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Old 11-09-2014, 09:57 AM   #20
JohnG
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Greater Boston
Posts: 6,996
5 yr Member HT/PT Owner SegwayFest Attendee
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It's more complicated than any single reason. "Universal design" doesn't mean you can't still market the product in a specific way toward a targeted audience (e.g., ads in publications targeted toward a disabled population).

But originally, it had everything to do with the fact that the Segway was born from the work on the J&J wheelchair (iBOT) that could climb stairs. Rather than upset a corporate partner, it was easier to say, "Here, you can have all rights to this market, we're happy with the much larger consumer market."

Since J&J stopped selling the wheelchair in 2009 (neither insurance companies nor Medicare wanted to pay for its extra cost even with its amazing extra abilities), it's possible DEKA or Segway could reacquire those rights. But it would require lots of (new) resources to do so, market properly, and ensure they did so in a way that could take on the least liability.

My impression of the Segway company today is they remain resource-constrained, and don't have the ability to pursue this market even if they could legally do so.

Last, just my personal impression, but the Gen. 1s made better disabled Segways than the Gen 2s because of their fixed handlebars. Since they are long out of production, it might also make things a little less attractive for Segway.

John
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