The height advantage

n/a · 12-01-2002, 01:31 PM

As we know, a person is 6+ inches taller on a Segway. I wonder if that factor has been somewhat underestimated with regard to Segway's potential appeal. We all know that many cultures height provides important advantages for males. Research shows that almost always, the tallest of two presidential candidates will win an election. We know that short people are excluded from certain types of jobs like police work. We know that women tend to prefer taller guys. Some men go to extreme "lengths" to gain a couple of inches. They wear elevator shoes. I have recently seen a program where people get operated on to add a few inches of bone to their legs and go to great expense and pain to become taller. A lot of men have inferiority complexes because of their lack of height. Even our language reflects this. When we admire someone, we "look up" to them. If we "look down" at someone, it means we dont respect them. Tall persons seem to carry more autority. It is probably psychologically programmed into us from childhood. Since children look up to adults, tallness is assosiated with maturity, power, etc.

People with very short stature might benefit even more. They have trouble reaching things. They have trouble keeping up with other pedestrians. They are forced to look at other people's wastes or butts. I wonder how many of the population is shorter than 5 feet? One of the touted advantages of the ibot is its ability to raise people to eye level. The wheelchair users feel they regain their "dignity". Being short himself, I think Kamen was consciousof this. Did Kamen deliberatly make the Segway platform higher than he needed to in order to appeal to appeal to people's desire to be taller?

The extra height also has a number of other advantages. Police and other security people will be able to get a much better overview when among crowds as would any short person. Segway owners would have a considerable advantage at public events like parades, exibitions, concerts. What other advantages might there be to being 6 inches taller on a Segway?

I expect to see a greater portion of short people buying Segways initially?

emanresu · 12-01-2002, 01:53 PM

I think that may be a "stretch". The "long and short" of it will be whether the cost is "out of reach".

n/a · 12-01-2002, 03:05 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by emanresu

I think that may be a "stretch". The "long and short" of it will be whether the cost is "out of reach".

Humorous comment eman. If u are a person of normal or tall stature, u probably dont realize the complexes people have about their height and their physical appearance. Our self image is the most important thing we have and people go to extremes to do what they can to improve it. Look at Michael Jackson. How many spend big bucks on cosmetic surgery, breast implants, penus enlargement, hair transplatns etc. The chance to appear 6-8 inches taller while on a Segway could be a big deal for some people.

I wonder what the average height is of those here who already ordered a Segway? Would u mind sharing that info with us people? Did the chance to appear taller have any significance for u with regard to ordering a Segway?

emanresu · 12-01-2002, 03:35 PM

I'm 6'2", a height I consider fairly normal these days. Really, my only thought on the subject came after seeing someone comment about tree branches hitting you in the head (or low doorways, or low-flying aircraft)....

n/a · 12-01-2002, 03:55 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by emanresu

I'm 6'2", a height I consider fairly normal these days. Really, my only thought on the subject came after seeing someone comment about tree branches hitting you in the head (or low doorways, or low-flying aircraft)....

I am 5'6", the same height as Dean Kamen. Becoming 6 inches taller while on a Segway would probably not be a big deal to me at this stage of my life. It may have been when I was younger. I tried to compensate for my short stature in various ways like I think many men do. However I have not experienced riding the Segway so I dont know how if that would make a difference with regard to the height factor.

For those who are already tall, it could pose a problem with regard to doorways etc. Perhaps tall women would also consider it a problem.

GlideMaster · 12-01-2002, 03:57 PM

Lawrence I'm 6 ft. and it has not been a problem yet. You just have to be cognizant of your increased height.

<center>REMEMBER:
Responsible Riders Ride Segway
and
Segway Riders Ride Responsibly

Segway, The Mind Changer</center>

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Lawrence

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by emanresu

I think that may be a "stretch". The "long and short" of it will be whether the cost is "out of reach".

Humorous comment eman. If u are a person of normal or tall stature, u probably dont realize the complexes people have about their height and their physical appearance. Our self image is the most important thing we have and people go to extremes to do what they can to improve it. Look at Michael Jackson. How many spend big bucks on cosmetic surgery, breast implants, penus enlargement, hair transplatns etc. The chance to appear 6-8 inches taller while on a Segway could be a big deal for some people.

I wonder what the average height is of those here who already ordered a Segway? Would u mind sharing that info with us people? Did the chance to appear taller have any significance for u with regard to ordering a Segway?

n/a · 12-01-2002, 04:39 PM

Quote:

quote:Lawrence I'm 6 ft. and it has not been a problem yet. You just have to be cognizant of your increased height.

That may not always be easy to keep in mind. Weskifm, did the extra inches affect u psychologically in any way?

charmed · 12-01-2002, 05:09 PM

I would imagine doorways (US standard 6'8", although often lower with thresholds and door stops taken into account) are definitely something to get used to, especially for anyone in the 6' or over range.

In terms of psycological advantages of being an extra 8" tall...maybe for some. For me, I would rather be closer to the ground. Looking down on people could cause too much self-consciousness for me to feel comfortable.

When I ponder the ideal segway-type design for me personally, it would have the smallest possible diameter wheels (not sure what the limits here are, while maintaining adequate DS), with a low platform (maybe 4", if possible?)

The ability to go off pavement, over grass, on trails, etc. would take a back seat to being able to use the device with as little attention (and extra height) as possible.

emanresu · 12-01-2002, 05:32 PM

Lawrence, I think you may be on to something after all. I've been pondering the ramifications of having the non-Segwayed among us making snide comments like "Did you see that crop of hair in his nose?", or "His fat stomach was right in my face!". Having already placed my order, I can do nothing but face this harsh inevitability with courage and strength, and, failing that, several visits to my shrink.

hodgepoj · 12-01-2002, 05:45 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Lawrence
I expect to see a greater portion of short people buying Segways initially?

That depends on what you mean by "short," Lawrence. I was considered tall when I was a 6-ft 1-in teenager. But now that several generations of well nourished boys have grown up behind me, I'm no longer taller than most men.

Perhaps, psychologically, I bought my Segway to regain the advantage I had when I was younger.

Dr. Paul O. Johnson
Senior Exhibit Developer
The Science Place
Dallas, Texas 75210

12-01-2002, 01:31 PM	#1
n/a Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 697	The height advantage As we know, a person is 6+ inches taller on a Segway. I wonder if that factor has been somewhat underestimated with regard to Segway's potential appeal. We all know that many cultures height provides important advantages for males. Research shows that almost always, the tallest of two presidential candidates will win an election. We know that short people are excluded from certain types of jobs like police work. We know that women tend to prefer taller guys. Some men go to extreme "lengths" to gain a couple of inches. They wear elevator shoes. I have recently seen a program where people get operated on to add a few inches of bone to their legs and go to great expense and pain to become taller. A lot of men have inferiority complexes because of their lack of height. Even our language reflects this. When we admire someone, we "look up" to them. If we "look down" at someone, it means we dont respect them. Tall persons seem to carry more autority. It is probably psychologically programmed into us from childhood. Since children look up to adults, tallness is assosiated with maturity, power, etc. People with very short stature might benefit even more. They have trouble reaching things. They have trouble keeping up with other pedestrians. They are forced to look at other people's wastes or butts. I wonder how many of the population is shorter than 5 feet? One of the touted advantages of the ibot is its ability to raise people to eye level. The wheelchair users feel they regain their "dignity". Being short himself, I think Kamen was consciousof this. Did Kamen deliberatly make the Segway platform higher than he needed to in order to appeal to appeal to people's desire to be taller? The extra height also has a number of other advantages. Police and other security people will be able to get a much better overview when among crowds as would any short person. Segway owners would have a considerable advantage at public events like parades, exibitions, concerts. What other advantages might there be to being 6 inches taller on a Segway? I expect to see a greater portion of short people buying Segways initially?

12-01-2002, 01:53 PM	#2
emanresu Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: , TN, . Posts: 373	I think that may be a "stretch". The "long and short" of it will be whether the cost is "out of reach".

12-01-2002, 03:35 PM	#4
emanresu Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: , TN, . Posts: 373	I'm 6'2", a height I consider fairly normal these days. Really, my only thought on the subject came after seeing someone comment about tree branches hitting you in the head (or low doorways, or low-flying aircraft)....

12-01-2002, 05:09 PM	#8
charmed Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 252	I would imagine doorways (US standard 6'8", although often lower with thresholds and door stops taken into account) are definitely something to get used to, especially for anyone in the 6' or over range. In terms of psycological advantages of being an extra 8" tall...maybe for some. For me, I would rather be closer to the ground. Looking down on people could cause too much self-consciousness for me to feel comfortable. When I ponder the ideal segway-type design for me personally, it would have the smallest possible diameter wheels (not sure what the limits here are, while maintaining adequate DS), with a low platform (maybe 4", if possible?) The ability to go off pavement, over grass, on trails, etc. would take a back seat to being able to use the device with as little attention (and extra height) as possible.

12-01-2002, 05:32 PM	#9
emanresu Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: , TN, . Posts: 373	Lawrence, I think you may be on to something after all. I've been pondering the ramifications of having the non-Segwayed among us making snide comments like "Did you see that crop of hair in his nose?", or "His fat stomach was right in my face!". Having already placed my order, I can do nothing but face this harsh inevitability with courage and strength, and, failing that, several visits to my shrink.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)