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Honda's latest robotic stool is fun to ride, still impossible to buy
One of the several reasons for why we love CEATEC is that we get to test ride human transporters there (as well as meeting robots of all sorts). Last year we came across Honda's stool-like UNI-CUB, and this year, the company is back with a new and improved model dubbed UNI-CUB Beta, and it even let attendees ride the vehicles -- while wearing Epson's smart glasses, no less -- around the show floor under staff supervision. It should be noted that the Beta was actually first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, but that didn't kill our curiosity. Read on for our impression and hands-on video.
Honda UNI-CUB vs. Toyota Winglet: the battle of human transporters at CEATEC (video)
For the first time, this year's CEATEC in Tokyo dedicated one big hall to demo some electric vehicles, which include Nissan's autonomous Leaf and a couple of human transporters: Honda's UNI-CUB and Toyota's Winglet. While neither mobilizer is totally new, we just couldn't pass up this opportunity to give them a test drive, especially when they are still not yet street legal -- not even in Japan. The good news is we survived to tell the tale, so do read on to find out what it feels like to burn these tiny wheels at 6km/h.
YikeBike unveils less-expensive folding electric bike, Jackie Chan dons celebratory tuxedo
Our main complaint with the folding electric YikeBike -- besides the not-quite-catchy name – was the $3,795 price tag. The company's trying to ease the price pain with the Fusion, a new model that'll cost you $1,995. The savings come from replacing the carbon fiber body with aluminum and composites, which does, unfortunately, add about 6.6 pounds, pushing the total weight over 30 pounds. But that shouldn't hamper portability, and you'll still get six miles of travel on a single charge (or 12 miles with an optional battery backpack). YikeBike will sell the cheaper model through a network of distributors, allowing it to expand its customer base beyond the 250 bikes sold so far, to, among others, Google and Jackie Chan. So if you previously couldn't afford to follow in the kung fu master's tracks, well, now you have one less excuse. [Thanks, Dan]
YikeBike foldable electric bicycle hands-on
The Honda U3-X might look all futuristic and highly portable, but it doesn't pack much speed -- probably for the sake of stability. The Segway? Far too bulky, plus it's so yesterday (sorry, Woz). This brings us to the YikeBike -- a bizarre-looking foldable electric bicycle that was announced back in September. Since then this mini whizzer's been given a slight bump to its top speed (now 25km/h or 15.5mph) and range (10km; 40-minute charge time), while weighing just 22 pounds thanks to its carbon fiber composite frame. Once you've folded the bike up, you can even wear it using the supplied shoulder strap to go on the bus or subway. During our hands-on, we started off with a bit of a wobble while adjusting to the backward handles, but five minutes later we learned to ignore the conventional cycling posture and leaned slightly further back, plus we got the right grip for the throttle (right) and brake (left). We also found the indicator, front light and horn buttons to be easily accessible by our thumbs. As you will see in the video after the break, we were traveling at fairly high speeds towards the end. The only problem that couldn't be fixed was our legs being a tad short for the pedals, but word has it that YikeBike's planning on releasing a smaller model in the near future. Living in Europe and carrying £2,995 / €3,495 / $4,659 with you? Feel free to pre-order now for a June delivery -- just in time for the summer breeze.%Gallery-89989%
Video: Steampunk Segway ditches electric motor for the sake of authenticity
Wouldn't be caught dead on an honest-to-goodness Segway? How's about this creature? The Legway, an appropriately dubbed steampunk'd Segway, ditches the electric motor in favor of Fred Flintstone-esque motoring techniques, and it also relies almost entirely on recycled materials. The crazy part? Its creator even took the time to hand craft a step-by-step guide to building your own, which undoubtedly foreshadows the real human transporter revolution. Unfortunately, there seems to be no word on whether this thing will also reverse in unstoppable fashion when you least expect it, so stay sharp out there. Vid's after the break, and it's absolutely hilarious. [Via AutoblogGreen]
Toshiba's fuel cell-powered "Segway competitor" in the works?
Sure, we've seen plenty of Segway wannabes, but Toshiba is reportedly planning to go head to head (or wheel to wheel, depending on perspective) with the human transporting giant by releasing a "competitor" of its own. While details are scant at this point, photos have surfaced that showcase Tosh's presumably forthcoming fuel-cell powered scooter, and it apparently boasts a safer, sturdier design than the hopelessly recalled Segway. Interestingly, the mysterious device is said to sport "LED lights" and communication sensors on the front to "prevent collisions" with other riders and "auto-navigate" when possible. Considering that the manually-driven Segways are illegal on Japanese streets, this functionality would hopefully legalize the machine for public use, but matching up this bad boy with a HT-V1A on a deserted street would give a whole new meaning to Tokyo drift, eh?[Via Crave]
Segway launches two new models: the i2 and x2
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 i2Read - Segway x2
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]
