Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteInLongBeach
It depends on your anticipated or intended usage. The minipro could not replace my i2 for my usage.
- I often need most of the 24 mile range of the i2. The minipro range is only 14 miles.
- I would find the top speed of 10 mph a bit too slow for the distances I travel.
- I use my i2 over a variety of questionable terrain (bumps, holes, sidewalk breaks, and other irregularities and debris). The wheels on the minipro are too small to safely deal with many of these scenarios.
- I often need to carry stuff (helmet, lock, groceries, etc.) both in the bag and hung from the handlebar. There is little or no provision for this on the minipro.
- The i2 is convertible for off-road (and higher top speed) with my x2 conversion parts.
- I have not yet seen evidence that the minipro has the same redundancy in systems that the i2 has. Having gone through a few failures and graceful shutdowns, I can't emphasize enough how important this is for safety.
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Thank you for that insight, Pete. The wheel size is something I considered right off the bat. Small wheels encountering inconsistent terrain have MUCH greater rolling resistance. A 1-inch lip on a sidewalk would be a good bump for an i2, but it would be like a hurdle for the MiniPro. Also, I hadn't thought too much about the redundant safety systems. I am partially paralyzed, so having to quickly bail from a balancing device would be anything but graceful. It's good to know that the i2's systems very well might prevent a serious injury. That, alone, makes a huge difference in my mind. I typically use a wheelchair to get from A to B, so a broken upper extremity would be a huge obstacle for me.
Aside from the cost, the biggest thing that attracts me to the MiniPro is the portability. It would be nice to be able to lift it up with one hand and put it in the car. Fortunately, my Seg came with a ramped hitch carrier. I'll probably just keep it mounted on my truck at all times. It will be handy for taking the Seg (and dogs) to the park. I can't wait to get this thing going! I gave up hope of ever owning a Segway, so it's weird to look over and see this one just waiting for me to ride it.