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View Full Version : Next generation Segway

Tom Bottiglieri
09-08-2006, 00:39
I've been in Florida for the past week, and I got to demo Segways at Epcot in WDW. When the guide wasn't freaking out because someone actually knew how to use the machine, he told me how Dean was down the week before I was there demo-ing (and possibly training the cast members? I forgot what he said) on the new Segway. Apparently, the twist action steering has been replaced with a system that steers the seg by pushing left or right on the handle bars. I didn't get to see one myself, but I'm sure they have gotten an aesthetic upgrade as well.


Can't wait to see this thing..
Greg Marra
09-08-2006, 00:50
I love Epcot, and didn't know that they have a Segway exhibit set up. I always loved all the tech stuff there.

That is, however, very cool, and a logical improvement. It will make driving even more intuitive.
sanddrag
09-08-2006, 00:50
OMG, that is so funny! When I rode Trevor Blackwell's home built balancing scooter, I was like "wow, this steering is so much more natural than the real Segway" and wouldn't you know it, now they've copied him. :)
Ryan Dognaux
09-08-2006, 07:52
Awesome, maybe this will mean an even larger price drop on the old models?
Ashley Weed
09-08-2006, 14:21
It is very doubtful that prices will be affected.

I am unsure if this thread should exist. Maybe someone should compare it to the current "debate/speculation" on Segwaychat.com, and what recently happened with the FCC.
Elgin Clock
09-08-2006, 14:42
I'm sure it's not speculation Ashley, since Tom is pretty trustworthy, and the fact that the original Segways were introduced to the public at WDW in 2001-2002 era.

It wouldn't surprise me if the next generation was introduced in the same way and place. (As public demo's in WDW)
Alan Anderson
09-08-2006, 14:48
I love Epcot, and didn't know that they have a Segway exhibit set up.
It's not an exhibit as such. It's a two-hour premium tour of the World Showcase, done in the morning before the WS opens to the general public.
Madison
09-08-2006, 15:00
It's not an exhibit as such. It's a two-hour premium tour of the World Showcase, done in the morning before the WS opens to the general public.

There's also a Segway HT display set up in Innoventions.
KenWittlief
09-08-2006, 15:15
OMG, that is so funny! When I rode Trevor Blackwell's home built balancing scooter, I was like "wow, this steering is so much more natural than the real Segway" and wouldn't you know it, now they've copied him. :)

interesting - if Trevor had patented his steering approach then Segway would have to pay him royalties to use it

and since he came up with it before Segway did, now they cant patent the idea, because his public use of the idea put it into public domain.

and whats this about the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) ?!
Pat Fairbank
09-08-2006, 15:22
and whats this about the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) ?!
It seems that a copy of the manual for the new Segway was found on the FCC website a few days ago and was posted up on www.theredkey.net. The new Segway's handlebar display is apparently linked to the base via Bluetooth, and was therefore up for FCC approval (explaining why the FCC would have a copy of the manual).

The manual in question has since been taken down from all sources.
Joe Matt
09-08-2006, 19:28
There is also a set up to ride Segways around in Innoventions too, along with the regular set up in Innoventions and the two tours at Epcot.
MattK
10-08-2006, 22:09
There's also a Segway HT display set up in Innoventions.

Hmmm I wonder who hand-built that red Segway HT i180 Red... I wonder, I wonder...
Joe Matt
13-08-2006, 20:35
Two things:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/13/new-segway-coming-tomorrow/

hmmmmmmm

also a pic of the free Seg experience in Disney....

http://Miceage.skyfirehosting.com/ky080806pics/ky080806cc.jpg
artdutra04
13-08-2006, 23:16
http://segway.com/images/2006_new/howitfeels.jpg
http://segway.com/images/2006_new/models/x2_police.jpg
Clark Gilbert
14-08-2006, 00:18
www.segway.com has also been updated to reflect the new products and the Segway Mini Site (http://www.segway.com/build/index.html#) has videos, pictures, and a 3d tour.
team222badbrad
14-08-2006, 02:06
Anyone see the crazy handlebar encoder animation?

:ahh:
MattK
14-08-2006, 08:02
FYI a former FIRSTer made those animations
MikeDubreuil
14-08-2006, 15:26
CNN Money has an article (http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/14/technology/bc.tech.segway.reut/index.htm) about the new Segway. The article quotes Marc Hodosh who was the director of the Boston Regional.
MattK
15-08-2006, 23:04
So how do you folks like it?
Pat Fairbank
15-08-2006, 23:19
So how do you folks like it?
From what I've read about it so far, I really think Segway Inc. has done a good job dealing with some of the main issues with the HT (the control shaft cables, the awkwardly placed charge light, the fragile kickstand, etc.), and I really like the look of the PTs. I'm a bit concerned about the scrapping of power assist mode, though - I imagine it's not as easy to drag a Segway up a flight of stairs in balance mode.

I'll reserve judgment on LeanSteer (I don't really like the name - it makes me think of low-fat beef), and how it supposedly makes the Segway more natural to operate, until I've had the opportunity to try it for myself.
Ashley Weed
16-08-2006, 08:31
I am very cautious of the new PT without the power assist. Stairs do not worry me as I usually smoothly transition to stairs using balance mode with no problem. The charging port resolution looks great. Handlebar modifications - might take some time to transition to "straight" instead of the wrap around feel. The control shaft "tightener" - (to lower/raise the shaft), so glad that is gone, mines getting to the dysfunctional point.

I'm looking forward to getting out and gliding on the PT and then I'll have a lengthier opinion. Biggest concern is lack of power assist to load up ramps into SUV.
Greg Needel
16-08-2006, 08:38
I'm a bit concerned about the scrapping of power assist mode, though - I imagine it's not as easy to drag a Segway up a flight of stairs in balance mode.



Actually I prefer bringing the Segway up stairs in balance mode. When you are in power assist if you stop half way up the flight the Segway has the tendency to fall (darn gravity thing) But in balance mode you can stop on the stairs and just hold it up with 1 finger. All it requires is just pulling on the Handel bar which will make the unit go forward, I don't see the loss of this feature as an issue at all.