Report Fake Segways or No?

[KSagal]

Originally Posted by energetic

It is always positive to have many options available for any product. Competition is also another thing that usual brings innovation and better products in any industry.

I agree with your statement about competition, but not this definition of it. In a best of all worlds, Segway and Ninebot both stay in business, and both compete. The result is better ninebots, and less expensive Segways. There you have competition working for our benefit.

In this case, where there were two, there is now one. That is not competition, it is less manufacturers. Less is not more competition or more anything, it is less. I hope this works out to be like the above, but fear it will more likely be that Ninebot gets to stop paying lawyers and court costs about stolen technology, Ninebot gets to sell their cheaper scooters in more places, including segway dealers, and the segway as we know it ceases to be made anymore. Instead, cheaper made, Chinese made machines with the Segway name diminish the weak name of segway in the eyes of the public, and that which we have will also be diminished, as the public perception will shift from them being what they are to being another Chinese gimmick product with poor service.

I hope I am wrong, and all goes very well, and fresh ideas and people from China get the segway moving again.

[dudeman1961]

Do we say we now own 'proto ninebots'?

[KSagal]

Originally Posted by dudeman1961

Do we say we now own 'proto ninebots'?

"Eightbots?"

[Civicsman]

...as the public perception will shift from them being what they are to being another Chinese gimmick product with poor service.

So, what is the current public perception? Most people think of Segs as a gimmick product already. For those who know, many have issues with Segway's idea of service.

So, an American gimmick product with poor service?

[lilnyc]

Those are my concerns also, KSagal.

I was anxious to buy the new Segway, but for now I'll get my existing one working and wait it out.

By the way, I spotted a Segway glider walking his dog today

[lilnyc]

Originally Posted by Civicsman

So, what is the current public perception? Most people think of Segs as a gimmick product already. For those who know, many have issues with Segway's idea of service.

So, an American gimmick product with poor service?

I'm sure KSagal can speak for himself, but...

I interpret the general public's (people who have never tried one, can't afford one, don't want one) perception of the Segway now to be a toy for the rich, a product for lazy people who don't want to walk and a silly vehicle for authorities ala "Mall Cop." Those are of course misinformed, generalized social perceptions.

The potential buyer's perception or trust is what may alter when buying an American product vs. a Chinese made product.

I have never had issues with Segway's service myself. And I believe that challenging an American company selling gimmicks would be easier if they're held to higher standards and domestic laws. I could be wrong, but those are my thoughts.

[JohnM]

Originally Posted by lilnyc

I'm sure KSagal can speak for himself, but...
I interpret the general public's (people who have never tried one, can't afford one, don't want one) perception of the Segway now to be a toy for the rich, a product for lazy people who don't want to walk and a silly vehicle for authorities ala "Mall Cop." Those are of course misinformed, generalized social perceptions.

As a member of the "general public", I can speak for myself.
Perception is split between the few who perceive the Segway as a transportation device that is too slow, with a limited range, too heavy and awkward to fit into a multi-modal transportation environment and too costly for what it can add to their lives.
And the vast majority who simply don't care. US vs China for a product people have never wanted? That's a tough call.

[airdale]

And there is also those with disabilities that have freedom from it!

So of the hundreds of questions I have received, when I tell them its legal on a sidewalk and how it has helped me.....They are surprised but very happy for me....

Cheaper usually doesn't mean better......Means cheaper and you will pay for it in some areas you can see, or worse after its to late?

[lilnyc]

Originally Posted by JohnM

As a member of the "general public", I can speak for myself.
Perception is split between the few who perceive the Segway as a transportation device that is too slow, with a limited range, too heavy and awkward to fit into a multi-modal transportation environment and too costly for what it can add to their lives.
And the vast majority who simply don't care. US vs China for a product people have never wanted? That's a tough call.

That's fair, JohnM. I would just add your perspective to what I shared because I think both are valid windows into the minds of many. Although your perspective is more logical than those I made examples of.

I see the Segway as something that's extremely useful, but my view is personal and maybe not universal.

In NYC, there's a great benefit over public transportation and taxis for short distances, the low cost over time, the ability to take it into high rise elevators. And personally, I do not want to travel fast on anything without an enclosure and seat belt.

But I do want to be able to fold it and go -- which isn't practical unless it's being stuffed into the back of a vehicle.

I'm about to start a post about another alternative that I tried today. Please check it out