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-   -   The Segway might have some competition (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68683)

Kyle 01-08-2008 21:28

The Segway might have some competition
 
Here's the article from Yahoo News

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080801/...toyota_robot_2

acdcfan259 01-08-2008 21:31

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
I don't think so.

No handlebars on 2 of 3 models, 3 mph, 3 miles before recharge. Plus it's too ugly to be serious competition.

tim_reiher 01-08-2008 22:45

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Nah. The mainstream market would see that as too risky, and just feel unsafe on it. Heck, I'd probably be scared of falling on my face.

I don't know. I just don't see this breaking into the mainstream in any way, shape, or form. And in a crowded mall?

artdutra04 01-08-2008 22:46

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Serious competition? Probably not.

But what it has the potential to do is to be a major boon not just for Segway, but for any and all electric personal transportation technologies. As Segways and similar devices start to become more prevalent in society, the irrational fear of the new and unknown among many in the population should hopefully subside.

There are still a lot of cities where Segways are banned, and many of the people who are the most ardent critics of Segways have never even seen one in public, let alone been on one. I've lost track of the times I've heard from people while on my Segway that in person it looks a lot smaller than they thought it was, and the 'huge SUV of the sidewalk bullyism' was their 'rational' for opposing Segways.

So with the public becoming more at ease around Segways and similar technologies, and with the continued high price of petroleum products, this can only mean good news for Segway's bottom line (and the environment).

Nuttyman54 01-08-2008 23:02

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
I saw this, I have to say that I don't trust MY balance on my feet enough to ride something like that without handlebars...

Elgin Clock 02-08-2008 00:23

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 


The first thing that came to mind when I saw the version this girl is on is how much it hurt when I fell off my bike seat & onto the cross frame on my bike various times throughout my life...
Yeah... You all know what I'm talking about.
Ouch! Big time!
Especially for guys! :ahh:

Pat Arnold 02-08-2008 12:16

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Somehow I can't picture these "winglets" replacing the Segway. I'd love to watch them compete in Segway Polo at Indiana's upcoming Segwayfest 2008 described here . That would be a hoot! (But then I'd like to be able to attend the Fest period!) I'm curious how much the winglet will cost & how much of the Segway's gyroscope/self-balance system is copied.

Akash Rastogi 02-08-2008 14:56

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
It won't be competition for Segway; however, it will help in advocating different types of personal transport in the future.

FIRST Rocks 03-08-2008 00:02

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lilstogi11 (Post 759891)
It won't be competition for Segway; however, it will help in advocating different types of personal transport in the future.

According to the article on foxnews.com, Toyota currently has no production plans.

FIRST Rocks 03-08-2008 00:08

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by acdcfan259 (Post 759795)
I don't think so.

No handlebars on 2 of 3 models, 3 mph, 3 miles before recharge. Plus it's too ugly to be serious competition.

The very frist thing that popped into my head was how ugly it was. Then I read the article and saw the 3 mph and 3 mile battery capacity and thought how useless that is.

I certainly can't imagine this would be any threat at all to the Segway.

katiyeh07 14-08-2008 11:42

"Toyota Winglet to Challenge the Segway"
 
http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2...allenge-segway

:ahh:

dlavery 14-08-2008 12:23

Re: "Toyota Winglet to Challenge the Segway"
 
Already covered in this thread.



.

GaryVoshol 14-08-2008 12:32

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Threads merged

Dick Linn 14-08-2008 13:19

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Sounds more like competition for Kentucky Fried Chicken - "I'll have the 3-piece dinner, a Winglet and two thighs..."

Al Skierkiewicz 15-08-2008 08:03

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
For all it's obvious drawbacks, it has one nice feature. You can fold it up and carry it like a suitcase. I can lift a Segway into the car or under a bus now, but in a few years I don't think I will be able to that.
The high center of gravity would have me worried, though, as a user. Segway does have a handleless version. It is designed for camera operators and is steered with the knees. Makes OK pictures when it's moving.

Andy Baker 15-08-2008 09:10

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Two words:

Patent infringement

(unless, of course, if Toyota bought rights from Segway)



AB

Pat Arnold 15-08-2008 19:07

Re: The Segway might have some competition
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Baker (Post 761702)
Two words:

Patent infringement

(unless, of course, if Toyota bought rights from Segway)



AB

I've been wondering about that too. I hope Segway sought patents in many countries in addition to the USA (& that it is compensated by companies that market similar products using what was a unique, revolutionary balancing system). R & D risks time & $; hopefully Segway has been justly rewarded.


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