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Segway was based on cutting edge technology and it worked really well. Indeed, it was impressive in its capabilities. But mostly out of novelty. In terms of bas
by InclinedPlane 14y ago
Segway was based on cutting edge technology and it worked really well. Indeed, it was impressive in its capabilities. But mostly out of novelty. In terms of basic capabilities it was a stinker.
Compare it to a moped: much slower, much shorter range, can't carry a passenger, can't carry cargo, can't travel on roadways, much more expensive.
Compare it to a bicycle: slower, much shorter range, can't carry cargo, can't travel on roadways, very much more expensive, can't be used for exercise, going up hills is easier.
Compare it to a car: enormously slower, vastly shorter range, can't carry cargo, can't travel on roadways, exposed to the elements, potentially comparable cost.
Compare it to walking: saves some time and effort especially on hills, less convenient, borderline rude to use near other pedestrians, avoids extremely low impact exercise, still exposed to the elements, very high cost.
And there you have it. For the vast majority of situations using a Segway is actually a huge downgrade from an equivalent expenditure. For the cost of a Segway you could buy a used car, or a moped, or an extremely nice bicycle. Meanwhile, if you have a commute that you would be willing to use a Segway for it would generally be absolutely superior to simply walk or bike and get some exercise in the process.
- davidroberts 14y agoYou forgot the fact that riding one makes you look like a total geek, and not in a good way. Al Yankovic's song "White and Nerdy" captures the image perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9qYF9DZPdw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9qYF9DZPdw
- sopooneo 14y agoYes. The thing was quickly adapted as a set-piece to communicate a certain flavor of nerdery and laziness in comedies. In addition to the music video you mention, there is also "Paul Blart Mall Cop" and GOB from "Arrested Development"
- glenra 14y agoThough there are a few uses where it's the best tool for the job. For instance, taking a "Segway Tour" of an unfamiliar city such as Austin. It's like a walking tour in that you can experience the local geography of the place and see everything close up but everyone can cover more ground more quickly and nobody has to fall behind or slow up the group because they're a slow walker. Plus, it's just fun to ride.
- weirdcat 14y agoMore than once I saw them being used in video productions, with a steadicam guy riding one.
- ams6110 14y agoDon't leave out that you look like a complete dweeb riding one.
- r0s 14y agoAre you suggesting I don't need a helmet to travel slightly above walking speed?
- ctdonath 14y agoPerhaps the segment the Segway aspires to is that of the skateboard. Alas, an order or two of magnitude heavier and more expensive. Great for relatively short distances you're not really keen on walking, but too heavy to carry and too expensive to leave outside.