View Full Version : How is Segway more than a High-Tech Toy?
The same question was asked just a few years ago about the personal computer; yet most of us here at SegwayChat.com probably feel like we couldn't be without interacting with the lumps of silicon resting before us.
A recent conversation with my best friend and father, who happens to be a Segway advocate, begs one question (I do too). "How is Segway anything more than a high-tech toy." (for non-metroites). Personally, I know my direct application will be inner-city travel and other ways I can justify having a Segway. (not to mention my techie passion) But, how would you explain Segway as an asset in everyday life in (let's say) in a small town?
Segway would need to be a personal transportational asset with as much reliance for short trips as an auto is for long. I dedicate this thread to answer this question with answers outside commercial applications. Up for a challenge?
If we could only be resellers...
See the Segway clips! http://www.stlsegway.com/movies
Casey
09-24-2002, 08:21 AM
quote:But, how would you explain Segway as an asset in everyday life in (let's say) in a small town?
I live three miles outside a small central Florida town. But quite frankly I see little relevance to the town or city size. The town itself is about two miles square, which seems perfect to me for Segway trips. The downtown area stretches about a mile and a half along Main Street, being maybe a quarter mile wide. Population density is comparitivly low, but the distances needing to be covered are similar to what a person in a city would normally cover.
The traffic is light in town, but outrageously heavy on US 27 passing on the western edge of town. Almost all town activity is done on the east side of 27, so there would seldom be need to cross it. A traffic light at the shopping center (plus 3 other locations) would allow for easy crossing to the only main destinations on the west side of 27.
Some bicycles and PMD (Jazzy) scooters already are in use around town showing an interest in non-automobile transportation. Sidewalks abound all over town.
The neighboring town has similar amenities, but you can add a new bicycle path encircling a large lake to the great places to operate Segway.
As for reasons? The same as in NYC or LA. People have many relatively short trips that need to be made in these two "metro" areas that would be fulfilled by Segway in the same way it would happen in a large city. All in all, I see only one difference. Due to the larger population of cities there would be a need for MORE Segways, but by no means more need for a Segway.
Frank
quote:Originally posted by Casey
quote:But, how would you explain Segway as an asset in everyday life in (let's say) in a small town?
I live three miles outside a small central Florida town. But quite frankly I see little relevance to the town or city size. The town itself is about two miles square, which seems perfect to me for Segway trips. The downtown area stretches about a mile and a half along Main Street, being maybe a quarter mile wide. Population density is comparitivly low, but the distances needing to be covered are similar to what a person in a city would normally cover.
The traffic is light in town, but outrageously heavy on US 27 passing on the western edge of town. Almost all town activity is done on the east side of 27, so there would seldom be need to cross it. A traffic light at the shopping center (plus 3 other locations) would allow for easy crossing to the only main destinations on the west side of 27.
Some bicycles and PMD (Jazzy) scooters already are in use around town showing an interest in non-automobile transportation. Sidewalks abound all over town.
The neighboring town has similar amenities, but you can add a new bicycle path encircling a large lake to the great places to operate Segway.
As for reasons? The same as in NYC or LA. People have many relatively short trips that need to be made in these two "metro" areas that would be fulfilled by Segway in the same way it would happen in a large city. All in all, I see only one difference. Due to the larger population of cities there would be a need for MORE Segways, but by no means more need for a Segway.
Frank
Good point. I wonder if a possible cause for the delay is because the p-series lacks cargo racks, cool colors, etc.
When you mentioned your town it reminded me of a stint of a trip through my home town in IL. It contains a huge store and about five small residential areas less than one mile. I actually use to live in one of them a few years back. I had a bike at the time and constantly needed a way to carry a couple of items. I usually left that for car trips.
If we could only be resellers...
See the Segway clips! http://www.stlsegway.com/movies
Casey
09-24-2002, 02:56 PM
I'm sure the release of the consumer Segways will be accompanied by matching add ons, or accessories if you prefer. Being very enterprising as Americans are, there will no doubt be aftermarket accessories available very soon after introduction, if not immediately. Segway is a device just begging for everything from lights, horns and appearance items. To such things as a cargo trailor.
The aftermarket bicycle and motorcycle accessory manufacturers should have a field day with this assuming Segway itself sells in large numbers.
How about some custom handgrips, mudflaps and fenderskirts. Something for everybody. And for $100 or so you should be able to get a custom paint job on something with such a small amount of area to be painted. :)
Then there's the "low rider kit", performance chip and hot rod 10 HP motors. Get kids interested in them and the potential for aftermarket items is about endless. Afterall, who has the most free money to spend and do?
ftropea
09-24-2002, 05:03 PM
It's definitely more than a toy...
When my wife and I purchase them, we'll be using them as serious tools... traveling to work with them... moving about the neighborhood.. using them instead of calling a car service to visit our parents for example.
My wife has done modeling so she's looks really good doing *anything* - I think she's going to be a great unofficial spokeswoman for Segway LLC :D
We're excited.. can't wait!
Regards,
Frank A. Tropea
Seg-wager
09-24-2002, 07:07 PM
quote:Due to the larger population of cities there would be a need for MORE Segways, but by no means more need for a Segway.
That's the way I feel, too. I'd like to try it along the C&O canal, as well. We have some lovely trails in the area.
I do plan to use a Segway every day. Since I live downtown St. Louis and work 1.5 miles from home, the Segway is a GREAT option for me. Not to mention all the trips to the sporting events. Luckly the Cards stadium here has ramps to go between the levels!
Go Cards! (c'mon Rams!)
If we could only be resellers...
See the Segway clips! http://www.stlsegway.com/movies
Seeker
09-24-2002, 10:18 PM
I was just thinking about all the processing power that a Segway has, and that right there seems to separate it from most toys.
Here's maybe a bit of a crazy question :
Could you use the processors on the Segway for anything other than the Segway ? (ie Is there any way your Segway could expand the memory capacity of a laptop you brought along for the ride ?) Or are the computers on a Segway dedicated for one purpose, and not really usable for other purposes that you might use computers for (or their hard drives for) ?
Seeker
ftropea
09-25-2002, 11:53 AM
I think the processor in the Segway-HT are specialized DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) which are running specific application - the control loops. It's probably all hard-wired in - in the ROMs. I can't imagine there being spare processing power to run an operating system.. with all the overhead.. and then another application on top of that. Although, there must be enough power to run some simple functions.. or maybe enough to run some "Palm Pilot" type apps.
Regards,
Frank A. Tropea
quote: How is Segway more than a High-Tech Toy?
We could ask the same question about the home PC. How much of our time do we use them for recreation and how much for serious work? My guess is that most people use their PC's mostly for recreation.
We could also ask that question with regard to other vehicles. Most people could get along using inexpensive automobiles etc. But they spend a lot of money on all sorts of extras they do not really need to get around.
Segway LLC makes some good arguments about how Segway will be a good investment for Joe public. If those arguments are valid, Segway will be a potentially viable utility vehicle for people who need to travel short distances relatively quickly.
If we look a few years into the future (that is where Kamen's focus seems riveted) "Segway like" vehicles will be needed to handle the influx of people into cities. But even today, with traffic speeds at under 10mph in major cities, "Segway like" vehicles, if adapted, will be usefull, perhaps even essential forms of transport.
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