Against all odds, GM and Segway let us inside their
precious P.U.M.A. prototype, and we went for a quick jaunt down 18th St. We couldn't drive it, unfortunately, but there was plenty of action to be had from the passenger side. Starting from a rest on four wheels -- the main powered wheels and the front two "safety" wheels; we never touched the back two to the ground -- the contraption shoves itself up onto two wheels quite gracefully, with the passenger compartment moving slightly independently from the wheelbase and floor. It was a bit odd, but not at all unpleasant, and we were soon zipping down the road. Since the P.U.M.A. is self-balancing, we felt way less force when accelerating and decelerating than we would in a car, since our body was being "leaned" into it instead of pulled along. Turning on a dime is quite fun as well, and we could see this thing making itself quite at home on city streets. While it remains to be seen if GM and Segway can commercialize this in time, and for the right price, we're fairly enamored -- at least it's something different, and it's already twice as interesting as Segway ever managed to be.
Camera work and moral support courtesy of Autoblog Green's Sebastian Blanco.
posted Apr 7th 2009 2:05PM
Fugly.
Looks better than a Kia.
Yeah...just like a Segway, you still look like a complete goober while riding it.
And I still want one.
I don't care what it looks like. The tech is way cool.
Sebastian Blanco needs a new camera or need lessons on how to use the one he has.
I have two questions
1) Why not save money and make it four wheels, save all the money for the needed gyroscopes to keep everything balanced and make the steering like a tank where each set of wheels can be powered independently, to turn tight corners. I am probably missing something obvious with this question, but thought I would ask.
2) Two dudes cramped next to each other is not that greatest marking. I dunno, do a male female couple at least. It just looks awkward.
Disneyland called and they want their Haunted Mansion car back
Yay, I've always wanted to roll like a paraplegic.
really? fix four laser blasters 2 on each side.......pew pew pew.
now that is something I would buy.
My tax dollars helped GM stay afloat so they could build this POS?!?!! This is your tax dollars at work...you paying to build something...ANDTHENPAYINGTOBUYITAGAIN!!!
looks kinda like a giant stroller...
@d.pellkey
Yeah, because I'm sure it only took them 3 months to design and build that...
Gawd I'm sick of this shit.
When GM kills the EV1 it's an oil company conspiracy and when they are doing innovative R&D it's a waste of taxpayer money (even though it's not) GM is not my favorite company, but for Dog's sake, quit yer bitchin'
@Luke
It wouldn't be a Segway if it wasn't on two wheels.
I like how the ad on the bus at the end of the vid says : "Need a lift?"
@ CraigJ
If they did some re-engineering of the EV1 and released it with a $20,000 price tag (which is still high), that would be something. They could sell that.
This might be a good redesign of the wheelchair, and would allow people in wheelchairs the ability to travel far distances. But, I don't see very much use for the average consumer, even in a big city with expensive parking.
your points (unlike the person I was responding to) are good points. Just because they are showing off an experimental vehicle does not mean that the current implementation is what will be brought to market. The tech they are developing could find it's way into more "normal' cars.
Get ready P.U.M.A. racing on espn.
@ Luke aside from the obvious cool factor there are a few reasons for going with two wheels. This allows that ill sliding mechanism to make acceleration and deceleration easier. It also allows less resistance turning on a dime. If you have ever watched a 4 wheeled vehicle with independently powered wheels for turning on a dime you will notice that when turning on a dime the vehicle shakes a lot and drags the 3 other wheels burning rubber and tearing up the surface beneath the machine. I know from experience skid steer loaders do this.
@BatteryAcid -- if, and ONLY if, your wheels remain rigidly parallel with the major axis of the vehicle. If you allow each wheel to be independently steerable, then all the problems you cite disappear.
However, there is no doubt that two wheels and a gyroscope is _substantially_ simpler mechanically and lighter weight (read, more energy/fuel efficient) than a four-wheel, independent drive, independent steering system needed to compete. The only thing the latter might offer is a lower price-tag, but that's a short-term thing if there ever was one.
@ OneLove
I would soo watch P.U.M.A. racing on espn
I have a feeling everyone is bashing this thing simply because it's made by GM. It's a prototype. What about all the crazy vehicle prototypes being made by Toyota in Japan?
I wouldn't mind that. It would make my commute to work better and I wouldn't have to deal with as much BS as I do when searching for a parking space. The only downer is the low top speed. Well, c'est la vie.
I WANT THIS
but where would you put all the other stuff you want? It doesn't have any obvious luggage storage...
Where would you drive it? It won't be allowed on sidewalks and you'd die on the main roads.
BTW, i'm sure it's getting flamed on plenty but if you slapped an Apple on the front and called it the iCar the fanboys could stop riding in mom's minivan : )
Segways aren't allowed on sidewalks in New York, this sure as hell won't either.
Absolutely useless you want to go on a joyride with your boyfriend.
Guys. It goes up to 35 mph. There's no reason it shouldn't be on city streets. People ride bikes on NYC streets all the time. this is far safer.
The problem in nyc is parking and charging. Riding wouldn't be an issue. I know they claim it needs to be in a bike lane, but you can ride in the street in manhattan. This thing would be great. Also, assuming they'd relax the parking rules, you could pull it in between plenty of spots with wasted space.
35 mph top speed is absolutely useless if you're on the main road. It means that its a lot slower up to 35 mph, and you will be moving slower then most traffic. Taxi drivers and city motorist aren't the most patient people around.
You're more likely to get beeped at or side-swiped driving that thing.
"Absolutely useless you want to go on a joyride with your boyfriend."
And you're a guy.
Smooth...
Unlike the camerawork. Here's a clue: Put the camera on a tripod, not an epileptic.
Chances are it won't be road legal in the UK.
Hopefully, Boris Johnson, for all his quirks, will endorse these for London's streets :)
Leave that to TopGearr
yeah boris would love this, i can just see him zipping around in one. he might well try and do something to help get this road legal when/if it comes to the uk
@Jibaro009 : How hard could it be?!
I can see the lads .. you have 50quid to build your own two person electric wheelchair .. now how fast will it go round our track .. for this we need to hand it over to our tame racing driver .. Some say he has no feeling below the waist and that his feet never touch the ground all we know is he's not The Stig, he's Grandad Stig!
Something alot of people forget is, it doesn't cost much to make something road legal over here (uk).
You can buy kits which include number plates, indicators and brake lights, whack a decent LED headlight on and get some insurance! Being a leccy vehicle it'll most likely fall under free road tax also! :-)
Think of it like this. If someone can make a sofa, with a pizza for a steering wheel road legal then why can't this. :D
aw its cute!
as long as they make it affordable, i guess...
This will be the "next big thing" just like the segway was but they'll price it into the stratosphere so that normal people won't have any interest in it.
My guess is that it will come in, in price, right between a Hyundai Accent and an Elantra. Totally unjustifiable to the average person.
Wouldn't the whole thing just roll end over end if you slammed on the brakes?
No, because the cabin leans backward to stop. Plus there are those "training wheels" in the front.
I like to call it the warthog!
Yeah, I mean what kind of made up animal is a Puma anyway...kinda like that chippa-thingy....what's that called Simmons?
+1 for both
Chuppacobra sir!
+1000 for reference
-1000 for being an idiot.
See: Chupacabra
rooooosterteeeeeth!!!
thank god I wasn't the only one to think of that.
You mean, chupacabra?
I want you to know I clicked on this article just so I could look for this comment. +1
WEEEEE!!!! looks like fun!
This would be very popular in Japan. They already have these strange three wheeled scooters there with little roofs on them that couriers and the like use. Plus, it's sort of like a rolling gadget.
P.U.M.A. - I'm huge in Japan
What's so amazing about this and the segway, is that instead of adding a bunch of superfluous on-board tech to keep the thing balanced on two wheels, they could've just added a third wheel. Boom, I just cut their production cost. Damn I'm good.
the three-wheeled, canopied vehicles in Japan are simply motor scooters. Very practical for one person and freight, but conventionally powered.
This is just Segway struggling to find a purpose for its energy-gobbling gyroscopes.
And, please hand the camera to somebody who knows how to frame a stable shot next time.
Nice camera work. In between the long shots of the van, the buses, the street, and the driver's gloves, I think I saw the PUMA in there somewhere, just for a moment.
I don't ever, ever want to read a snarky comment from the Engadget editors again on how some new cool gadget was filmed or photographed by Mr. Blurry cam, because this must be the worst shot video ever. I know that your camera would've benefitted from those Segway gyroscopes big time.
Apart from that, it's a real cool...car? Bike? Whatchamacallit?
Yeah, I was about to ask how seizure recovery was going.
It's a Foo Mobile!
http://www.schlattersinc.com/foo_mobile.shtml
Seriously... they make it sound like it required an Executive Order to get a ride in one, and then take along an INTERN videographer. I don't need to see a steadycam shot, but at least move along with the thing and get a wind cover.
the grip needs to punch the camera man right in the face.
What is up with the camera work? Were you typing and filming at the same time?
Filmed on a jailbroken iphone of course...
Seriously, WTB Tripod.
"Video is after the break."...? video is before the break as well =D
i could buy a horse and buggy cheaper...and that comes with free fertilizer..how more environmentally friendly can that be?
beat that segway!
Maintenance costs for horses are quite high - ever seen a veterinary bill?
Except a broken horse can feed a family of four and keep a butcher in business. Let's see this do that.
Most of your expenses come when the horse isn't sick. You ain't feedin' no horse for 35 cents a pop.
From the moaners of blurry cam, engadget bring you shaky cam.
True, but I do appreciate the on-board video at the end... both because it was the first on-board-a-moving-PUMA video I've seen, and because it was shot better than the entire video prior to that.
Or maybe I finally adjusted to the shakes.
Try decaf.
ME WANTS!
Only problem is that I can't use it to get to the airport because I can't avoid the highway, but for groceries and dropping my kid off at school or even commuting while wearing a suit (bicycle causes too much sweat and risk of greasy pant leg), YEAH!
I can see it now, little old lady on the cell phone, slamming on the breaks 50ft. too early and flipping the thing forward. Meanwhile what a bunch of noobs driving the thing, oh wait......
the guy demonstrating the thing looks embarrassed to be driving the horrid thing
I actually think it's pretty awesome. I love motorcycles, but you're exposed to the weather. Same thing goes for scooters. If they can make this $4K or under, I think they've got a winner on their hands.
The original Segway, which was designed to be a replacement for walking... is $5000.
This thing is designed to be a replacement for a car... and will be much more than $5000...
Ick. If you're going to make something useful, make a 2-seater that can parallel park by turning its wheel base 90 degrees.
it turns in place.. be a lil creative there
That's kind of exactly what this is.
I should have been more specific. This thing is an unsealed two-wheeler. I want to see a 3 or 4 wheel with roof and doors. It'll be safer in an impact.
So romantic
Trust me, All the chicks will totally dig it when you show up with this.
(the close proximity to the passenger(hot chick) isn't all too bad either)
Is this meant to replace walking? or cars? what is the use of this machine in real life?
I'm pretty sure it's to give me another way to run over you. I'll rig spikes first.
Seriously, get out of your SUV, get your head out of your ass, and think about how to solve the problem rather than how to be more of a total douche.
This reduces dependence on oil, works for a wide variety of tasks that can otherwise only be done by car (can't ride a segway at 35MPH or go 35 mi; can't avoid rain or snow on a scooter or carry groceries; can't sit down in a suit on other two-wheeled machines; can't arrive sweat-free after a 15 mi commute).
Hey zorg, does your ego come with extra self-righteous?
The man never said he drives and SUV or that this wasn't interesting, he asked what it's niche is in the real world. I wonder myself what I would do with this device. It's neat to be sure but what does it do that a scooter can't? What does it do that a small car can't? If it's "ideal" for urban use, why not take the bus or metro instead?
How about you take a second to think that other people might not be in your situation and for them, and millions of others, this device slots in a very strange place where a car or scooter could be a better value.
Haha Zorg.
You seriously think this thing would serve a purpose?? It's slower than a car, faster than walking, and about the same speed as a bike. Why would anyone buy this?
It's a rickshaw without the rick.
I would use this as a supplement to my car - errands on the weekend or after getting home from work. Those little drives from the house to the store to pick up "things you forgot" when grocery shopping are some of the worst for the environment (and as a car guy, they are brutal on your equipment) so this is is perfect for that. it certainly couldn't be car priced, but if it was at between 2 - 5k, I think it would generate some interest.
Double the range and you have the best office worker commuter vehicle for most of Europe.
How was i being a douche? Why would you assume i own a SUV? im not a redneck or even a bloody american.
What problem is there to solve? You make it sound like the PUMA is an addition to your life besides your segway, scooter and car and comes in handy only during those 3 situations. How many people can afford all of them? Only the privileged. Oh, isn't the segway such a hit these days?
I don't know about you, but i can carry my groceries just using my hand, and i can avoid the rain using an umbrella.
Don't make it sound like you care for the environment, if you do, you would just WALK, ride a bike or take public transport. This might solve the obesity problem you people have over there.
You're going to be the douchebag when you're the only one riding one of these around, kind of like the people in Wall-E.
...It's just another way for GM to blow mine, and many other hard working American's money
mike from the "over there" comment it seems that you are in europe. You mention public transportation which I fully agree with. Unfortunately our public transit system is totally lacking here in the US and because of poor urban (or suburban) planning in the 1950s we end up making many, many trips that are just out of walking distance but too close for a car to be warmed up and running efficiently (i am thinking the 2 - 10 mile range). An affordable electric vehicle that could be used in those situations would have a HUGE impact on our carbon emissions, something that everyone should be in favor of regardless of which continent you are on.
Good camera man. Should do the next 'Bourne' movie.
Are they going to "design cities around it", like the buzz was on the Segway when it was coming out?
Yeah, I didn't think so.
Maybe these would work for a golf course, or a retirement community, or somewhere that people can just take their sweet time and not have anything larger than a Coke to carry around.
And they still have to add lights, safety equipment, probably require helmets, more crash protection, etc if certified for the roadways. And an iPod adapter, naturally.
Most of the EU cities have 35 mph as the speed limit inside the cities. So this thing is a perfect fit.
This is what the Segway should have been from the start. Room for two so you're not completely useless to your friends and can potentially pick a girl up at a bar (and if she ditches you at the sight of this thing, she's probably a boring bitch anyway), AND it can keep up with traffic on city streets. The only way to improve on this is to give it an extra row of seats and some sort of enclosed rear cargo storage area. You'd need another pair of wheels in back to support the extra weight but...oh hey, i just built a car.
Toyota kinda did it better. They just need a windshield.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IT7qK1hrro&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fi.gizmodo.com%2F5202161%2Fthis-is-how-the-segwaygm-puma-pod-flies-down-the-street&feature=player_embedded
Sinclair kinda did it best. It just needed a complete overhaul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5HS3vJ-0WA
That iWheel reminds me of the Daleks. ;)