitch to get upstairs or even just up a steep hill... what the hell is the point of this thing?

I was in Stockholm a while back and asked for directions to a street. I got the directions but was adviced to go by the subway since it was a 10 minute walk. I just looked at this woman and started walking. Getting there by the subway would take me between 10-15 minutes including waiting for a train and set me back 2€.

People are to fucking lazy, they should put taxes on overweight people and fat/sugary foods.

... I like the technolgy behind the Segway though.

I saw one in the champ car paddock at st pete, looked pretty cool. I can see their usage on people who have to walk all day for their jobs though.

i don't think it's meant to replace walking, so much as it's meant to replace those 2-minute car trips to the supermarket. the idea is that you would choose to own one of these over a car, i believe, not both of them together. if you live in a dense urban setting, i could see where it could be useful.

as for making sidewalks 3 times as wide to accomodate everyone on a segway, i bet that's what the manufacturers were hoping would happen--that highway room might be reduced to make room for sidewalks. from an environmental point, that would probably be a good thing.

I can see how they would be helpful in some situations, but for everday use? Did anyone else watch the "segway in action" videos? Those are pretty funny... They've got people riding them around inside houses. Is the purpose of these things to minimize any semblence of exercise that a person might otherwise get?

I'm also curious to know how they stay upright. Is it just a matter of balancing?

edit: never mind, I found the part on the site that describes how it works. I agree, the technology is cool, but I still don't see it as necessary. I bet it could be applied to other stuff, though, where it would be really useful.

In my opinion, just get a bike or rollerblades or something. Either one will get you where you're going faster than walking would, and both are easier to deal with once you actually do arrive.

One of the biggest problems I see with it is the range between charges. 15 miles under optimal conditions, probably 10 under normal conditions, and about 5 miles under rugged conditions. Five miles is not really that far. Pedaling at a reasonable speed, you can go 5 miles on a bike in half an hour pretty easily. Also, you can take a bike places that you would not be able to take the segway-like the side of a road.

Seems awfully expensive (5 grand initially and the electric bill increase to charge it) just to replace WALKING. This guy actually thinks cities will be designed around it? That it's the equivalent to the invention of the car? If it were around $400 - $600 with hope of the price coming down, maybe I could see it.

Although you'd think the technology could be adapted to replace wheelchairs with a rack/seat thing so the handicapped dude could stand. Oops! Another million-dollar idea set loose for free.

Hah, that is a funny story. I actually saw someone on a Segway here in Minneapolis a few months back. He was crusing around downtown on it. If I was going to spend 5Gs on something to get me around when it was nice out, I would get a Vespa or something.

The segway is a useless but impressive peice of technology. The segway auto balnces so you do not need a flat terrain at all, thats the advantage. They can ride over rocky paths and up hill fine as iv seen video.

Anyone know if these wonders of modern invention will ever make if over the pond to Europe? or are they already here? Just seeing/trying one once would be abit of fun.

something like that i see as the person just being lazy. i don't like walking alot or standing, but i would rather do that then spend alot of money on one of those things. they are pretty neat, but i've never seen anyone on them. they are just a way to make society lazier than it is.

I can see a large factory or other complex using these things for people who had to quickly get all over the place all day, but damn.

Walking is good for you.

Here in Northern Virginia, I saw a guy on a Segway at Tyson's II a few weeks ago. He was even letting other people ride it. I'm not sure if he was a salesman or just a nice guy...

You know, they're useless, detrimental to society, and potentially dangerous. Even so, I <i>want one</i>!

It's sort of like an SUV. I know they're evil. That doesn't change my lust.

Actually, this Kamen guy is testing a prototype wheelchair with 2 segway type units that flip to go up stairs, and stand upright. Its really rather neat.

I think that this Segway thing is pretty neat and it is a technological acheivement. It does have its market though, and while I wouldn't expect someone in New York to use it, I can see how someone who would need handsfree mobility and good range, like mail carriers, could use this.

Oh yeah, it could be cheaper than a Motorcycle I guess. Maybe not so much gas, because mileage on those are pretty good, but maybe in the long run it would be cheaper. And it doesnt pollute, so the environmental activists might be attracted to it. It's pretty zippy too, faster than running at medium speed.

But then again, I'm a giant gadget freak, and I want one of every tech toy out there.. You seen that Palm PDA thats built into a fossil watch? :D

Just walk people... Really.

Other forms recreational movement (skating, skateboarding, biking) have other uses/benefits aside from transportation.

Maybe you rollerblade to get around, but you also might do it for fun and even get in shape by doing so. Yet with a Segway I don't see the point.

You are just clogging up the already narrow sidewalks. If these things multiply it will be a major pain in the ass in any city that has more than 3 people on any sidewalk at any given time.

HAHAHAHAHA just like people looking ALL over the living room for the remote instead of just walking up to the TV and changing the fucking channel...

it looks stupid, and very unhandy imo

they are cool and all but come on have you seen the price tag on them?

This thread is fucking hilarious

Here's alink to an interesting diagram.

I spend plenty on transportation just walking. Between the only shoes that fit and are comfortable costing $130, and the $500 shoe inserts to compensate for flat feet (someone at my insurance company needs a slappin') I'm walking on $630 each day.

Saw another one yesterday. The guy seemed to have a lot more control than the other one I saw. God, I hope these things don't take over New York.

it´s a cool machine, but no a very practic one. I really can´t see the future one that, at least for ordinary people.

Actually, having seen them in action, they seem great for folks on crutches or postal workers, etc...

I really wouldn't defeine people on crutches or postal workers as "ordinary people" which sounds like some sort of insult. Its not ment to be. I am mearly stating that people on crutches and postal workers make up less then 5% of the population (much less.. I am basing that number on absolutely nothing)I still think they are nifty. But about as usefull as a Razor (by which I mean these little toys that were popular for ALMOST an entire summer back in like... 2000 or whenever)

I want one! Why? I have no idea, it looks like fun! Of course i'd want to trick it out, lift it, put some big ass mud tires on it and add a stereo, but that's just me....lol

I saw one in action at a Seattle car show in March...older gent riding the thing, it was silent and moving maybe 20mph, turned and stopped without any obvious effort.

I think it'd have a market amongst short guys... makes 'em about six inches taller :p

i'd love to try one out :) can't see myself every buying one though.

Had a guy come into the place I work with one of those and he crashed into a display stand. Had to force myself not to laugh in an incredibly awkward situation.

i saw one this past weekend in Santa Clarita Valley... weird... since no body walks in LA... neither did this guy.

I saw a meter-reader on one a few months back. He was having a hell of a time "parking" the thing on a hill. He finally grabbed a stick to wedge behind the wheel.

There's a place in Seattle (in greenlake) that rents them. Haven't done it myself, as it's like $40/hour, but if you really want to try one and are in the area...

I personally would ratehr have a bike than a segway any day. They help you get in shape, they are faster, and hell, its fun to ride a nice bike.

I checked out the website of the place(greggscycles.com) and it didn't say anything about them. Are you sure they still rent them there?

The place that rents them is called Glide. It's on the other side of the block from Gregg's Cycles.

I can't see any real use for these things. I've seen a few around San Francisco. They just look like another way for lazy Americans to get even more lazy. These sorry bastards are probably riding them between the parking lot (where they parked their SUV that they drove into the city from the godawful suburbs alone) to the office. Somebody mentioned going to the supermarket on one. How the fuck are you going to haul groceries on one? My wife an I can bring home six bags of groceries on our bicycles between the two of us. Lazy goddamned Americans. Makes me wish I was French.

He's already invented it, in fact it was built first and just got FDA approval:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp..._wheelchair_dc

Dean Kamen is a smart, smart, man. I think he might be right about these segways, but not for another decade or so.

I saw my first one this past week in New Hampshire while visiting friends. We were at a bar over looking the water and this guy comes hovering by on the sidewalk, looked out to the bay, and turned around and jetted off. Looked pretty cool - but as Daval had said:
sums it up for me as well. She said that the postal workers use them around here area. Neat-o.

If you're going to spend that much on something that has two wheels, get a used motorcycle.

I saw one on the Champs Elysées in Paris about a month ago. It was like a Kubrick was directing, until I spotted my own reflection in a shop window.

Inline skates or bust

Saw a cop bite it on one.

Too funny.

It's only a matter of time folks, it's only a matter of time..:D

http://www.xclan.org/nico/blingbling.jpg

Priceless :D :D :D

I'll wait for the hover models. :rolleyes:

those things are incredibly expensive

I had the chance to ride one this week. I work at a science and tech. museum and one of our benefators is going to buy us one so we got the full pitch at this meeting. They have been classified as a mobilty device, but if you cant walk easily how well can you stand either? It is leagla to ride on the sidewalks in all 50 states and on the roads where the speedlimit is under 25mph. The ride was pretty easy, you just stand there and it balances itself. You just have to get used to NOT trying to balance it. You lean forward it goes and depending on the setting you can top out at 12mph. there is a turning switch on the handle bars that is well located so you can do a zero radius turn. The biggest problem is that depending how much weight is on them you get 9-12 miles off a battery charge. I know my mailcarrier walks more than 10 miles a day, so whats the point. This is a flash in the pan toy that will never get braod use.

I don't care if it's horribly expensive or if it seems silly. I want to stand six inches above you all and bask in my motor-driven superiority, then zoom away when you try to force me off the thing.

6,000 Segways recalled.
<hr>
U.S. regulators, Segway recall 6,000 scooters

WASHINGTON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - About 6,000 of the much-hyped Segway Human Transporters are being voluntarily recalled for an upgrade because some of the futuristic scooters can suddenly run out of power, causing riders to fall off, U.S. safety regulators and the company said on Friday.

Segway has received three such reports of riders falling off, including one person who sustained a head injury that required stitches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the company said in a statement.

The power problem occurs under certain operating conditions, especially when the batteries are running out, Segway and the safety agency said in the statement, posted on the Internet.

Specifically, the company said in a statement, they can occur "if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle, or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert."

Segway officials did not immediately return call for comment.

The Segway carries one person who stands on a small platform between two side-by-side wheels. Leaning slightly forward moves the scooter forward, leaning back makes it reverse course and turns are made by twisting the handle.

The transporter, which took over a decade for investor Dean Kamen to develop, enjoyed more than two years of hype before it went on sale at Amazon.com Inc's AMZN.O online store in March for $4,950.

The Segway "i Series," or HTi167, and all e167 "e series" models sold to commercial users and p133 "p series" models sold in test markets are being recalled for a software upgrade.

Segway said it was contacting owners about the upgrades, but for more information, call the company at (877) 889-9020.
<hr>

only 6,000? that's it? that's all that's been sold?

Segways are for people with too much money who desparately need to be crippled from the waist down so that they will never have to worry about using their legs for a simple exercise such as walking again.

good idea.
surely that won´t take too long.

what i really want is the bar stool version of the segway... you could still be sitting at the bar, while on your way home... but i guess drink-segway-driving could become an issue.

<img src="http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2003/06/13/image558532x.jpg" width="370" height="278">
so easy to use even Bush can use one!

I saw a test movie where they teached how to use it on all terrains .. even ice.

Pretty nifty machine.

This summer I had the opportunity to try a Segway (compliments of Sara at Glide http://www.glideusa.com/ ). This was at The Gorge in George, WA, a House of Blues concert venue with lots of steep hill walking between the 3 or 4 stages of entertainment.
In my job, I need to get from stage to stage at various large events and a golf cart or John Deere ATV isn't always available or practical. The Segway was very easy to learn and makes the pain of a titanium plate in my leg lessen. I just need to figure out how my doctor can "prescribe" it, so insurance will pay the $5000! :D

It costs way too much. And I've been trying to save on gas, so I've been walking home lately (60 minute walk) and something that looks that silly and will probably get stolen, it doesn't look worth it at all.

I saw someone riding a Trikke the other day. I thought that was pretty stupid. Yeah, it's a little off topic, but it's still a bizarre method of transportation.

see that they recalled them because people were falling down? :p