"It" Gets Around (Segway/Ginger)

ABC News ^ | 12/3/01 | Antonio Mora

[woofie]

It might make a good lawnmower

[CreekerFreeper]

I read early on that it will have attachments for changes in weather and I noticed this morning that there were attachments on some that allowed for 'packing' things around in front and the sides.

[Mr. K]

I disagree with the negative comments here- this is HUGE. Self balancing aside, this has to have a VERY SMALL and VERY POWERFUL engine to be moving these people around with such ease.

I am saying that the tiny power supply in this thing is the biggest deal here. The fact that it is inside a self-balancing machine is also pretty amazing.

[Brett66]

Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

[Semper911]

This guy is an engineer for crying out loud, why would make a stupid statement like this? Kamen must've paid him money to hype this toy.

You really need to think beyond the scooter. There is something in that thing -- a low energy propulsion system -- that could change everything. Kamen has merely used the scooter as an introduction to the technology.

BTW, I can't link the video, but it is on that GMA page. Go there and as you are watching it, someone tell me why there is a guy in a flack jacket shadowing Diane Sawyer's every move.

[RandallFlagg]

Probably a spotter to make sure she doesn't run over anyone ELSE'S foot..

[Semper911]

the tiny power supply in this thing is the biggest deal here.

We are on the same page, sir. I agree that this is huge. I just want to get a look at the guts of one of those babies.

[lelio]

Would Newman from Seinfeld use one?

[lelio]

Yep, I think everyone's looking at the Ginger part of this. Let's see the IT part, the motor.

[Outraged At FLA]

I think the guy who has a patent on the "Hand Truck" might have something to say about this.

[Brett66]

Kamen says the Segway can take its rider up to 15 miles on a six-hour charge from a regular wall socket.

That's not a bad range for a battery operated device. Of course that claim is probably hype too. But standard high-end battery technology could supply the power for this.

[germanshepherd]

well, look @ Bill Gates...

Yeah, exactly. On both counts!

[MediaMole]

Its high price will severely cut down on its potential success. At $750 - $1200 it would be a great alternative to a bicycle.

Kamen is too used to selling medical devices where price is no object. Three grand will buy a nice used motorcycle.

[spycatcher]

The guy who was chasing Diane Sawyer was ther "just in case." She was going hog wild with the thing (one foot out behind her etc.) and although Segway doesn't tip over, novice riders have to get used to it or can lose their own balance when they turn

[FReepaholic]

>>...I've seen it, and it is… more important than pantyhose and it's more important than the Internet," said Metcalf ...<<

Sorry Bob, it ain't more important than the Internet.

[Traction]

Now let's see them get around the various stupid laws that governed powered vehicles. You would be required to have a motorcycle license in California to ride it on a public street, wear a safety helmet, must be registered (because it is motorized), must be 18 or older and have insurance (18 and under require parental supervision) and the list goes on. The moped industry was destroyed by these laws and I don't see how this device can circumvent them.

[SamAdams76]

Every new invention is priced high at first. I remember when a CD player costed $800. Now you can get them for $69. The revenues used from initial sales are used to produce the "economies of scale" to manufacture the product more efficiently. Even at $3,000, there are many thousands of people and companies out there who can easily afford it. I predict that consumer versions of this product will be selling for under $500 in two years.

[spycatcher]

I would like to see it with stair-step type pedals to extend the range or for the times when you aren't near an electricity source -- like the BayGen radio. It would also be nice for a little optional excercise and leg movement.

[The Cajun]

I would guess the battery could be some type of modified (shape wise) deep cycle marine, power going to the motor is probably modulated pulsed D.C. and the motor could well be a geared down, high efficiency troll motor type.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Wow. I made a joke on another thread how if Gore was in Office, we would be pursuing Osama on an IT instead of a Humvee or Tank.

I was really hoping for the next 8 years no one would seriously suggest it.