AMAZON ‘SEGWAYS' INTO HUMAN TRANSPORTER BIZ

[Casey]

November 19, 2002 - New York Post - The company also plans to market a smaller, more consumer-friendly version of the Segway some time next year. Only thing missing now is a cup holder. Full Article (http://www.nypost.com/technology/62436.htm)

[Casey]

quote: AMAZON ‘SEGWAYS' INTO HUMAN TRANSPORTER BIZ

By LAUREN BARACK

November 19, 2002 --

Sure, it'll look great under the tree. But don't expect to be able to actually use the $5,000 Segways that went on sale yesterday on Amazon.

Dean Kamen, whose invention garnered almost as much attention when it appeared as the first moon walk, believes his Segway Human Transporter could one day replace cars and even bicycles.

But the battery-powered vehicle - which looks like a bulky two-wheeled lawnmower on steroids - is still illegal for sidewalk use in 11 states, including New York, and has already provoked the ire of pedestrian-rights groups.

That hasn't stopped Manchester, N.H.-based Segway from hyping the device formerly known as "It" and striking deals with police departments and the U.S. Postal Service, which recently tested the vehicle on certain routes throughout the country.

Amazon's offer, however, is the first time consumers can get their hands on a Segway. Delivery won't start until March of next year and continues through next July.

But 30 people, who place their order and send in a $495 deposit by Dec. 16, will actually get one of what Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos dubbed the "most famous and anticipated product introductions of all times," in time for Christmas.

The company also plans to market a smaller, more consumer-friendly version of the Segway some time next year. Only thing missing now is a cup holder.