New Segway MiniPro Plus?
 

The company isn't resting on current products. They have introduced a new Mini in China. It has longer range (20 miles), storage (in the control bar), and a "follow me" mode.

The follow me mode looks to be a most useful mode addition to the remote control option found in the MiniPro. Easier than the constant attention required to remotely operate it.

The batteries are now located in the center hump the control bar attaches to instead of below the platform. Higher ground clearance?

Price, in China, looks to be the same as the Chinese version of the Segway MiniPro. $540-ish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjY-WPg4-2U

According to a blog post over at more4mini.com (formerly 9bot store), Segway may be bringing the "Segway MiniPRO Plus" to the USA later this year.

https://more4mini.com/blogs/news/segway-robot-sale

According to the article, the Plus model has larger inflatable tires--but also weighs quite a bit more (presumably due to the extra batteries needed for extended range).

I do love the styling on the new machine though :)

Chris

BTW, here is one of the websites for the new Ninebot Mini Plus here:
http://www.mi.com/scooterplus/

Google Chrome can translate the page from Chinese to English.

One fascinating note from that page, auto-translated into English:
"Ninebot & Segway has a core patent for self-balancing technology; more than 6 million people worldwide use Ninebot & Segway"

Wow, that's a lot of Ninebots/Segways.

I remember when, at SegwayFest DC IIRC, Segway's Doug Field said that new technologies often take about twenty years to become mainstream (think about the automobile, the Internet, etc.)...and Segway seems to be following that same trajectory now.

"I do love the styling on the new machine though "

The styling doesn't suit me. The control arm looks weird to me with its storage compartment. It inspired me to buy a second Mini Pro during Amazon Prime days sales. Had to have the trim original design.

Otherwise, the extended range, bigger tires, and follow me mode, look to be good upgrades to the model.

Products from the original Segway LLC/Inc struggled to sell much over 10k units per year. Some years a little more, some years fewer. That's around 160k to 170k total units, depending on when you start counting. Either Ninebot accounts for the remaining 5.8 million units, or they are counting something else, such as the total number of people who have ever ridden one.

Link provides some problems for me.

Do you or anyone regarding this new 'follow-me' mode can be part of the current mini pros in the US version via firmware update?

We are particularly interested in this in that when we camp, we sometimes need both to retrieve ice from the camp store. THIS follow-me mode would allow me to stack the ice on the caboose pro and just book back to camp.

Also, since new here, what is the latest firmware for the mini pro NA/US version and/or a link on this site would be appreciated.
thanks
rik