A better view with video's and some nice basic component explanations http://www.segway.com.edgesuite.net/consumer/home_flash.html Novel idea. Josh
>The thing is efficient because it doesn't let >you use it inefficiently. Actually, just like in the car, if you choose to use if inefficiently -- you can. All you have to do is rock forward and back and the effect will be the same as alternately applying gas and brake. >First, this thing is accident-prone... some kid >jumps out in front of you, you hit the stop >button (or however that works,) and this >thing actually speeds up. You don't use a "stop button". The way it works (when you want to stop) is you just lean back (imagine pulling back on the handle bars like reins). So, rather than it speeding up to get underneath you (as in your example), it is forced to *slow down* to get underneath you. The further back you lean, the faster it has to slow down and at some point (if you don't stop leaning back) it must go into reverse to keep you from fallng off. JB PS: I still say it has limited uses.
All it needs is a bulit in coffee and donut machine. Maybe I can offer that as an aftermarket add-on.
8 grand is what the thing costs. You can get a good used motorcycle for less than that and you can take your gal for a ride on the motorcycle.
3 grand (not for long I hope) for the consumer version. 8 grand for the industrial version. I'm curious if the Segway can climb a hill. If it can't - are folks going to pull a 65-80 lb Segway up a steep hill ? :eek: That would look kind of ridiculous. After all, it's an invention that is supposed to be an improvement on walking. I do like the concept though if obstacles like this can be overcome and the price comes down.
Saw this morning's TV demo. It went up and down a short (maybe 4 feet) ramp with about 30-40 degree rise. Could not tell how much traction was designed into ramp surface. Also went through (clean) water. Looked 4-5 inches deep. Think I heard it cost 100 million to develop. I can see how it could greatly increase productivity of postal workers in some locations.
If you missed it on tv, they've been running a segment about it on CNN Headline News every half hour. They may not be running it any more by the time you read this.
I dont think people who live on Nob Hill will get much out of it but I see huge potential for flat surface applications like moving around a large warehouse. Mister Kamen is going to be a very rich man, imo.