Toyota Winglet - "Segway Killer"

Cube128 · 08-01-2008, 09:11 AM

Toyota just revealed what some are calling a Segway killer, see link at http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08...shiba_winglet/.

Segway was always afraid that some huge company would steal their thunder and come out with a rival product, but I don't see this being in the same category. With a top speed of only 6 Km/H, range of 5-10 Km and a footprint of 10.4X18 inches, this will be literally seen as a replacement for walking, though the rationale is that it's meant for being used in large crowds (rush hour in Tokyo, anyone?). I do like the fact that one of the models is entirely hands free, though. Thoughts?

SegSailor · 08-01-2008, 09:41 AM

I agree, I don't see these as a threat to Segway, at least in this form. 3mph may be fine on ultra crowded sidewalks, but how many of us would have bought our units if they only went that slow? With such a short range, and such a long time to reach it, they are going to have one VERY limited market. I wonder what type of batteries they are using, and how they plan to distribute the units? Can you see going to a Toyota dealer and having the usual "school of sharks" (car salesmen) running up to you and then finding out that they have to spend an hour selling you one of these mosquitos and giving up a shot at selling someone a high commission Prius?!?!

cmonkey · 08-01-2008, 10:11 AM

The wheels are so small that the slightest bump would trip it up.
I'll bet it's target is the indoor market place.

MajorGeek · 08-01-2008, 10:31 AM

Short handles, specualation is that 2 are for sitting due to short handles, frankly its more likely they are for kneeling. The 3 MPH thing makes no sense to me at all, if I was stuck at 3 MPH on my Segway, I would eventually step off and throw it in the nearest lake out of frustration. As you guys mentioned, this could work in China mayeb, but Toyota is a global company. Only thing I can say positive is the silver one is a cool design.

Oh, when I first read the article, I was excited thinking there might be something cooler out for the Segway. Sadly, we can only hope this will drive down the price of the Segway eventually.

DCTenor1 · 08-01-2008, 11:39 AM

Take a look at the video: http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/t...y-we-dont-know ... the ones without handles are still ridden standing up. It looks kind of neat but with such a slow speed its target market will likely be elderly and disabled in shopping malls and airports. I can maybe see large entities like that buying several and renting them out.

mark1qhorsey · 08-01-2008, 11:57 AM

They're more like Toy-ota Wingnuts...

BarryT · 08-01-2008, 12:25 PM

They did not appear nearly as stable to me, particularly with the smaller wheels and tight turns. I wonder if they have an off road model?

C3RS · 08-01-2008, 12:28 PM

there is a kind of suspension ... but I have a little hard to believe that it is for an environment tarred because of bumps and hollows.

Well, okay ... tokyo / kyoto or airports, it passes without problem because the soil is smooth and perfect.

I think the segway already difficult terrain dented (not to mention the automatic slowdowns because of loss of sensors on the segway)

jryan · 08-01-2008, 12:49 PM

I agree this is no competition for Segway, although I could see people having both. For instance, it will probably be much lighter, so haul it in your car and it would work great for an evening at the mall. A Segway works great as well, but for non disabled riders, many malls do not allow them in because of the silly notion that people may speed around and cause trouble. Well at 3 mph you have a solution.

It may also be a good rental for heavily condensed shopping areas as well. I think many would much rather prefer a Segway and this can not get you places like the Segway can, but for certain scenarios it would make a decent device. Only problem I have is some one the models will attract attention to your crotch area! People may get the wrong idea!

quade · 08-01-2008, 02:05 PM

"Competition" or no, certainly several dozen patent infringements.

Should be "fun" to watch.

08-01-2008, 09:11 AM	#1
Cube128 Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: ' Posts: 445	Toyota Winglet - "Segway Killer" Toyota just revealed what some are calling a Segway killer, see link at http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08...shiba_winglet/. Segway was always afraid that some huge company would steal their thunder and come out with a rival product, but I don't see this being in the same category. With a top speed of only 6 Km/H, range of 5-10 Km and a footprint of 10.4X18 inches, this will be literally seen as a replacement for walking, though the rationale is that it's meant for being used in large crowds (rush hour in Tokyo, anyone?). I do like the fact that one of the models is entirely hands free, though. Thoughts?

08-01-2008, 09:41 AM	#2
SegSailor Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seg-Ville, USA! (Crozet, VA) Posts: 111	Not A Threat I agree, I don't see these as a threat to Segway, at least in this form. 3mph may be fine on ultra crowded sidewalks, but how many of us would have bought our units if they only went that slow? With such a short range, and such a long time to reach it, they are going to have one VERY limited market. I wonder what type of batteries they are using, and how they plan to distribute the units? Can you see going to a Toyota dealer and having the usual "school of sharks" (car salesmen) running up to you and then finding out that they have to spend an hour selling you one of these mosquitos and giving up a shot at selling someone a high commission Prius?!?! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The University of Seg-Ville Taking gliding to a higher degree!

08-01-2008, 10:11 AM	#3
cmonkey Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Orange, CA, USA. Posts: 1,064	probably not for outdoor use The wheels are so small that the slightest bump would trip it up. I'll bet it's target is the indoor market place. __________________ Charriot of Fur - Onward!

08-01-2008, 11:39 AM	#5
DCTenor1 Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 231	Take a look at the video: http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/t...y-we-dont-know ... the ones without handles are still ridden standing up. It looks kind of neat but with such a slow speed its target market will likely be elderly and disabled in shopping malls and airports. I can maybe see large entities like that buying several and renting them out. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. -- To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-01-2008, 12:25 PM	#7
BarryT Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 123	They did not appear nearly as stable to me, particularly with the smaller wheels and tight turns. I wonder if they have an off road model? __________________ BarryT "These things make Gumby look like an amateur" To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-01-2008, 10:31 AM	#4
MajorGeek Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 44	Short handles, specualation is that 2 are for sitting due to short handles, frankly its more likely they are for kneeling. The 3 MPH thing makes no sense to me at all, if I was stuck at 3 MPH on my Segway, I would eventually step off and throw it in the nearest lake out of frustration. As you guys mentioned, this could work in China mayeb, but Toyota is a global company. Only thing I can say positive is the silver one is a cool design. Oh, when I first read the article, I was excited thinking there might be something cooler out for the Segway. Sadly, we can only hope this will drive down the price of the Segway eventually.

08-01-2008, 11:57 AM	#6
mark1qhorsey Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Alamos, NM Posts: 203	They're more like Toy-ota Wingnuts...

08-01-2008, 12:28 PM	#8
C3RS Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: France (in a small town) Posts: 275	there is a kind of suspension ... but I have a little hard to believe that it is for an environment tarred because of bumps and hollows. Well, okay ... tokyo / kyoto or airports, it passes without problem because the soil is smooth and perfect. I think the segway already difficult terrain dented (not to mention the automatic slowdowns because of loss of sensors on the segway)

08-01-2008, 12:49 PM	#9
jryan Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Where Boris runs free and so do !!! Posts: 782	I agree this is no competition for Segway, although I could see people having both. For instance, it will probably be much lighter, so haul it in your car and it would work great for an evening at the mall. A Segway works great as well, but for non disabled riders, many malls do not allow them in because of the silly notion that people may speed around and cause trouble. Well at 3 mph you have a solution. It may also be a good rental for heavily condensed shopping areas as well. I think many would much rather prefer a Segway and this can not get you places like the Segway can, but for certain scenarios it would make a decent device. Only problem I have is some one the models will attract attention to your crotch area! People may get the wrong idea! __________________ I voted before it was cool!! - A wise young lad!

08-01-2008, 02:05 PM	#10
quade Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 1,335	"Competition" or no, certainly several dozen patent infringements. Should be "fun" to watch. __________________ Harry Potter may fly a broomstick, but I ride a magic lawnmower.

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