The Segway might have some competition

[Kyle]

Here's the article from Yahoo News

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

[acdcfan259]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[Pat Arnold]

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]

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

[FIRST Rocks]

Originally Posted by lilstogi11

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]

Originally Posted by acdcfan259

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]

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2...allenge-segway

[dlavery]

Already covered in this thread.



.

[GaryVoshol]

Threads merged

[Dick Linn]

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

[Al Skierkiewicz]

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.