Take one minute out of your life to watch these two grizzled warriors in a truly epic clash of the Segways. Yeah, I’d probably do that too if I won the lottery.
The rainy bits were shot on a Phantom, by the way. I know how you guys love those. → Read More
Are Segways dangerous? Personally, it all depends on the driver; whether or not they’re skilled, intoxicated or texting can have a lot to do with the safety of said transporter. But that no longer matters for riders in the UK because just a few days ago a UK judge ruled the Segway unsafe for sidewalks. So where is the Woz supposed to ride? → Read More
People movers. What would we do without them? Walk, I suppose. Unfortunately, that’s not the best solution for some, whom age, injury, or circumstance have rendered less than ambulatory. For them, the Segway (or its peanut-esque cousin, Honda’s U3-X) may be a bonanza. → Read More
You see a lot of Steadicam work in movies today, and while the best of it goes unnoticed (as good technical work should), it’s fun to know that behind every smooth shot is a skilled and often immensely strong camera operator with some serious apparatus to make things as steady as possible. But this application of a Segway to the noble art of Steadicamming might just save some camera guys’ elbows. What do you think, camera guys? Would this work? Seemed to go well for this guy. [via Doobybrain] → Read More
There’s certainly no shortage of so-called mobility robots, but major Japanese robot maker tmsuk‘s offering seems to be quite cool. In fact, the RODEM (short for “Robot De Enjoy Mobility”) is being pitched as a mix between robot, wheelchair and ultra-small vehicle (or “Universal Vehicle” [JP, PDF], in tmsuk’s marketing language). → Read More
Remember the U3-X Mobility Robot from Honda we blogged about last year? Well, the auto-unicycle is still a prototype, but Honda has just released a new (and pretty interesting) promo video on its official YouTube channel. The company says the U3-X can run continuously for one hour on a single (lithium-ion) battery charge and can be recharged via a conventional 120-volt power outlet. → Read More
I know of only one person who would be able to build this thing – my buddy Paul – but I would totally grab a beer and watch him solder everything together and then ride around on this thing like a little freak. Heck, if you try to build this, tell me and we’ll come by and film you riding it. Seriously.
The instructions are pretty complex and you need quite a few parts, including a powerful motor and a go kart wheel. → Read More
With no fanfare to speak of, Segway Inc, the company behind the gyroscope-powered, self balancing scooters, has been acquired by a UK-based firm. The news was first reported this morning by Mass High Tech, and has since been confirmed on Segway’s official blog. Segway has also confirmed that CEO James Norrod is no longer with the company. According to a forum post, the new CEO is Tricia Laidler.
Segway’s post indicates that the company is now owned by a UK-based firm backed by an investor in Segway U.K., which is independently owned.
Segway Inc. is pleased to announce that in connection with a merger that occurred on December 24, 2009, Segway was acquired by a company that is based in the United Kingdom. The acquiring company is backed by Jimi Heselden, a prominent U.K. businessman and the Chairman of Hesco Bastion. Mr. Heselden is also an investor in the independently owned Segway U.K. distributorship.
Additionally, Segway also received funding that will be used to support the continued growth of the company.
I admit it: I would love to have a Segway. Yes, I realize they’re not really all that practical for everyday life in Columbus, OH. Yes, I realize they make you look like a total nerd. I’m prepared to reconcile both of those facts against what I perceive as the unadulterated fun of riding such a contraption. Unfortunately, I don’t have the cash to buy a Segway. If I had bothered to take shop class in high school, though, maybe I could make this DIY balancing scooter to fulfill my Segway lust. → Read More
I made my feelings on the Puma known— to both our listeners on the weekly podcast. This alternative to the multi-thousand-dollar fantasy weirdo-cycle relies only on your own two feet. Kind of like walking, which would be cheaper, but less awesome. → Read More
Here’s a quick video I took on my BlackBerry of the PUMA in action. To recap – the PUMA is a two-wheeled Segway that can drive up to 35 miles on a single charge (35 cents per charge) and is capable of going up to 35MPH. Oh, I just overheard one of the higher ups say that PUMA will have a beefed up suspension to handle rough terrain like NYC’s pothole riddled streets. Check back later for a video of our very own test drive. I fear for my life. Heh.
Update: We now have two videos up of the PUMA. → Read More
UPDATE: Check out our test drive… General Motors and Segway have teamed up on Project PUMA (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), a two-wheeled city vehicle capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour, and going 35 miles on a single charge at a cost of 35 cents per charge. → Read More
There are some exceptions, but usually any vehicle that comes from America has a hard time in Japan. Just ask Ford or General Motors. Normally, the Japanese just love their own brands. But now Segway’s Japanese subsidiary [JP] achieved an agreement with the city of Yokohama, which might pave the way for a lot more Segways in the world’s second biggest economy. → Read More
This odd Segway-like carrier is called the Cajun Crawler. It’s a belegged walking system made by students at the University of Louisiana. Created by Don Tamosaitis, the system was a senior design project and uses 18V drill motors and can support heavy loads – one rider was 325 pounds. → Read More
What won’t this country of maniacs think of? via Giz → Read More
Segway by itself? Dumb. Segway with lots of big tires? Dumber. This monster BigFoot Segway has six full-sized tires and can barely turn but just think of how many cars you could crush if you could make this thing go over anything higher than a four inch curb. → Read More
Toyota says it’s newest invention, the Winglet, is a personal assistant robot but their move rather resembles an open attack at Segway. The vehicle the world’s biggest manufacturer of automobiles presented today will feature an electric motor, two wheels and a set of sensors to ensure stability. Just like its American counterpart, the Winglet (odd name) is ridden in a standing position. You will be able to move forward or backward or take turns by shifting your body weight. Three versions will be available: S (1.5 feet tall), M (2.2 feet) and L (3.7-feet). The S-Model weighs 9.9kg, while the M and L versions will be a little heavier at 12.3kg. → Read More
Flickr’d The Segway, seen here in all its inelegance, was a milestone in something or other. All the more reason, then, to applaud the company’s CTO for accepting a position at Apple. Doug Field, if we’re to believe random posts on a Segway message board, will become Apple vice president of product design. When the Segway was first introduced, it was universally teased for being, among other things, laughably silly looking. (That’s how I remember it, at least.) Steve Jobs, iLounge reminds us, was one of the many to have a problem with the device. Let’s all roll our eyes together, in unison. via iLounge → Read More
Did anyone know that Jackie Chan is the owner of a Segway dealership in Hong Kong? Me either. The action superstar is hoping that Segway will allow the scooters to be assembled in China to help drive down the costs, which would in turn drive sales. The Segway currently retails for $10,000 in China and that’s double what we here in the US would pay. However, Segway doesn’t want any part in it because they fear someone will steal the technology and start making knockoffs. “They’re afraid of people stealing the technology,” the 54-year-old action star said Wednesday at a security fair in Hong Kong. Chan and his business partner, Matt McGuire, hope to sell between 600 and 1,000 units this year in China. If you’re going to the Olympics this summer you’ll probably see staffers cruising around the venues. → Read More
