New Segway coming tomorrow?

Wouldn't you know it, just when we've finally perfected riding our Segway HT180i without falling off every five seconds and skinning our knees, multiple reports are claiming that the company is poised to release a brand new version of the self-stabilizing human transporter as soon as tomorrow. A generous tipster sent us the exclusive photo you see here which supposedly depicts a model known as the i2 (Does the "i" indicate some sort of iPod integration? We couldn't say, but everyone else is doing it these days.); the same tipster claims a so-called x2 Segway is also on the way. Since the only info we have on the supposed i2 is what we we can glean from the pics, well, we really don't know very much at all -- but another tipster is reporting that Segway reps told him tomorrow's release will be "70% new and very different from the old models." Don't worry, we're a bit confused too, but if our sources are on the money, we'll be able to deliver you all the solid deets in less than a day's time.

Update: Oh, those helpful tipsters. The latest word from our man on the inside is that the new offering -- supposedly priced similarly to current Segs -- will operate on a "lean steer" system, which as the name indicates, means that leaning left or right on the handlebars will turn the vehicle in the corresponding direction. A wireless security fob is also said to be part of the package, so you can pretend that you own a real car even though you're just cruising around on a teched-out scooter.

[Thanks, Dignan17 and other]

[Toy @ Aug 13th 2006 3:13PM]

Better have a bike, than this kind of "toy"

[Steve Jobs @ Aug 13th 2006 3:23PM]

We'll have to re-think cities!

[cecilia @ Aug 13th 2006 3:33PM]

can it go up and down stairs?

[LukeA @ Aug 13th 2006 3:36PM]

What's that thing between where your feet go? I wouldn't buy one (even if I could afford one) because of that. It's impossible for me to be comfortable if my feet can't touch when they're that close together.

[CTG @ Aug 13th 2006 4:03PM]

"We'll have to re-think cities!"

LMFAO. Man, I still remember the Segway hype like it was yesterday. I'll never forget because I'm one of the people who fell for it.

[Dave Zatz @ Aug 13th 2006 4:05PM]

Looks like a lawn mower.

[Fuzz @ Aug 13th 2006 4:07PM]

"can it go up and down stairs?"

Alone or in pairs . .

[Hooty @ Aug 13th 2006 4:12PM]

Lazy fat people all around the world rejoice!!!

[Kevin Cannon @ Aug 13th 2006 4:28PM]

Segways are great fun. Had the chance to play around on one for awhile recently. Really great.

Don't think I'll be splashing out on one just yet, but they're certainly a lot of fun.

[Matt @ Aug 13th 2006 4:35PM]

why?

[Fire Hazard @ Aug 13th 2006 4:53PM]

Though not gracefully or safely it can go down stairs. It can go upstairs if you carry it. If I could afford to buy one I would use it to go the wrong way on a moving sidewalk. I would put a bicycle horn on it too. SQUEEKY SQUEEKY! OUTA THE WAY! I AM MORE IMPORTANT THEN YOU!

[Liam @ Aug 13th 2006 5:01PM]

I agree with the first poster; the bicycle as we know it (and have done for decades) is over 98% efficient in converting leg effort into forward momentum. Only fat Americans would spend time negotiating complicated inverted-pendulum balancing problems to get out of doing a little light exercise.

Being a physicist, I ought to love the Segway but I can't overlook the fact that it's an incredibly bad idea, especially for a nation that has such an incredible problem with doing day-to-day exercise.

[Tim @ Aug 13th 2006 5:03PM]

They should make a segway lawnmower. That's actually the first good use I've heard for these aside from helping urban mail carriers.

[neXus @ Aug 13th 2006 5:04PM]

The Segway has rapidly become the answer to a question nobody has ever asked. Personally, I find it useless.

[Lee @ Aug 13th 2006 5:32PM]

If it comes in at $500, I'm having one.

I had a play on the older model when I was working at WDW, and they are great fun. But expensive toys is all they really are. If they were cheaper, I'd buy it just to save on transport costs.

Yeah, I'm lazy, but I'm also a massive geek and a collector-geek at that. My collection of gadgets would be complete (almost) with this lay-z-walker.

[Jay @ Aug 13th 2006 5:39PM]

Liam,

Being a physicist, I would like to give you credit for being a bit more intelligent than that.

The simple catch phrase that Segway Inc uses sums it up nicely...Segway doesn't replace walking, it replaces everything else.

I take Segway to work everyday (about 4 miles each way). It's faster and cheaper than driving through the city, and I can't exactly bike or jog there in my work clothes. Urban congestion is an increasing problem that Segway has a response to. It's not for everyone, but don't be so quick to jump on the 'Lazy-man's toy' bandwagon.

I find that most people who talk shit about Segway change there minds once they learn a bit more about it.

[clinko @ Aug 13th 2006 5:50PM]

Pay me $500, and i'll ride one. But not in front of a large crowd.

[Brian @ Aug 13th 2006 6:02PM]

I think Segways are wonderful... if you work security, if you work in a warehouse, if you live/work in a overcrowded downtown area, etc.

Not fitting any of those categories, I'd much rather have a bike (READ: Ducati Multistrada 620, link below). Until I win the lottery, Segway won't be recieveing any of my hard earned paycheck.

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2006/ducatiModel.jhtml?family=multistrada&modelName=MTS620-06

[Juaquin @ Aug 13th 2006 6:03PM]

Cue the Segway X-TREME HUMMER Edition in 3...2...1...

NOW YOUR FAT ASS CAN GO OFFROADING!

[Tim @ Aug 13th 2006 6:06PM]

jay -

i bike, in atlanta summers, 5 miles between work and home. (in my work clothing) if it's hot enough outside to sweat while standing, it's not going to be any hotter biking. i'm biting my grammar-nazi tongue... [their, there, they're]

[TC @ Aug 13th 2006 6:08PM]

I'd love to have one for ease of getting around urban congestion but the brilliant folks on our County Board of Supervisors banned them because they "frighten senior citizens."

[falcompsx @ Aug 13th 2006 6:44PM]

the new segway is already out. It's most "revolutionary" change is in the steering system. instead of a twist on the handle, you now just lean the handlebars left and right to turn, it has a built in alarm, odometer, speedometer and other computerized functions. keys are now wireless, just leave it in your pocket and step on it to go. THis is the reason for the FCC filing earlier, so no ipod connectivity, or bluetooth as rumored. Also speed can be set by a button instead of having to turn off and on with the different colored key. Great improvements. same MSRP, no increase in cost. Still kinda pricey for a toy though.

[Jason @ Aug 13th 2006 7:05PM]

what do you have to do to get a star by your name?

[Mark @ Aug 13th 2006 7:33PM]

Don't care. Didn't care, still don't care. It's too expensive for working folks to buy, so...I don't care.

[Jay @ Aug 13th 2006 7:42PM]

Tim,

Damn....THEIR...why do I never read before I submit!!!

I find I get a nice breeze on my Segway while gliding to work. Sure, if it's incredibly hot...I'll still sweat, but nothing like riding a bike (for me at least).

Oh, and before people start jabbing...I'm 200 lbs at 12% body fat. I enjoy riding my bike, but only as recreation and exercise...not transportation.

[jess @ Aug 13th 2006 7:55PM]

yeesh, what's wrong with walking?

[Brett Dalton @ Aug 13th 2006 8:52PM]

News is up already: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1226171,00.html

[Sam @ Aug 13th 2006 9:55PM]

How to render the Segway obsolete:
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=segway_more_complicated_than_it_needs_to_be

[Fernando @ Aug 13th 2006 10:56PM]

For the real scoop, look here:

http://www.segway.com/personal-transporter/index.html

[Bilo @ Aug 13th 2006 11:55PM]

its out already on the website

http://www.segway.com/personal-transporter/model_i2.html

[Bilo @ Aug 13th 2006 11:59PM]

and there is the all-terrain X2 model

http://www.segway.com/personal-transporter/model_x2.html

[morcheeba @ Aug 14th 2006 12:56AM]

Lean steering, finally! I've only tried Trevor Blackwell's version-2 scooter* ( http://www.tlb.org/scooter.html ) and his steering system is great. I find it amazing that segway has lean for one dimension of control, but a knob for the other -- it seems so counterintuitive. (* = that makes me the ultimate inverted-pendulum-scooter snob!)

I have the same problem with riding a bike for short distances - I don't like to do it in work clothes. Long distances and a shower afterwards is my preference.

Brian - I agree - the Duke is the best solution!

[ichiban @ Aug 14th 2006 1:03AM]

Segways seem very useful on our university campus (ASU). Employees use it so that they can quickly get from one department to another without having to deal with parking and locking a golf-cart. Also, since it is so dang hot out, you don't want to get all smelly/sweaty power-walking across campus to get to a meeting on time.

[Gristle @ Aug 14th 2006 3:42AM]

Spend your money on a Blokart. Much more fun..

www.blokart.com

[eric @ Aug 14th 2006 3:51AM]

It's funny about the guy who quipped "lazy fat people will rejoice." Not over the Segway, I suspect. Last time I checked, Segway did not make a model that would accomodate most overweight people (certainly not an overweight male much over 5'8").

I think the maximum capacity model is 250 lbs. At my height and build I would have to become anorexic or bullemic to be that weight (and I am only 6'1").

[TimC @ Aug 14th 2006 8:03AM]

Segway has been the best investment I have done in last five years. I use it to work evereyday and I have avoided the hike of the oil price that you all have experienced for months. I believe the lean-steer is going to make this product even more approachable. Yes, Segway is not for every one, but it proves to me what it worth AFTER I have used in my daily life. For those who have never being on a Segway, I suggest you to try it out then share your thoughts, before you post any shortsighted common and make a fool of yourself.

[MadMongoose @ Aug 14th 2006 8:05AM]

It's official and up on Segway's site.
http://www.segway.com/personal-transporter/model_i2.html
Sweet! Where's the add to cart button?

[TimC @ Aug 14th 2006 8:06AM]

Segway has been the best investment I have done in last five
years. I use it to work evereyday and I have avoided the hike of oil price
that you all have experienced for months. I believe the lean-steer is
going to make this product even more approachable. Yes, Segway is not
for every one, but it proves to me what it worth AFTER I have used in
my daily life. For those who have never being on a Segway, I suggest
you to try it out then share your thoughts, before you post any
shortsighted comment and make a fool of yourself.

[S @ Aug 14th 2006 8:09AM]

Try it before you bash it. This is an AMAZING form of transport, and quite legitimate as well. It's quite alarming that people who monitor a tech site like this for the latest and greatest newfangled gadgetry are so down on this marvel of engineering.

Many have said that it's a solution waiting for a problem... well, open your eyes, we DO have a problem: $3 for gas? Taking the car a mile to get milk? Give me a break.

At least I know I'm having fun getting to and from work, to and from the grocery store, and wherever else I go.

This is actually the best money I have ever spent.

-S

[Galley @ Aug 14th 2006 9:06AM]

Don't knock until you've tried it. Cities SHOULD be built around devices such as these. But honestly, it would take a minimum of 50 years for that to happen.

[Rose @ Aug 14th 2006 10:43AM]

I have a Segway and the new models do not make me want to throw mine out and spend another $5 Grand.

I'm still the geekiest person in my town, even without LeanSteer.

With Mobility problems, it's been a Godsend.

I'm hoping the new models create a nice secondary, more affordable, First Generation Market.

There's lots of us who are not ready for the Wheelchair, where something like this can mean the difference between working, contributing to society and going on the Disability Rolls.

This is not a Toy to me. Yes, it's fun and it makes getting around fun, when all it should be is Painful.

Just a view from Mrs. Need to Mr. Want :-)

Rose

[Sand Man @ Aug 14th 2006 11:52AM]

Once again I'm amazed at the narrowmindedness of some of the posters here.

The Segway has been a great boon to my commute and my lifestyle.

My daily commute is approximately 6 miles each way, all of which I now do on a Segway. Because of traffic I usually get there faster than in a car and since I don't have to hunt for parking I am at my desk or home much sooner.

I use the Segway to go shopping and other "around town" errands. In fact, if it is less than 10 miles I will likely take the Segway rather than drive and have to spend money on gas, parking, and the inevitable wear and tear on my car.

I have also not gained a pound in the two years I've used the Segway as my main mode of transportation. In fact, I've lost 5 pounds but I can't really attribute that to gliding.

So, in a nutshell....don't laugh about it, try it. While it may not be for you it is for tens of thousands of people.

SJ

[Jake @ Aug 14th 2006 8:51PM]

Do you have to carry a bicycle lock to secure your Segway? And where do you all "park" it?

Do you take it all the way in to the cube/dining table/shop counter?