Segway sales hit all time high, thanks OPEC!

We get that rising gas prices are putting folks in a world of hurt, but has it really gotten so bad that we're resorting to losing our dignity riding Segways? According to a recent writeup in The Wall Street Journal, "sales at Segway Inc. have risen to an all-time high," and CEO Jim Norrod fully expects sales this quarter to "jump 50% from a year earlier." Not surprisingly, many of its new customers are universities and public service divisions who are replacing traditional vehicles with the all-electric scooters, but we still get the impression that individuals are steering clear due to its remarkably high price and laughable design. At least, that's what we'll continue to tell ourselves.

[pundit @ Jun 16th 2008 9:00AM]

Segway FTW! Any idiot can ride it! (Except George Bush... Check YouTube)

[pundit @ Jun 16th 2008 9:05AM]

Alas, I cannot find it on YouTube, but here's a link: http://www.bikexprt.com/witness/product/bushfalls.htm

[bohsocks @ Jun 16th 2008 9:11AM]

Segway sales hit all time high. In a related story, virginity is through the roof!

[RC @ Jun 16th 2008 1:19PM]

That's what Piers Morgan said, then he fell off one and broke his ribs.

[Dave @ Jun 16th 2008 9:06AM]

So for almost the same amount of money, you would buy this instead of an electric golf cart because...?

[Matt @ Jun 16th 2008 9:12AM]

Um, because you use a golf cart for getting around the city? You can't ride a golf cart on the sidewalks or in the street?

[Corwin @ Jun 16th 2008 11:39AM]

And because..... dude, it's a Segway!

[Dave @ Jun 16th 2008 11:49AM]

you can't ride a Sgway in the street either though...and they said a lot of this was attributable to college campuses buying them so...

[Dave @ Jun 16th 2008 11:50AM]

you can't ride a Segway in the street either though...and they said a lot of this was attributable to college campuses buying them so...

[Matt @ Jun 16th 2008 12:23PM]

Okay, as one of the few people posting here who actually owns a car, bicycle, and YES a Segway, let me briefly recount my experiences using each method (as well as public transportation and walking) commuting 3 miles to work in Washington DC:

* Car: Driving 3 miles to work takes about 8 minutes. Oh, I'm sorry, are you looking for a time quote DURING rush hour? Oh. Well in that case, it takes 20-30 minutes. During the summer, it's also 90+ degrees here, which means I am burning through the $4.15 gallon of gas far more quickly than the 25 mpg I'm supposed to get. When I finally get to work, I can park in a garage for around $10 (a good price for this city), or drive around for a while, find a meter somewhere, and keep pumping $1/hour in quarters into it all day (thus ruining my productivity at work as I constantly have to break my train of thought to go downstairs and feed the meter). Or I could just pay the $235/month for a monthly garage pass. Either way, we're talking lots of time, lots of gas, and lots of money for parking. SUMMARY: ~25 minutes, $10+ in parking and gas, NOT stinky when I get there. Initial cost: $12,000-40,000+, depending on how fancy you want to get.

* Bicycle: The most common response when people find out I have a Segway is, "Why didn't you get a bike?" Well, I have a bike. Thing is, biking up and down hills for a few miles in 90 degree weather with swamp-like humidity tends to cause incredible levels of perspiration and general stinkiness. What a great way to start the day, huh? Sure, I could shower in the little locker room at work, but I don't always want to deal the logistical questions of bringing clothes to work, showering there, etc. That said, when I do take the bike, I go down hills at about 20 mph and up hills at about 8 mph. On average it takes about 15 minutes to go three miles. SUMMARY: ~15 minutes, no transportation cost, STINKY when I get there. Initial cost: $200-2,500+, depending on how fancy you want to get.

* Public transportation: I don't live near the Metro (subway), so my only option is to take the bus. Some people might like waiting 20 minutes in the heat for three city buses to arrive in a clump, and then standing crammed in there like sardines for the next 25 minutes while drunken homeless men breath on you. I don't. SUMMARY: ~45 minutes, $1.35 in fare (one way), not TOO stinky when I get there (but have to deal with a lot of stink on the way). Initial cost: NONE.

* Walking: I always love how health-minded we Engadget nerds get when confronted with the prospect of riding a Segway around. "What ever happened to WALKING?" ask Comic Book Guy lookalikes who rarely venture out of their basement. But let's be fair and examine walking as an alternative. Sometimes, when it's a really beautiful day, say 65-70 degrees and sunny with a light breeze, I'll walk home from work. It only takes about 50 minutes and sometimes I stop off at the bookstore. How pleasant. Problem is, I don't generally like to take my sweet time walking TO work in the morning. Also, the weather is not usually as cooperative. DC humidity will make dress clothes stick to your body in about 10 minutes. SUMMARY: ~50 minutes, no transportation cost, KINDA stinky when I get there. Initial cost: NONE.

* Segway: At its top speed of 12.5 mph, you can glide a mile (silly as it may be, that's the verb we use) in about five minutes. When you throw in waiting at crosswalks, it takes about 17 minutes to go 3 miles. Going downhill, I am passed by bicycles. Going uphill, I pass every bicycle. Either way, I never break a sweat. Riding the thing is incredibly fun, and after a while you tend to not notice the fact that people are staring. (Note: Most stares/shout-outs are of the "Holy crap it's a Segway!" variety, as opposed to "Holy crap it's a Nerd!" variety.) I lock the Segway up against a pole outside and set the alarm. Don't have to worry about changing clothes. SUMMARY: ~17 minutes, a few cents in electricity to charge it (takes about 10 cents to fully charge and gets 20 miles on a charge), NOT stinky when I get there. Initial cost: $4,500-5,500, depending on how fancy you want to get.

(I cannot compare driving a scooter (Vespa, etc.) because I haven't done that. Scooter get very good mpg so that saves you money, but you also have to buy insurance so that more than cancels out any savings. You also have to deal with traffic, and the fact that some people wouldn't really feel safe driving a light motorcycle around the city.)

Anyway, that's the breakdown. I've absolutely loved my Segway and put on about 600 miles in the year I've had it. It's not a perfect solution (not as fun to ride in the rain or cold), but it's better than most I've found!

Plenty more Segway thoughts (including a story of my most recent crash) at blog: http://www.beforeisleep.net/labels/segway.html

Matt

[Brad @ Jun 16th 2008 2:20PM]

Nono, you're misunderstanding.

The segway is not an alternative to a Golf Cart.

It is a $5000 alternative to WALKING at a moderately brisk pace. Not even running, just walking a little quick.

Having your quarter up 50% year-over-year following the single worst year of your company's history? Well done.

[Matt @ Jun 16th 2008 2:32PM]

@Brad: 12 miles per hour is a "relatively brisk" walk to you?

Funny, that's an all-out sprint to anybody else.

I'll say it again: Segways are NOT used as a replacement for walking. They are used as a replacement for other modes of transportation such as cars, bikes, etc. (See my comparative analysis above.)

[Dave @ Jun 16th 2008 5:09PM]

Matt, like I said before, why the hell wouldn't you get a golf cart for almost the same price? Not only does it go faster but some have roofs (for inclimate weather) and you never have to worry about pedestrians getting in your way because you can just mow them down. AND you don't look like a complete tool riding one. (Don't throw me the street argument because golf carts and Segways get about the exact same treatment, only real difference between the two is the parking situation).

[Matt @ Jun 16th 2008 9:58PM]

Dave, I don't know how to argue with that. The fact that you are honestly comparing a Segway to a golf cart is incredibly amusing to me. Let us agree to disagree. You can buy a golf cart if you want to mow people down in the rain. I will stick with my Segway. :-)

[Dave @ Jun 16th 2008 11:10PM]

That's all I was looking for :)

[Hackius @ Jun 16th 2008 9:07AM]

So they sold two instead of one per quarter?

[Twitchy @ Jun 16th 2008 9:40AM]

Nah dude - sales are up 50%. So they've sold 1 and a half.

[Mike @ Jun 16th 2008 9:08AM]

"laughable design"? I thought it was an ingenious design that we simply berated because it was associated with uber-geeks. (a categorization that wouldn’t fit anyone who reads a technology blog, right?) So help me out, I need to get my story strait… where’s “well designed” one that puts this into the laughable category?

[Neeko @ Jun 16th 2008 9:14AM]

Very good point. If Engadget were to receive one for free they would def be all giddy about the design. Hey anything that prmotes cheaper transportation im all for. Id love to have one to wisk around my town in.

[natels @ Jun 16th 2008 9:26AM]

Shoes promote cheaper transportation.

[Wes @ Jun 16th 2008 9:32AM]

were it glossy white and designed in Cupertino, the reviews would be different.

[John @ Jun 16th 2008 9:34AM]

Every time I see our campus security officers riding around on these things issuing tickets, it pisses me off. These things cost 5000-6000 dollars a pop, and I don't agree with my tuition money going towards such a frivolous item. Why can't they just ride bikes?

Segways are frustrating because they represent a complex solution to a simple problem. If this thing had 4 or even 3 wheels, it wouldn't need thousands of dollars of computer engineering technology inside of it to keep the unit balanced and upright during use. The other piece of technology that Segway recently presented (that moving platform with wheels that move in two directions only, but can move in all directions) is another example of their "more is more" philosophy. Great, you invented a moving platform with wheels that don't have to turn. Now what? How is that better than having wheels that turn? How do you justify the cost? Segways are the ultimate example of a gimmick, and until someone can convince me that 2 wheels are better than 3, I will continue to think that they're a useless product.

[Yuri @ Jun 16th 2008 10:10AM]

John, I'm currently looking into Segways in Japan.

Why? Because I can't walk well. I have a hip problem which forces me in a brace, and to waddle like a penguin.

Instead of riding a bike, which I can't pedal, my family wants me to get a Segway.

The design is compact, and I can use it on the streets, and I can also get it into my dorm without much of a problem. They're not an awkward shape.

I agree they look weird, but they are extremely easy to control, easier than my dirtbike, and easier than a moped. I simply do not want to be confined to an electric wheelchair when I can still walk, just not as well as everyone else.

The design brings ease of use, at least for me. I'll be able to use it to go shopping and do basic tasks, and it's worth the money, because I don't have to pay for gas, it fits where I need it to go, and what takes you 20 minutes of walk time takes me an hour.

[John @ Jun 16th 2008 10:22AM]

That doesn't change that these are largely frivolous. Campus police, I would suspect, are required to be capable of riding a bike since you gotta leave the segway sooner or later

(different John, fyi)

[samk @ Jun 16th 2008 11:52AM]

John,
Bicycles can be useful for campus security, but they do have their limitations:
1. Not everyone is capable of riding a bicycle around all day every day.
2. Segways are much more maneuverable through crowds.
3. Segways don't have a problem going through grass or mud.

As for the two wheels and small footprint, those make it more maneuverable than vehicles with more wheels. I can understand why someone who has never tried a Segway just wouldn't appreciate how valuable that could be.

[Warren @ Jun 16th 2008 2:09PM]

There is something to be said about police who can stay at top form and leap into action chasing someone on a segway vs. racing around on a bike. Not sure how big a difference it might make, the cop might be afraid to leave it if the guy starts jumping fences. :)

[Asha @ Jun 16th 2008 9:43PM]

I like the design of the Segway. It is simple and functional.

I want one of the off-road ones.

[NHAnimator @ Jun 16th 2008 9:12AM]

I've never ridden a Segway, but I have seen them in use enough to at least have an opinion about them.

While it is far from perfect, I do not see why Engadget and others slam the unit as they do. It fits a certain need in the public sector quite well - albeit small - and does so adequately. It seems like the criticism stems from the Segway not being exactly what many people wanted it to be.

If I had any legitimate complaint with Kamen, it is that the unit was over-hyped before its release.

If the product was THAT bad, it would be gone years ago. Instead, they are constantly upgrading/improving it and have not given up on the project like other pioneers sometimes do.

[w00t @ Jun 16th 2008 9:13AM]

It's a brilliant design, the trouble is riding it makes you look like a complete berk!

[vdogg89 @ Jun 16th 2008 4:09PM]

i would fricken love to have a segway.

[IT-Accountant @ Jun 16th 2008 9:17AM]

Only Jackie Chan can look cool on a Segway.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/04/in-other-news-jackie-chan-sells-segways/

[bohsocks @ Jun 16th 2008 9:22AM]

Well apparently he chose not to in the picture you just linked us to.

[Chirag @ Jun 16th 2008 2:36PM]

Jackie Chan can look cool on anything...

[Galley @ Jun 16th 2008 9:30AM]

If you had ever ridden one, you would understand.

[B @ Jun 16th 2008 9:31AM]

Laughable design?

Sort of like your comment system?

[johnson @ Jun 16th 2008 11:06AM]

YO ENGADGET WHAT HAPPENED TO HIGHEST AND LOWEST RANKINGS?

my motivation to post completely facetious comments has dropped tenfold...

[TheGasMan @ Jun 16th 2008 12:04PM]

If you'd look at the comment above yours, you'd see that highest ranking is back.

[L:I:A:F @ Jun 16th 2008 9:33AM]

couldnt agree more

[L:I:A:F @ Jun 16th 2008 9:33AM]

damnit, where is the edit button on this bastardized comment system?


why isnt my avatar showing up?

[Brad Nolan @ Jun 16th 2008 9:36AM]

Segways are a great technology, however extremely poor customer service, the truth is no customer care.

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Jun 16th 2008 9:39AM]

Problem with engadget is there is a major clash of egos with the readers.

[huh @ Jun 16th 2008 10:56AM]

DonYorke, I just have to agree. Except in the very, very, very, very few cases where Engadget editors actually have something intelligent or funny to say, they should just stick to the facts. If they want to be geniuses they could try building a relate-able database of the discrete aspect of every device that could be used by readers(similar to storagereview), but that would be a bit of a stretch for these peanut gallery heroes.

[John @ Jun 16th 2008 2:45PM]

This a blog, not the news section of the Washington Post. Get over yourselves!

[itlnstln @ Jun 16th 2008 9:45AM]

That must be one hell of a pizza in a box that big...

[glaci3r @ Jun 16th 2008 9:49AM]

Is Segway really that cost-effective at $5k? People talk about hybrid being cost-effective if gas prices stay this high after 1.5-2 years. For me, the Segway wouldn't be cost-effective at these gas prices till over 3 years. I'll admit riding one is FUN, but I likely looked like an idiot too.

[Chris @ Jun 16th 2008 9:50AM]

I laugh when I hear people who have never ridden one talk about how lame you will look riding one. People mock what they don't understand. Yes, I do have one and have been commuting to work two days a week now for over a month (17.6 miles one way). I did not buy it to save on gas. Fortunately, I can afford to fill my car with fuel, at least for now. I did it because I wanted to be able to ride my bicycle home from work when I ride the Segway to work.

I used to think driving to work was not too stressful...until I got the Segway. Now I glide (get used to that term) up our local trail almost the entire way. I arrive at work feeling good about my commute even though it takes me about an hour more than driving. I feel good because I know I am going to exercise to get home, I saved about a gallon of gas each way, and there is a little less carbon in the atmosphere.

Keep nay saying about these types of technologies. It is people like you who are the ones making excuses why you cannot change your life.

[1100RS @ Jun 16th 2008 11:05AM]

I spent an afternoon on one and I was blown away by how fun it was. For a bunch of geeky gagdeteers, am surprised that the editors would shy away form something that provided such a great user experience in the face of a "cool" factor.

[Twitchy @ Jun 16th 2008 9:44AM]

Umm, so how do you get it home? Or do you cycle back to work the next morning to return with your Segway in the evening? Just curious of the logistics (and your insurance - doesn't seem all that hard to nick one of these, and leaving anything at work is always asking for trouble).

[bohsocks @ Jun 16th 2008 10:00AM]

You still didn't explain what we "don't understand." No one is on their soapbox about how horrible these things are and what harm they cause. That'd be idiotic. I'm very happy for you that it allows you to exercise and put less carbon in the atmosphere and stuff.

You still look lame with/using/riding/driving it, and I'd still feel that way if this device HADN'T become a staple of nerd stereotypes. But I feel that way about emo haircuts, FJ Cruisers, Honda Pilots, Crocs, Lenovos, Zunes, and so on.

So please continue to campaign about how good it is for society, the planet, and your personal health. And everyone who thinks you still look lame riding it will continue to NOT ARGUE WITH YOU because our only axe to grind is how it looks and how people look operating it.

Live long and prosper, young Jedi.

[Chris @ Jun 16th 2008 9:54AM]

I get the Segway home by driving it home in the car. Here's how it works:

Monday - Bring bicycle to work in car
Tuesday - Segway to work, bicycle home
Wednesday - Bicycle to work in car, Segway home in car
Thursday - Segway to work, bicycle home
Friday - Car to work Segway home in car

I do not ride the bicycle to work since there are no facilities to clean up. In the Florida heat, I get pretty funky from a ride that long. Leaving the Segway at work is not a problem for me. We only have 7 people working here and it's an ultra-casual environment. We also have a high-end security system at work, so I feel better leaving it here than my own house.