“Hoped it would catch on” is more accurate. Segway’s failures in understanding their market are, in my opinion, legendary. This happens far too often when inventors or engineers, committed to the beauty and righteousness of their creations, are allowed to make marketing decisions.
It’s right up there with New Coke in the marketing “Debacle Rating”, though likely much smaller financially. Sales numbers started off OK, but then flattened out very quickly. The Segway example should be taught in university marketing classes as an example of how not to do it.
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