As
rumored, Segway is launching two new versions of their still-looks-nerdy-as-ever two wheel Human Transporter. The biggest update is the new "LeanSteer" system that does away the clunky grip-based control for turning, and now allows for leaning into turns in much the same way as leaning forward and back controls speed. Segway is also packing in a new wireless "InfoKey" controller (the
Bluetooth HT-V1A unit we recently saw get by the FCC) that operates as a monitor for battery level, seed and distance, and also acts as extra security for your Segway. When mounted on your Segway, the InfoKey acts as a normal "dashboard" display. Finally, along with extensive redesign of the entire unit, Segway has added those "Saphion" lithium-ion batteries -- first featured in the
XT and i180 -- which manage 24 miles on regular terrain with the i2, and go for 12 miles offroad with the x2, but both devices still "speed" along at the traditional 12.5 mph. You can nab the i2 now for $5,000, or wait around for the x2 which will be out in September. Segway will also be releasing other versions of their second-generation scooter, such as a new golf-centric model, with all six total version due by the end of the year.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read - Segway i2
Read - Segway x2
posted August 14th 2006 9:32AM
As a subsitute high school teacher, I currently use a bike in conjunction with public transit to reach various destinations in San Jose. It takes me no more than 45 minutes to arrive within a ten mile city radius. By not owning a car I save thousands of dollars annually and help reduce vehicle emissions. I believe that a combination of the Segway and public transit system would prove a killer application to most transit needs for the business class and others. While a bike works fine for me, I find it incompatible with wearing a suit that will get grease stains and so on. The bottom line: the Segway in conjunction with public transit would allow commuters to do away with their 6,000 lbs autos in order to transport themselves from point a to b. I wish lawmakers would realize this potential.
for those of you in favor of segways i'm with you. i think they would be fun to ride, very practical, convenient and (of course) be way less expensive to operate, i mean think about it people if you burn 2gal of gas to go get something to eat at the restaurant you just spent 8dlrs in gas alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. less emissions is always a good thing. saying there for fat or disabled people is so unbelievably stupid, i can't believe someone is that closed minded. if a living breathing human being needs to get from point a to point b a segway should be figured into the equation should i walk, bike, motorcycle, drive my car, or segway there. there fun, convenient, take up waaaayyy less space than a car and are green/enviromentally friendly. duh sounds like a great thing to me. i think everyone should talk to your local politicians about the advantages of these things and have them made legal on sidewalks. i certainly have nothing against walking but some times, or in certain situations these can be extremely useful. does your 8/9/ yr old need a cell phone NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! do they have them some yes and some no. but you get my point. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'm with the person who said theres a paradigm shift coming in reference to these things... i agree...i believe eventually most everyone will have one. THEY DONT USE GAS end of story !!!!!!!
The Segway Human Transporter is just that, a transportation device. Now just because it looks nerdy is only showing how narrow minded people are. The very first and early bicycles looked weird and nerdy to a lot of people back then, now there are millions of them in various shapes and styles. Most of the arguments that I have read against the Segway are weak and lack any appreciation for modern engineering coupled with quality of workmanship and ingenuity. As far as costs are concerned, yes it is a bit pricey but then look at why. The degree of technology that go into these wonderful machines are all for the sake of safety. And so what if there are lazy people out there who would rather use a Segway than walk at least they are not polluting the air while being lazy. And then there are those individuals (like me) who in their line of work can benefit greatly from the use of a Segway. As a Peace Officer I can quietly patrol great distances while conserving my energy, and with the added height I can see a bit more than the average cop walking a beat. And as far as looking nerdy, so what, I'm confident enough to where it doesn't bother me one bit. I'm getting around in a clean, green and efficient manner.
Would love to try one out. It would not solve enough of my transpo need in a Montreal climate and infrastructure (I live in the burbs) to make it worthwhile. Plus, where would the kids sit? I think, however, there would be a place for it for those living and traveling within a close and closed proximity. I dream of a Downtown Montreal with no Cars & trucks. Just bikes, segways and the like.
Segways are as close as I am likely to get to the jetpacks and rocket cars I was expecting since I was a kid.
Another dream would be that folks could express their opinions in relation to themselves rather than the opinions of others. It would make reading these forums much less of a waste of time. Which might leave more time for work. Which might allow me to purchase a Segway just for fun. Ahh Dreams.
Sweet!!!!! Forget about changing the world. I just wanna get one of these. It looks awesome!!
Wow. Soon we won't be needing our legs.
seed and distance? Is that watermellon seeds or cantalope......?
I think you meant speed
I, for one, welcome our Human Transporter overlords.
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Sweet!!!!! Forget about changing the world. I just wanna get one of these. It looks awesome!!
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yeah but you look like an absolutely tw@t on ones of these.
(pardon my french :)
Only Gob is allowed to ride one
Wow, they cost more than my Yugo.
hrm these are one of those great ideas which never really took off... the only place ive ever seen these actually being used with purpose was in spain; where the police patrol the streets on them in order to save their energy for chasing the baddies!
Chicago PD, sometimes, too.
Let me tell you, it's damn hard to make a segway look intimidating.
I went to Rice University and several students had these to get around campus. I wish I were back in college just to have an excuse to buy one of these :-)
Hey everybody! There's an even better mode of transportation out right now! It must be new or something, but I heard it was called WALKING! This "walking" thing can really change the world!
""seed and distance? Is that watermellon seeds or cantalope......?"'by Jonathan Keim
Proof reader is on vacation. :)
Segway "Press release" site is down. I am surprise they didn't anticipate the added traffic
Unfortunately these things are neither road legal, nor sidewalk legal here in the UK so we can't really use them..
Also, being electric and al you need to plug them in, fine. However we don't have mains plugs sitting around on the street so you need to bring these things in your house for a charge which is where it all falls down. How am I supposed to carry this 200 pound thing up my stairs? Nevermind that it would get mud all over my carpet.
So in essence it's geeky, illegal to use, impractical and expensive... Looks like they have a winner on their hands.
I remember all the hype when they first came out, how it was going to change the way we lived. Still waiting.
the surface by microsoft is going to change the world! and thats a fact.
Those who consistently and sarcastically tout the virtues of walking need to stop being so small minded. The Segway has the potential to be a good commuting solution for many people. Example: I live about 6 miles from work. That's way to far to walk, and probably for alot of people, to far to bike. Biking isn't an option for me because I have to wear a suit and tie everyday and have no place to store a bike since I live on the 3rd floor of a condo. The Segway could be a great solution for me for half the year (assuming weather conditions) if it was cheaper. Half a year of using a Segway versus wasting gas in a car is still a lot.
Not only that, but what about grocery shopping? or small errands around town? Another solution the Segway can solve. So before you start complaining, start thinking. Unless of course you can live up to the high horse you're preaching on. But let's be honest, I don't think you complainers have ever walked or biked to the grocery store. Just because the Segway isn't a solution for you doesn't mean that it isn't a solution for someone else. So stop your pathetic preaching.
Wanax, if you think carrying a 12 pound bike up 2 stairs is not convenient, what would you do with your segway? There's no way you would carry that thing up.
And if you've got storage/parking space downstairs for a Segway then you have space for a bike.
Btw, if you plan on getting to the office at 12mph max (Segway top speed) than you wouldn't be breaking any sweat on a bike (unless you live in a bumpy place like SF).
Looks like you could use a Scooter; they are much cheaper, go faster, have greater range and cost less to buy. You can even take a passenger on the back for those 125cc and up.
Running cost are insignificant.
A Segway is 100lbs. For me, that's not much. I actually do lift and exercise. Plus its a condo, storage space downstairs equals the size of a closet, no where near enough for a bike or scooter. Once again, biking isn't an option. I do live in a hilly area where there are alot of crazy commuters on the road (Wash DC area). Biking or using a scooter on these roads is just asking to for a premature death. With a Segway, I can ride on the sidewalks. So please, don't preach to me what my solution is just because you don't like the Segway.
I'm not saying its the greatest thing since slice bread, but I'm atleast willing to accept that for SOME PEOPLE, maybe even me, it can be a solution to their traveling needs.
All these new products won't remove the biggest obstacle Segway currently have: Price
It's all well and good when we're talking about the potential solutions to the everyday commuting problems but it has to be affordable in the first place! And with virtually no competition Segway doesn't have enough incentive to lower prices, which is still at $4000-$5000.
Actually Wanax, I have to wear a suit to work and I still walk everywhere. I walk five miles to work and back everyday. I walk to the grocery store, book store, computer store, pub and anywhere else I need to go.
I live in Dublin, Ireland, where it is expensive to own and operate a car and public transportation is woefully inadequate. In the event that I have something large or heavy to transport, I call a cab.
I cannot for the life of me figure out how a Segway would be prefereable to walking. Spend $400 on some GoreTEX and a decent ruck sack and have $4600 left for a gadget that makes sense.
"Not only that, but what about grocery shopping? or small errands around town? Another solution the Segway can solve. So before you start complaining, start thinking. Unless of course you can live up to the high horse you're preaching on. But let's be honest, I don't think you complainers have ever walked or biked to the grocery store."
You're obviously not a New Yorker. We walk EVERYWHERE. I used to walk to the grocery store practically every day of the week before I moved to the suburbs (now I drive, once on weekends - and the Segway couldn't handle that load). Segways are illegal on sidewalks here, and we hate them because they annoy people who are using the sidewalks for their intended purpose... you know, it's called a sideWALK, not a sidesegway.
"I live about 6 miles from work. That's way to far to walk, and probably for alot of people, to far to bike."
I don't get it. You live 6 miles from work, but there are apparently no roads, no public transportation and you otherwise have to walk to the grocery store? Do you live out in the woods, and is your job and your grocery store also in the middle of that same forest?
There are four socially acceptable modes of transportation. 1. walking, 2. driving, 3. biking and 4. public transport. Between them, you've got everything covered, whether you're a greenie or not, and no matter how far you've got to go. Moreover, the entire transportation system is built with those methods of transportation in mind and nothing else. The Segway doesn't fit in - doesn't work on busy sidewalks or roads - and it never will.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled snarky comments on how geeky these new models look.
Well said, Jeff.
Jeff,
My mother uses a Segway in NYC, and she gets nothing but smiles. The Segway, even though it's in legal limbo: NOT ILLEGAL and NOT LEGAL, is PERFECT for NYC, and any relatively modern urban city.
When I visit I bring mine along and we glide together because she doesn't want to be stuck in traffic, or negotiate between cars on a bicycle.
It is a wonderful mode of transport. Police accept it, and so do pedestrians.
She has been gliding there for over two years. So Jeff, before you mouth off about how hated the Segway is in NYC, maybe you should do your research. Just because you live there, doesn't mean you know about the Segway and it's integration in to urban infrastructure.
It's still new, so people are scared and confused.
-S
Jeff,
"There are four socially acceptable modes of transportation. 1. walking, 2. driving, 3. biking and 4. public transport."
When e-mail was first introduced, people made narrow minded comments like you thinking only ways of communication are by mail, phone, and fax.
Be humbled and you will see how little you are in the big picture.
That's the haughtiest thing i've ever heard said in defense of a segway. ...which is saying a lot, considering the volatility of this comments section.
You know, I have yet to see someone on a Segway (I think I've only seen three) where I don't think "Wow, what an asshat". I think GOB Bluth is the perfect epitome of the Segway user. "Come On!"
Well said, S.
Once again, just because the Segway isn't a viable solution for you doesn't mean that it can't be a viable solution for someone else.
Socially Acceptable? Like that should MATTER to me? Cripes, if I did everything just to be LIKED, Jeff...
Wanker ;)
TK
Jeff, S, you both put good points down. But I think Jeff pulls ahead. The Segway never had much effect on how people lived. As some people were saying how it could be used for anything and would replace the automobile. It didn't.
The Segway just isn't practical enough for everyday use, although its a very good invention and seems very efficient. Sorry, it wouldn't sell for most people.
I want one to get to and from the garage.
This thing is clearly made for fat people or those who think they're handicapped, but are really not.
How obscenely fat do most Americans need to get before companies realize we don't need more conveniences? Airlines *OUGHT* to charge people for two seats when their rear can't fit into one. Subways ought to double the fare if a person takes up an entire seat when sitting on the bus or train.
I, for one, am thankful at the prohibitive price of the Segway. If the Segway HT was under $300, I can promise you the average weight of Americans will soon be over 300 (pounds).
Please do not compare this thing to e-mail. This thing does not revolutionize transportation at all.
"you know, it's called a sideWALK, not a sidesegway."
No, not well said, Jeff. Not well said at all (that's the dumbest comment I've read on here all day - fortunately for you the day is only half over).
Why is it that you cannot see this as being usefull for ANYone ANYwhere? I'm glad to see that the Segway detractors are mentioning where they live, because I can clearly see that they are not coming from the same place (mentally and physically) that Wanax is. NYC is a very different place than WDC. One of your arguments is that Segways are illegal on NYC sidewalks, so that's a reason why they're poor methods of transportation for EVERYONE? You need to think through you're arguments more carefully. Wanax wasn't saying that YOU PERSONALLY are suited to owning a Segway. He clearly stated that for "some" people, it's a great method of transportation.
Addressing Wanax's specific scenario: have any of you spent a summer in Washington DC? Aside from this past week of freekishly nice weather, this place is all about humidity. I don't know how it is in Dublin, sulb, or what you have going in NYC, but I've never once seen a biker in my area wearing a suit.
Lastly, some points:
-The amazing Segway weightloss! These comments started out with the Segway weighing 200lbs, then Wanax said it was 100lbs. Actually, the old model was 85lbs, the new one is 83, and the p series is 70. Not as light as a bike, but also not 200lbs.
-Segways are legal on all surfaces in DC, MD, and VA.
-My father just got a Segway. He had brain surgery last winter and now has almost no balance. He can't walk. He can ride his Segway and can now go back to work and travel to meetings (we'll be shipping the Segway).
-I LOVE walking. I walk 5 to 7 miles EVERY SINGLE DAY. Do you?
-Segways are VERY easy to take inside. with the power assist mode you can easily run it up a short set of stairs.
-Someone in the UK mentioned that there are no power outlets out in public, so you'll have to take this inside everywhere. Why? The battery lasts 16 to 24 hours of constant use.
I will give you one thing: sorry, Wanax, but I'm not sure how useful a Segway would be for grocery shopping. Maybe if you were only picking up a bag's-worth of food, sure. You could put it in a backpack. Other than that I don't see it.
LOL. "I LOVE walking. I walk 5 to 7 miles EVERY SINGLE DAY. Do you?"
Sure... You love walking and yet you use a morbidly fat person's walker thing?
"LOL. "I LOVE walking. I walk 5 to 7 miles EVERY SINGLE DAY. Do you?"
Sure... You love walking and yet you use a morbidly fat person's walker thing?"
What are you talking about? Do you even look back over the word vomit you hurl at the internet?
Its virtually useless here in California where suburban living is sprawled out; "nobody walks in LA" is very true, although I understand the show biz folks tend to use them on the lots, and in sci-fi flicks.
On the other hand, if it was fast, and you could take it in a half-pipe, it might stand a chance.
Lets take a trip back in time. I can almost hear someone saying the following: "Why would I pay that much money for an automobile when I already have horses."
My guess is no-one who has posted has actually used a Segway (I haven't) and see it as too expensive. Would it be worth it for $1000? It's too new to be geared toward the average person, but in 5-10 years it could be affordable for everyone, and if there are legal places to use it (like there are bike lanes in many areas) I could see it being quite usefull.
I see it as a paradigm shift. Too many people are unable to see the benefit of it now, but someday people could all want one. Many older people still don't see the benefit of the internet because they lived without it for so long. Almost nobody had a cell phone when they first came out. Too expensive, too big and bulky. "Why does anyone need a cell phone when they already have a phone at home or can use a pay phone?" Well that seems silly today now that esssentially everyone has a cell phone.
I'm not saying that the Segway is on par with the internet or cell phones in terms of a paradigm shift, but I think too many people have a knee jerk reaction to the Segway and say "It's useless and too expensive. Why not just walk?" I'd like to see what we'll be saying in 5-10 years. My guess is the landscape of debate on this subject will be entirely different and many of the comments in this post might seem quite silly in retrospect.
A motorcycle is still just a much better buy. $5000 will buy a pretty damned nice used bike. People regularly sell them so new they aren't even through the break-in period yet; in the past five years I've bought three bikes with under 1000 miles on them, and the most expensive was $6000. Better carrying capacity, better speed, longer range, excellent mileage, and just generally better overall mobility.
Sure you can use a Segway in places you can't use a motorcycle, but those aren't the places where transportation needs to be revolutionized -- generally speaking the only difference is that a Segway can be used where you could also walk. And people are rarely walking so far that they'll think to themselves, "I'd lay out 50 Franklins just so I didn't have to walk from the parking lot."
There are probably rare exceptions where it makes a little more sense, particularly in high-density places like NYC where significantly fewer people own vehicles in the first place, but at $5K with no real need being addressed, they aren't going to revolutionize anything.
Why does everyone keep saying that this thing will either A) Make you fat, or B) Be used by fat people. The Maximum weight for a Segway is 250 lbs. So if your are obese, sorry no ride. And if you just shilled out $5000 for a Segway, that weight limit makes for a good incentive to keep your @$$ in shape, if only to protect your investment.
To tack on to what Dignan said:
The actual majority of Segway purchasers are people who are handicapped (not who "think they are"), or who have limited mobility. They're people who would normally be in a wheelchair, and who consider the additional expense worthwhile in order to have the dignity of being looked at in the eye when they're spoken to.
Little known fact:
You can make eye contact with folks in wheel chairs, too.
Let's blame the world's problems, well, America's anyway, on close-minded, prejudging, oil-dependant people rather than those that like to tool around on an expensive toy (or mode of clean transportation depending on who you ask).
Aren't there more inportant things we can choose to complain about? Like wars or hunger. If all the anger, hostility, and negativity I read about with regard to Segways was channeled into something positive, who knows what could get accomplished. Seems trivial people spend their days crafting clever emails with regard to their dislike of an invention that no one forced them to acknowledge, and especially not buy or use. If you don't like them, don't use them... but what does defacing really accomplish?
Childish really... time to grow up world and take care of some bigger issues before we attempt to shoot down Segways.
(This from a man that has only ridden one of these things once... I'm a teacher and could never afford a Segway but I don't fault those who can. Ah, there's an issue to channel your energies towards, public education in America!)
Rod wrote:
"This thing is clearly made for fat people or those who think they're handicapped, but are really not."
Prepare to eat your words.
What about injured veterans of the Iraq war? Are they handicapped but think they're not?
What about people with Muliple Sclerosis who want to enjoy a national park, or watch their children run a marathon?
There are lots of people who have the physical ability to stand, but not walk. Should they give up and sit for the rest of their lives?
I may never need a segway, but I'm sure glad that if I do, these people will be fighting for my rights:
http://www.draft.org/draft3/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx
I'd just like to bring everyone's attention to the other usees of Segways. They're not just for fat people. A few other people who benefit from Segways are:
- Elderly people (not too old obviously, but at the point were walking for any length of time is arduous)
- Pregnant Women
- People with small children
- People with mobility impairments (like knee injuries, things that limit walking, but not standing as much)
- People with prosthetic limbs. It can be much more convenient for them to stand than to hobble.
There are so many uses of Segways in each of those cases. So don't just insult it as something stupid for fat people. Walking is a difficult task for many people. Also, as they are battery powered, they're more environmentally friendly than some alternative transport methods (like driving, public transport). I personally don't, but many people do care about that sort of thing. Its a good thing from that perspective.
Karl
Question: Do any medical plans recognize a Segway? They are expensive and most plans will cover either a wheelchair/walker/scooter. Just wondering.