PDA

View Full Version : GM and Segway unveil new two-wheeled urban vehicle


Lucky3623
04-07-2009, 04:01 PM
GM and Segway unveil new two-wheeled urban vehicle


http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090407/capt.56b4519deec54f448a1ecfe4024452d7.general_moto rs_segway_nyjl202.jpg?x=400&y=257&q=85&sig=XXUzRdwKPHlBFAkJv26MgA--

NEW YORK – A solution to the world's urban transportation problems could lie in two wheels not four, according to executives for General Motors Corp. and Segway Inc.

The companies announced Tuesday that they are working together to develop a two-wheeled, two-seat electric vehicle designed to be a fast, safe, inexpensive and clean alternative to traditional cars and trucks for cities across the world.

The Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, or PUMA, project also would involve a vast communications network that would allow vehicles to interact with each other, regulate the flow of traffic and prevent crashes from happening.

"We're excited about doing more with less," said Jim Norrod, chief executive of Segway, the Bedford, N.H.-based maker of electric scooters. "Less emissions, less dependability on foreign oil and less space."


Full Story (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090407/ap_on_bi_ge/general_motors_segway;_ylt=Av24lvFUQBFdFyA.E6D42x2 s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTJuNmJqM3A2BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwNDA 3L2dlbmVyYWxfbW90b3JzX3NlZ3dheQRjcG9zAzkEcG9zAzE5B HNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA2dtYW5kc2Vnd2F5dQ--)

Rider
04-07-2009, 04:05 PM
Yeah I saw that posted on Jalopnik... Pretty cool..... if you intend to stay on the sidewalks.

Amorok
04-07-2009, 05:36 PM
That thing is gay and without purpose. Unless you view guaranteeing that you never get laid a purpose. Why wouldn't you just buy a Vespa?

BobTheBiker
04-07-2009, 05:47 PM
That thing is gay and without purpose. Unless you view guaranteeing that you never get laid a purpose. Why wouldn't you just buy a Vespa?

agreed. I'd RATHER have the vespa. it might actually get you SOME action.

looking at who's making it, I think its bound to fail for sure.

dReWpY
04-07-2009, 06:03 PM
full o' fail

Dave
04-07-2009, 06:36 PM
dumbest idea ever

Homeslice
04-07-2009, 06:41 PM
Epic fail on the "fast" claim.......But on the plus side, any guy who COULDN'T get laid with one of those is a loser. Chicks would be all over it.

rogue
04-07-2009, 06:54 PM
:td:

Ducati Diva
04-07-2009, 08:03 PM
OMG!!!! Who in their right mind would ride one of those let alone pay money for it?????

Rangerscott
04-07-2009, 08:04 PM
Two wheel coffin. Alright!!!!

Wonder what the crash test looks like with that up against an SUV.

Particle Man
04-07-2009, 08:14 PM
first taxi collision = SPLAT

Homeslice
04-07-2009, 08:43 PM
uh you guys realize they wouldn't let people use them without dramatically revising the current traffic system, right? So uh, I doubt collisions with taxis would be an issue.

Particle Man
04-07-2009, 08:58 PM
uh you guys realize they wouldn't let people use them without dramatically revising the current traffic system, right? So uh, I doubt collisions with taxis would be an issue.

you, uh, think that NYC taxis (regardless of whether they're in the "current" or "future" system) wont continue to be homicidal maniacs? They sure as hell aren't going away :lol:

VatorMan
04-07-2009, 09:06 PM
If you stepped out of that with a serious bankroll-you could get tail. No bankroll-hell, even gays have better taste than that.

101lifts2
04-07-2009, 09:14 PM
That thing is gay and without purpose. Unless you view guaranteeing that you never get laid a purpose. Why wouldn't you just buy a Vespa?

Sorry, but cars don't get you laid unless wer're talkin Lambos or Porsches.

I like it..but how much does it cost?

Homeslice
04-07-2009, 09:18 PM
Uh, it's new, somewhat cute & trendy, and it's not supposed to be fast, it's for urban environments like NYC, so I think people will understand when they see people using them. When all you need to do is go a few blocks, using a full-size car is stupid IMO.

I suppose you guys call everyone who rides scooters in Asia gay as well. The reality is that using a sportbike or Harley in that type of traffic is stupid.

101lifts2
04-07-2009, 09:19 PM
dumbest idea ever

How is it dumb?

Well..it only goes 35mph...

Homeslice
04-07-2009, 09:21 PM
you, uh, think that NYC taxis (regardless of whether they're in the "current" or "future" system) wont continue to be homicidal maniacs? They sure as hell aren't going away :lol:
My point is that they would design separate lanes or something like that. They wouldn't let it intermingle with regular cars.

BobTheBiker
04-07-2009, 09:25 PM
no matter what, I dont forsee it ever getting off the ground. it just looks like such a pile of shit. even if the whole traffic system were revamped, theres NOTHING you could do to make those things safe, people would still be retards.

now if we went with what asia does and just used Honda cub scooters everywhere, I think theres a chance to improve rediculous traffic conditions in cramped urban areas.

Homeslice
04-07-2009, 09:32 PM
How does it look like a pile of shit? The rims look pretty tight, imo. Look like 24's. The only thing I'd be concerned about is how the window is plastic, so it probably wouldn't be very clear.

JK
04-07-2009, 09:47 PM
might as well walk.

BobTheBiker
04-07-2009, 09:53 PM
How does it look like a pile of shit? The rims look pretty tight, imo. Look like 24's. The only thing I'd be concerned about is how the window is plastic, so it probably wouldn't be very clear.

automatic qualification as pile of shit by way of the manufacturer. GM=shit to me.

Flexin
04-07-2009, 10:45 PM
I could get laid in one. Hell I could get laid in one towing a pink Vespa behind it.

I don't think its a bad idea. What are they going to do about parking? The normal Segway you could put beside your desk. Without having special parking with a locking system, I could see them ending up in the back of pick up trucks.

Are they making this a sidewalk cruiser or is it for the street?

James

EpyonXero
04-07-2009, 10:56 PM
Looks like something that would be used in a situation where a golf cart is used now. It wont work on sidewalks and I dont see how it can work on public roads either.

BobTheBiker
04-07-2009, 11:44 PM
I think some asshat is REALLY overthinking just building hybrid scooters for major urban centers.

Dragonpaco
04-08-2009, 01:19 AM
i can wait to see the weak, cant do shit for themselves race of human beings in 100 years.

Amber Lamps
04-08-2009, 01:34 AM
Epic fail on the "fast" claim.......But on the plus side, any guy who COULDN'T get laid with one of those is a loser. Chicks would be all over it.


Yea!......the ones with hairy legs and armpits that hold mourning sessions in the woods around here when some trees are cut down.:lol:

Amorok
04-08-2009, 06:55 AM
Uh, it's new, somewhat cute & trendy, and it's not supposed to be fast, it's for urban environments like NYC, so I think people will understand when they see people using them. When all you need to do is go a few blocks, using a full-size car is stupid IMO.

I suppose you guys call everyone who rides scooters in Asia gay as well. The reality is that using a sportbike or Harley in that type of traffic is stupid.

Yeah, and I'm not buying a "drive around in the city" car to go with my normal, "actually get me somewhere" car. And if you only have to go a few blocks, you're a fucking lazy shithead if you need to buy some abortion of a ski lift chair instead of walking your fat ass down the street. Thank God they didn't develop something like shoes with wheels on them or else people might get suckered into not sitting on their ever-expanding derrieres all day.

Also, if you read my last post it says WHY NOT JUST BUY A FUCKING VESPA? They're much cooler, probably more fun, and have the added advantage of proving, at least in this instance, that you can't read.

And no, it still looks gay. I know rims make anything attractive to some people who demonstrate a lack of taste in other areas such as clothes, music, politicians (oh yes he did!) but this thing still looks like 8 guys blowing nine guys. It's gayer than three boys fucking in the snow, and two of them liking it. I could get laid in it, but I'd have to work at it.

Homeslice
04-08-2009, 07:46 AM
Well you don't live in a place like NYC or Tokyo, do you? So naturally you wouldn't buy one.

And why not buy a Vespa? Maybe because this thing carries 2 people more comfortably than a Vespa would, has a roof over it, and has some sort of computer navigation controls. Also it's just a concept vehicle intended to showcase ideas, nobody is forcing anyone to buy it.

As for how gay it looks, it's intentionally made small & short for good clearance. It's basically just a seat sitting on 2 wheels, so how fucking "masculine" do you expect it to look?

And besides, I thought only gay guys worry about how they look while driving/wearing certain things? :lol:

JoshuaTree
04-08-2009, 09:53 AM
I want to know how long its going to take the Porn Industry to shoot a video with one as the 'center stage'... :D

Flexin
04-08-2009, 12:50 PM
Yeah, and I'm not buying a "drive around in the city" car to go with my normal, "actually get me somewhere" car. And if you only have to go a few blocks, you're a fucking lazy shithead if you need to buy some abortion of a ski lift chair instead of walking your fat ass down the street. Thank God they didn't develop something like shoes with wheels on them or else people might get suckered into not sitting on their ever-expanding derrieres all day.

Also, if you read my last post it says WHY NOT JUST BUY A FUCKING VESPA? They're much cooler, probably more fun, and have the added advantage of proving, at least in this instance, that you can't read.

And no, it still looks gay. I know rims make anything attractive to some people who demonstrate a lack of taste in other areas such as clothes, music, politicians (oh yes he did!) but this thing still looks like 8 guys blowing nine guys. It's gayer than three boys fucking in the snow, and two of them liking it. I could get laid in it, but I'd have to work at it.

I don't think anyone is going to by this to go 2 or 3 blocks. They can get across town and back in it. Or it can be used in a gated community, large area like a movie lot or airport. It has a use.

Why not by a Vespa? Because not everyone should be on two wheels. And before you say the Segway only has two, I'm talking about two inline wheels.

And as much as you worry about being gay, you should be spending a few months laying on a couch. While there you take about what ever child hood trauma you had that makes you worried about being gay so much.

James

Particle Man
04-08-2009, 05:57 PM
hey, it's only a matter of time before someone chromes the fuck out of one and puts spinning rims and a system on it :lol:

Homeslice
04-08-2009, 06:10 PM
I would try one just for the fun of it. Anything with a 0" wheelbase like that could probably spin on a dime.

Flexin
04-08-2009, 11:08 PM
They are talking about it right now on the Discovery channel.

James

goof2
04-08-2009, 11:35 PM
I remember all the hype before the original Segway was released. The inventor Dean Kamen had well known people view it and comment on it. They were all saying it was going to change the urban landscape, was as important as the PC, and further hyperbolic bullshit. 8 years after its introduction it remains a novelty. It is nothing more than another rich person's toy. If they ever introduce this 21st century golf cart, which I doubt, it will have no more impact than the first Segway. It would be funny if this impending disaster wasn't being funded by taxpayers. Since it is, it falls more on the sad side.

Flexin
04-08-2009, 11:45 PM
I remember all the hype before the original Segway was released. The inventor Dean Kamen had well known people view it and comment on it. They were all saying it was going to change the urban landscape, was as important as the PC, and further hyperbolic bullshit. 8 years after its introduction it remains a novelty. It is nothing more than another rich person's toy. If they ever introduce this 21st century golf cart, which I doubt, it will have no more impact than the first Segway. It would be funny if this impending disaster wasn't being funded by taxpayers. Since it is, it falls more on the sad side.

There are way more Segways around then I thought there would ever be. They do have a use.

People bitch about GM making trucks and SUV's, then when they work on a project that is the complete opposite and they still bitch.

James

Flexin
04-08-2009, 11:55 PM
Some of my questions were answered in that show. The main focus is other country's that use a lot of bikes and scooters. They said this two seat Segway would be big compared to a the scooters and bikes. This came up when asked about SUV's. They talked about how in the US special lanes could be used.

It looks like the next gen will be fully enclosed. They talked about how you would be able to get out and it would be able to go park itself. Then when you came out you could call it and it would come to get you. If you can't get laid with that Knight Rider shit, then you couldn't get laid in a whore house with a million in cash.

They also talked about how it could be used at resorts and so on.

One other thing that was talked about is that you would be able to drive it yourself or have it could do it for you.

James

Homeslice
04-08-2009, 11:59 PM
If you can't get laid with that Knight Rider shit, then you couldn't get laid in a whore house with a million in cash.

:rofl:

goof2
04-09-2009, 12:37 AM
There are way more Segways around then I thought there would ever be. They do have a use.

People bitch about GM making trucks and SUV's, then when they work on a project that is the complete opposite and they still bitch.

James

They have sold about 50,000 Segways since they started selling them 6 freaking years ago. Their initial sales estimate was 50-100,000 in the first year of production alone. Segway still haven't stated if they are profitable or not, which almost certainly means not.

I don't give a flying shit what GM builds as long as they can sell whatever it is in volume and for a profit. If it would put their balance sheet in the black I wouldn't care if they were shipping Abrams tanks out the door to Joe and Jill commuter. This thing isn't the answer to that problem.

Some of my questions were answered in that show. The main focus is other country's that use a lot of bikes and scooters. They said this two seat Segway would be big compared to a the scooters and bikes.

I'm sure it would. My problem with their thought process is this statement from the original article:

"The companies did not release a projected cost for the vehicle, but said ideally its total operating cost — including purchase price, insurance, maintenance and fuel — would total between one-fourth and one-third of that of the average traditional vehicle."

Ideally they are dreaming. The original Segway would have been a raging success if they could have ideally sold it for the same price as a decent bicycle. Unfortunately, the least expensive Segway is five grand. How the hell do they expect to expand the same concept to a much grander scale and keep just the purchase price alone under $10k? Even if it were the same price as a Segway scooter how is Ranjeet in Mumbai going to afford it? I don't think Dell tech support pays that well. If it does, I suspect Ranjeet will be buying a car instead.

Amber Lamps
04-09-2009, 12:52 AM
They have sold about 50,000 Segways since they started selling them 6 freaking years ago. Their initial sales estimate was 50-100,000 in the first year of production alone. Segway still haven't stated if they are profitable or not, which almost certainly means not.

I don't give a flying shit what GM builds as long as they can sell whatever it is in volume and for a profit. If it would put their balance sheet in the black I wouldn't care if they were shipping Abrams tanks out the door to Joe and Jill commuter. This thing isn't the answer to that problem.



I'm sure it would. My problem with their thought process is this statement from the original article:

"The companies did not release a projected cost for the vehicle, but said ideally its total operating cost — including purchase price, insurance, maintenance and fuel — would total between one-fourth and one-third of that of the average traditional vehicle."

Ideally they are dreaming. The original Segway would have been a raging success if they could have ideally sold it for the same price as a decent bicycle. Unfortunately, the least expensive Segway is five grand. How the hell do they expect to expand the same concept to a much grander scale and keep just the purchase price alone under $10k? Even if it were the same price as a Segway scooter how is Ranjeet in Mumbai going to afford it? I don't think Dell tech support pays that well. If it does, I suspect Ranjeet will be buying a car instead.

Ranjeet?:lol Hahaha! It's finally happened...we agree on something! Yea I don't see how some smoe that could barely cough up the monthly payments on $200 for a used piece of shit Chinese made scooter is gonna afford one of these babies. GTFOOHWTBSMF! This is the "flying car" all over again.

101lifts2
04-09-2009, 12:57 AM
no matter what, I dont forsee it ever getting off the ground. it just looks like such a pile of shit. even if the whole traffic system were revamped, theres NOTHING you could do to make those things safe, people would still be retards.

now if we went with what asia does and just used Honda cub scooters everywhere, I think theres a chance to improve rediculous traffic conditions in cramped urban areas.

It doesn't have to be safe. Its going to be rated as a motorcycle which have no crash standards.

101lifts2
04-09-2009, 12:58 AM
automatic qualification as pile of shit by way of the manufacturer. GM=shit to me.

:scratch:whatever

101lifts2
04-09-2009, 12:59 AM
Two wheel coffin. Alright!!!!

Wonder what the crash test looks like with that up against an SUV.

Prolly as good as someone on a motorcycle. Its going to be rated as such, not a passenger car.

101lifts2
04-09-2009, 01:03 AM
....And no, it still looks gay. I know rims make anything attractive to some people who demonstrate a lack of taste in other areas such as clothes, music, politicians (oh yes he did!) but this thing still looks like 8 guys blowing nine guys. It's gayer than three boys fucking in the snow, and two of them liking it. I could get laid in it, but I'd have to work at it.

Its a cheap way to get around. Does every vehicle have to be "cool"? Americans idea of what is cool and what is not will change once Obama mandates 35mpg CAFE standards.

Flexin
04-09-2009, 01:13 AM
I find it odd that crash safety comes up so much on motorcycle forums. Would I drive one? I would take it for a run. Would I buy one? I don't think so. For me if I lived downtown in a big ass city I would go for a motorcycle or a mountain bike. It would depend on my needs and the distance I needed to travel.

The part about it driving it self is something I like. If it had its own lane and could roll on its own I would think about it. Glide by the heavy rush hour traffic while I sit back and relax.

James

Amorok
04-09-2009, 06:11 AM
I find it odd that crash safety comes up so much on motorcycle forums. Would I drive one? I would take it for a run. Would I buy one? I don't think so. For me if I lived downtown in a big ass city I would go for a motorcycle or a mountain bike. It would depend on my needs and the distance I needed to travel.

The part about it driving it self is something I like. If it had its own lane and could roll on its own I would think about it. Glide by the heavy rush hour traffic while I sit back and relax.

James

All of which I could do on a Vespa, and at least be a little bit cool. This thing is a solution without a problem. A faggoty, ugly solution.

Flexin
04-09-2009, 12:23 PM
All of which I could do on a Vespa, and at least be a little bit cool. This thing is a solution without a problem. A faggoty, ugly solution.

Did you not hear about the Knight Rider shit? This two wheel mofo will be able to park itself then come get you when your ready to go. Show me a Vespa that will do that?

Not everyone can ride a motor powered bike. Some people can't do it. There are some others that think they can but really shouldn't be doing it. I don't know what about this you don't understand but they are not building these to replace your manly Vespa. Its another vehicle. Its just another choice people will have.

And they are not talking about building these for the Gap. These are for busy city streets. If they make a dedicated lane for these then it could be the faster option. While your trying to be less gay on your Vespa, sucking back the exhaust from that NY cab in front of you. The two up Segway could be flying by in its own lane. This could cut down on traffic problems.

You seem to really be worried about your manhood. You seemed obsessed with this whole gay thing. You should really work on that. Maybe you have some issues to work out.

James

goof2
04-09-2009, 01:55 PM
Its a cheap way to get around. Does every vehicle have to be "cool"? Americans idea of what is cool and what is not will change once Obama mandates 35mpg CAFE standards.

Correction, it is supposed to be a cheap way to get around. It will not be. A Segway costs $5k or more and has no new technology. This thing, based off the talk, is going to have lots of new technology. It is going to take more than GPS alone for this thing to drive itself with or without someone behind the wheel. Even if that idea is left on the drawing board it is still going to cost significantly more. The additional capabilities will require better motors and better batteries while being more complex to build. All that costs more money.

The fact is GM and Segway don't know what they want this thing to be. It is supposed to be for locations where people ride bicycles and scooters. The problem is people typically ride bicycles and scooters because they don't have much money. They'll be lucky to keep the price under that of a car, putting it out of range of that intended audience. How many in that audience have a place to keep it where they can also charge it? It is also supposed to be a technology showpiece placing its target audience as the well off living in cities. They have the same problems with where to park and how to charge it. The fact is it is impractical for most of the people who would have a use for it due to an inability to charge it and difficulty parking it.

pauldun170
04-09-2009, 02:03 PM
First of all...why hasn't this oldie but goodie bween posted

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=segway_more_complicated_than_it_needs_to_b e

Second...this is a win for mall security guides nationwide and continues GM's tradition of only being able to sell to fleets.

So far...I've seen ONE person rocking a Segway on NYC. Every other one was ridden by someone hired to push a product such as "Sports drinks" or someone making sure those damn kids don't cause trouble in Abacrombie and bitch.

goof2
04-09-2009, 02:19 PM
First of all...why hasn't this oldie but goodie bween posted

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=segway_more_complicated_than_it_needs_to_b e

Second...this is a win for mall security guides nationwide and continues GM's tradition of only being able to sell to fleets.

So far...I've seen ONE person rocking a Segway on NYC. Every other one was ridden by someone hired to push a product such as "Sports drinks" or someone making sure those damn kids don't cause trouble in Abacrombie and bitch.

You can sometimes see herds of moron tourists on Segway tours. It does have a nice side benefit of making them easy to spot and stay away from. You can also see them on golf courses that want to charge $200+ per round but don't have a nice enough course to justify it.

Homeslice
04-09-2009, 02:30 PM
Correction, it is supposed to be a cheap way to get around. It will not be. A Segway costs $5k or more and has no new technology. This thing, based off the talk, is going to have lots of new technology. It is going to take more than GPS alone for this thing to drive itself with or without someone behind the wheel. Even if that idea is left on the drawing board it is still going to cost significantly more. The additional capabilities will require better motors and better batteries while being more complex to build. All that costs more money.


So then maybe they will sell it here instead of in poor places like India. You guys keep saying there's no market for this, well maybe not now but things change. Whether that "change" is forced by Obama or not, or if it's just a cultural change, that's not the point.....things change. If some big cities actually designed dedicated traffic lanes for vehicles like this, it could work. Hell there are plenty of cities already like Denver that have downtown plazas with a free shuttle bus that goes back and forth along the strip. It's the same idea except more individual. Hell they even have horse-drawn carriages, and bicycle taxis there. Some people don't want to walk three quarters of a mile going from one end of the strip to the other.

Flexin
04-09-2009, 02:49 PM
I think this technology could be adapted to wheel chairs. It would make an electric wheelchair more compact. Turning in its own foot print would make it easier in small stores.

James

Amorok
04-09-2009, 07:47 PM
What's gay about this is that it's fucking useless. You could walk and save yourself thousands. Well, there are those expensive walking shoes to buy. Whatever you couldn't do with shoes you could do with a scooter. And yes, not everyone belongs on two wheels. Those people belong on their feet. Or buses. As for manliness, I don't have an issue with my manliness, but I do have issue with someone who invents a pointless, hideous, overpriced peice of retardation just so fatasses won't have to walk, and yet it's touted as being so great while motorcycles are reviled. This thing is everything that sucks about motorcycles (which isn't much) along with a lot more suck, and none of the awesome. The only people I can see driving this are people who already irritate the shit out of me. Wait, I'm convinced. Build it. Build it and sell it to over-priviledged, bean curd-eating, PETA-supporting, Starbuck's=drinking, vegan, city-dwelling, pompous, elitist, smug, self-absorbed, blue-state label loving, liberal douchebag bitches. That way, they'll be easier to see coming and

A) Avoid before they can vote to erode yet more of my civil liberties or

B) Run over them in a real vehicle.

Look dude, it's fine if you want one, but everyone's going to make fun of you if you buy one so you might as well get used to it.

Flexin
04-09-2009, 08:40 PM
What's gay about this is that it's fucking useless. You could walk and save yourself thousands. Well, there are those expensive walking shoes to buy. Whatever you couldn't do with shoes you could do with a scooter. And yes, not everyone belongs on two wheels. Those people belong on their feet. Or buses. As for manliness, I don't have an issue with my manliness, but I do have issue with someone who invents a pointless, hideous, overpriced peice of retardation just so fatasses won't have to walk, and yet it's touted as being so great while motorcycles are reviled. This thing is everything that sucks about motorcycles (which isn't much) along with a lot more suck, and none of the awesome. The only people I can see driving this are people who already irritate the shit out of me. Wait, I'm convinced. Build it. Build it and sell it to over-priviledged, bean curd-eating, PETA-supporting, Starbuck's=drinking, vegan, city-dwelling, pompous, elitist, smug, self-absorbed, blue-state label loving, liberal douchebag bitches. That way, they'll be easier to see coming and

A) Avoid before they can vote to erode yet more of my civil liberties or

B) Run over them in a real vehicle.

Look dude, it's fine if you want one, but everyone's going to make fun of you if you buy one so you might as well get used to it.

Thats the thing. I don't want one. I live outside the city so it would do me no good at all. Plus I couldn't afford it. But I do see a use for it and the technology in it.

I'm willing to be that less then 15% of the people that do buy them will be fat asses. One if you look at it, it wasn't designed for a large man or woman.

BTW I have no problem walking any where in my $200 sneakers. I also have no problem with riding a pedal bike. I used to bike where ever I needed to go. Before I got a car I would ride 30-45 mins. I even rode 2 hours to get where I had to go.

And I would take one for a run. It could be pink with pride flags hanging off it. I don't give a fuck what people think. Fuck em.

Inventions like this spawn new ideas and end up in other products so I don't see how you can hate on them for it.

James

goof2
04-10-2009, 01:51 AM
So then maybe they will sell it here instead of in poor places like India. You guys keep saying there's no market for this, well maybe not now but things change. Whether that "change" is forced by Obama or not, or if it's just a cultural change, that's not the point.....things change. If some big cities actually designed dedicated traffic lanes for vehicles like this, it could work. Hell there are plenty of cities already like Denver that have downtown plazas with a free shuttle bus that goes back and forth along the strip. It's the same idea except more individual. Hell they even have horse-drawn carriages, and bicycle taxis there. Some people don't want to walk three quarters of a mile going from one end of the strip to the other.

I covered my feelings on that in the second paragraph. In cities here you still have no place to park it where it can be charged. I suppose they could make the battery removable so it could be taken inside for charging, but who wants to lug a hundred plus pound battery around every day. I know some cities like London have public charging stations, and maybe that would happen here, but it would probably be harder to find one of those spots than a hundred dollar bill on the ground.

goof2
04-10-2009, 01:58 AM
I think this technology could be adapted to wheel chairs. It would make an electric wheelchair more compact. Turning in its own foot print would make it easier in small stores.

James

The technology for the Segway and this new thing were adapted from an electric wheelchair. That is how the Segway's inventor Dean Kamen originally made his money. The wheelchair climbs stairs using a very unique method. Any attempt by me to describe the process would not do it justice. I'm sure there are videos on the internet showing it. You might want to do a search because that thing is actually pretty cool. It isn't that I don't like the technology and don't believe there are uses for it. I just don't think its application in the Segway or this thing are particularly useful or potentially very profitable.

pauldun170
04-10-2009, 11:02 AM
Wait, I'm convinced. Build it. Build it and sell it to over-priviledged, bean curd-eating, PETA-supporting, Starbuck's=drinking, vegan, city-dwelling, pompous, elitist, smug, self-absorbed, blue-state label loving, liberal douchebag bitches.


What the fuck you asshole why do you have to lump city folk into that rant?

(dammit...had a counter rant ready but lost my train of thought. I'm gonna slip a little bookmark in this thread and maybe get back to it)

Amber Lamps
04-10-2009, 11:06 AM
The technology for the Segway and this new thing were adapted from an electric wheelchair. That is how the Segway's inventor Dean Kamen originally made his money. The wheelchair climbs stairs using a very unique method. Any attempt by me to describe the process would not do it justice. I'm sure there are videos on the internet showing it. You might want to do a search because that thing is actually pretty cool. It isn't that I don't like the technology and don't believe there are uses for it. I just don't think its application in the Segway or this thing are particularly useful or potentially very profitable.


I thought so...so basically,this guy "stood on the backs of giants",inventors who really wanted to make something beneficial to the human race,and turned it into a rich man's toy. Sweet.

goof2
04-10-2009, 11:26 AM
I thought so...so basically,this guy "stood on the backs of giants",inventors who really wanted to make something beneficial to the human race,and turned it into a rich man's toy. Sweet.

No, it was the same guy, Dean Kamen, who carried the technology over from the wheelchair he invented and used it in the Segway. He was his own giant so to speak.

Amber Lamps
04-10-2009, 02:20 PM
No, it was the same guy, Dean Kamen, who carried the technology over from the wheelchair he invented and used it in the Segway. He was his own giant so to speak.

Oh....well then nevermind me and my dumbass remarks!

Amorok
04-10-2009, 02:30 PM
What the fuck you asshole why do you have to lump city folk into that rant?

(dammit...had a counter rant ready but lost my train of thought. I'm gonna slip a little bookmark in this thread and maybe get back to it)

meh. Things that suck seem to come from big cities. Don't like 'em. If shoe fits...

pauldun170
04-10-2009, 02:41 PM
meh. Things that suck seem to come from big cities. Don't like 'em. If shoe fits...

Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS Location: Biloxi, MS

I gonna need some time to warm up before I respond to yer post...
Gotta stretch and loosen up a bit.

You still posting with your thumbs?

Homeslice
04-10-2009, 02:44 PM
Yeah isn't Biloxi one of the biggest cities in MS?

Flexin
04-10-2009, 04:32 PM
meh. Things that suck seem to come from big cities. Don't like 'em. If shoe fits...

I heard of some country girls that could suck a bowling ball through a straw. And from what I hear the legal brothels are way outside of town, not in a big city. So you can't tell me there is no sucking cumming out of the sticks. :idk:

James