Segway cost $5k early on, which impeded adoption. Then it gained an image as a device for tourists and obese cops (deserved or not, that was the image in the 00

Segway cost $5k early on, which impeded adoption. Then it gained an image as a device for tourists and obese cops (deserved or not, that was the image in the 00s). So even when prices dropped, it wasn't going to be readily adopted by the masses. Electric scooters are electric versions of a thing many people (in the US, not sure about other countries) had used since their childhood. The worst image they carried was that of youthfulness, and maybe the dickish college students who stashed their foldable scooter in the desk next to them. And the cost was much lower much earlier in their life, plus not tied to a single brand or manufacturer. Which is probably one of the reasons that their price was lower (competition is helpful).