Originally posted by Thanatoast
I think they're a great idea. If you live anywhere but the US. Cities in the US just aren't built for short distance hops. It's all about the 10 mile commute on the congested highway.
Sure, all the gadget-happy people will want one, but how are you gonna convince a suburbanite soccer mom to give up her Eddie Bauer Special Edition Ford Expedition for something cheap, economical and environmentally friendly?
Cheap being a relative term of course. The price point would have to come down to between $500-$1000 before I'd even consider one.
Actually,I'm being intentionally harsh on them, playing devil's advocate, but in this country I think there's just not enough community-minded people to make a market for it.
Plus you know there's gonna be huge lawsuits the first time somebody tries to ride his through a river and gets electrocuted or hasn't learned how to stop yet and flies into traffic. People just won't take responsibilty for themselves.
Please someone tell me I'm wrong. I really do think they're nifty little machines...
Originally posted by Thanatoast
I think they're a great idea. If you live anywhere but the US. Cities in the US just aren't built for short distance hops. It's all about the 10 mile commute on the congested highway.
A few cities and opponents of the Segway are almost calling the things the sidewalk SUV, saying that if they become too popular -- the walking pedestrians would be at risk from the mechanized monsters.Originally posted by chicagdan
Now if we could only ban the SUV, we'd be well on our way to becoming independent from evil nations like Saudi Arabia and significantly reducing air pollution.
Originally posted by Sun Baked
A few cities and opponents of the Segway are almost calling the things the sidewalk SUV, saying that if they become too popular -- the walking pedestrians would be at risk from the mechanized monsters.
Originally posted by Nipsy
Oddly enough, San Francisco, which is small enough to be completely navigated by Segway, has banned them.
Originally posted by howard
the segway...making a lazy world even lazier...
Originally posted by howard
the segway...making a lazy world even lazier...
if these ever make it mainstream i can imagine myself bursting a gut laughing when i see an owner of a segway going out for his/her excersize jog.
JUST WALK! its saves you money and is enviromently consious plus it keeps you in shape!
Originally posted by Nipsy
Oddly enough, San Francisco, which is small enough to be completely navigated by Segway, has banned them.
Originally posted by chicagdan
What are you talking about? The REAL U.S. cities -- New York, Chicago, Boston, Philly, SF, Washington -- are all about short distance hops. I live in Chicago and have a two mile commute to work each day. It's absurd for me to drive a car that distance. I take the "L" most days, but often that isn't convenient either. (I basically have to walk 3/4 of a mile to take a train to go two miles, fairly ridiculous.) The Segway would be the perfect commuting vehicle.
What the Segway isn't good for is suburban transportation. Good. This country is too suburban anyway -- the result of urban planning built around the automobile. Segway-like devices that encourage short hauls will encourage greater urban development.
Now if we could only ban the SUV, we'd be well on our way to becoming independent from evil nations like Saudi Arabia and significantly reducing air pollution.
Originally posted by Timothy
I think the Segway is a future city planner's dream vehicle. It will be difficult using it in all situations. I think there is a market for the scooter, but the price point will have to drop to $1k. At that price point, it becomes competitive to the scooter market in general. I live in Seattle, and I can think of lot's of people who might use this type of transportation; especially since we are very lacking in mass transit anyways, but have lot's of in-city living.
I am keeping my eye on the progress of these things. I think they will prove a success, even if it's not to the degree that the hype of their release promised.
Originally posted by chicagdan
What are you talking about? The REAL U.S. cities -- New York, Chicago, Boston, Philly, SF, Washington -- are all about short distance hops. I live in Chicago and have a two mile commute to work each day. It's absurd for me to drive a car that distance. I take the "L" most days, but often that isn't convenient either. (I basically have to walk 3/4 of a mile to take a train to go two miles, fairly ridiculous.) The Segway would be the perfect commuting vehicle.
What the Segway isn't good for is suburban transportation. Good. This country is too suburban anyway -- the result of urban planning built around the automobile. Segway-like devices that encourage short hauls will encourage greater urban development.
Now if we could only ban the SUV, we'd be well on our way to becoming independent from evil nations like Saudi Arabia and significantly reducing air pollution.
Originally posted by chicagdan
I've heard that complaint and it's legitimate. When you walk, you get used to a certain pace and looking people in the eyes to see what direction they are going. We don't have rear-view mirrors to give us advance warning of a segway approaching. It's entirely possible that this device will be a failure for that reason alone.
I do think, however, that Kamen is on to something and that a low-powered, personalized people mover has an important place in transportation policy. We may eventually have to create new traffic lanes for devices like these. I'm willing to take the risk -- introduce a few into the environment and see if we can accommodate them.