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61 Comments
- bigd063, on 10/12/2007, -3/+26Legs don't use energy? How come no one ever informed me? I'm gonna sell all my vehicles and use my God-given free energy devices!
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -6/+25can anyone, anyone, tell me in what way a segway has the advantage over walking on two legs? it seems to me that two legs are more maneuverable, more easily adjust to differing terrain, offer better aerobic benefit, cost nothing, use no energy, are easier to operate... in every way i can think of two legs are simply superior to the segway. so, can anyone tell me what problem these things solve?
- burke, on 10/12/2007, -2/+16"Why would they ban it?"
Such tidbits can generally be gleaned from the article linked at the top of the page. - 47f0, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11This is just a regulations snafu -
1) Under Dutch law, they are vehicles (of a sort)
2) Vehicles must have brakes.
3) Segways don't have brakes. oops.
The Dutch will sort this out - after all, they're not above producing some rather strange transportation themselves - like:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5H1Z6Pbt2zw - ksgant, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13the lesson of the Segway is not to over-hype a product before it comes out. I mean, if they hadn't have TOTALLY overblown the hype on this thing...like saying how it was going to change humanity forever...that it was the next-big-thing in the world....how it would be the biggest revolution in the past 1000 years etc etc, then perhaps it would have sold more. But as it is, it's a total flop and nothing more than just a curiosity.
- jmontes, on 10/12/2007, -3/+12I'm sure the Segway-related death toll in the Netherlands will go way down. Now they can concentrate on enjoying activities that are legal, like smoking pot.
- TheWriteGuy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+11There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch.
- onebigword, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9Yep, I think the "neat-o" phase of Segways is over. The only place I think it would be useful is in large private settings, with a known terrain. Like a large warehouse. But even then, a regular electric cart would often work just as well, if not better.
- Fascist, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9Well, walking is very useful ... when your destination is close. A segway (Or bike, which is very common in the Netherlands) is more useful for longer distances that you don't need a car for, like a destination three miles away. I'd assume that a Segway is handy in the city, where people will use it more often than a car.
- oskite, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8Wow, who would've thought the *scooter* industry would have influence in any country.
- oskite, on 10/12/2007, -6/+12Omg do you know how dangerous it is to ride a Segway on weed? Do you know how many people have DIED?
/sarcasm - LordSkywalker, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8Think of how fun it would be to become a fat, lazy bastard, riding around in one of those Rascals everywhere. I don't need legs.
- oskite, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6I believe they require standing. In which case you must be refering to a wheelchair, you handicap poser. Jerk.
- whickywhickyjim, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6How are all of the fat Dutch mac users going to get around town now? On their legs? Game over, man.
- JackKnife, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3The Segway is a device that would be really fun to use if you could find a good reason/place to use it and a secure place to park it. I can just picture a battered old Chevy pickup driving around town with 20 Segways in the back.
- LocalH, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@47f0:
But a Segway does have a brake, just not an explicit brake handle or control. - bartbrinkman, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2That's an American stereotype. Dutch police use their Segways to get to Paris, make a picture, and get back while on duty.
- OrangeTide, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Segways aren't allowed on roads in California or on bike paths or pedestrian walkways. They aren't legally classified as vehicles suitable for road travel. They are not human powered so are not pedestrian. unicycles (except those big tall ones) are pedestrian traffic, while a bicycle due to an special case in the law is vehicle traffic and subject to the same sorts of laws as cars and are not allowed on pedestrian walkways.
A Segway can be used on the street or pedestrian walkways in California, if used by a disabled person because then it would be an electric wheelchair. It is really up to each jurisdiction in California to enforce the Vehicle Code or not. I bring up California because 1. I live here 2. Segway is/was very popular here, especially among the rich and famous nerds.
What is the big deal about the Dutch realizing their current codification of laws can't make a distinction between electric mopeds, pocket bikes and segways? It ends up being an all or none thing, and in the interest of public safety it makes more sense to keep the mopeds (or worse, pocket bikes) off the walkways and bikepaths.
I'm sure all 50 segway owning dutchies are upset, OH WELL. - ChrisGranger, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5To be fair, they're quite a bit faster than walking. I'd say the Segway is more akin to riding a bicycle than walking.
- ewc80, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4I saw a movie recently that had some guy constantly riding around on one of those things. I almost had to turn it off it was so powerfully, mind alteringly gay. But he finally got eaten by an alien or something so the movie redeemed itself.
I'm usually very strongly against making fun of anyone who is different or an easy target, but if you ride a segway you are just asking for it. - jefree, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2"It doesn't have a brake, you brake by leaning back, and that's clearly not permissible," he said.
Idiot statement by bone head thinking. - plingboot, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4in germany?
- FuzzyCat, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3
Only to get to the donut stands quicker... - JCGV, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2The dutch nerds have something better: the carver. It's road legal in every country in EU (even TÜV has no problem with it) and it alot better looking then a segway.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Axonal must be American.
- Shivetya, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Easy.
Government employees need their legs for other things!
Sorry, but when this overpriced item showed up it was obvious who the target was, governments and similar organizations. Why? Because they would buy them without having to justify it. Combine that with all the wonderful work rules the unions can get and suddenly every damn postal worker or beat cop could qualify, provided the public didn't go bezerk.
In Atlanta almost all the pictures they had of public employees using these were of very overweight workers. Funny thing was, they were issued the machines because it was being done so under heatlh benefits. Yup, we are paying for fat people to not walk.
Think its bad now, wait for universal health care. All those little scooters for the elderly don't cost them a dime, we pay it all. My grandparents constantly turn down offers for these machines, all at ZERO cost to them. They do so because they have the integrity to stand up for whats right, and that means not fleecing their grandkids inheritance because some company is making a buck off an ignorant government. FWIW, the American Disabilities Act qualifies many for the scooters, its only a matter of time before Seqways become allowed - even easier if Universal Healthcare comes along. - Price, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Ooh, looks like someone hasn't seen Austin Powers...
- Superc00kie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1A Segway may be a cool technical achievement, but can someone tell me what the advantage of this thing is over a bike or maybe an electric scooter? It's too slow for the road and too big and too fast for the sidewalk. The only use I see for it may be for golf courts.
- Anrkist, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1They tried to ban the Segway owners but they proved to have quick segway like reflexs and scooted away.
- Scarblac, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2The airport buildings aren't public roads, so this "ban" doesn't apply to such use.
- JaYBrooks, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Doesn't a segway have a deadman pedal? If you fall off doesn't it stop itself?
- plingboot, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Aren't they're also banned from the roads of California?
I know they're banned from UK roads and pavements... Something to do with having no road tax / driving license / MOT / insurance / plates! Strangely other novelty vehicles such as mini-motorbikes and powered skateboards are also banned. - halik, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Meh,
dumb law, even dumber idea. I'm still amazed they actually sold some of those things at that exorbitant price and virtually no rationalization for it's use. God forbid cops walk around as opposed to riding around on a thing that costs more than their crown vic cruiser - linkdragon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Is anyone really that bent out of shape because of this? Who has so little pride as to ride a Segway these days?
- MenthiX, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1argh, burry this
- GorfTron, on 09/07/2009, -0/+1Paul Blart Mall Cop totally sold me on the Segway.
- silentdud, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You know what is funny is they probably discussed this for a very long time too. The thing is no one seems to care about more important issues.
- elenadragon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I saw the same thing at the San Jose airport last weekend. An officer was riding it, and pretty fast too. Easier to get through people than with the mechanized carts.
- cardyology, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1but what about all the kids who wanna practice their segway polo on the street in front of their house? gutted for them. http://www.segwayhtpolo.com/
- avasol, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2
Stoners on Segways cruising the streets between Coffee shops is all the mental imagery I need to understand why they got banned..... - jbswashington, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0FTA: "A spokesman for Amsterdam Segway Tours said the business was closed until March due to ice, which makes it difficult to operate the scooters. It hasn't frozen in Amsterdam yet this winter, the warmest in the Netherlands in 300 years of recorded history. "That could change at any moment," the spokesman said."
Hilarious. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2The same way fat Americans (since they all are) do. Using hugely overpowered vehicles.
- merien, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2@Skizmo: Are you sure? Many many more people die from obesity related deceases than from pot abuse. Cycling is healthier and easier than segwaying.
Anyway. The ban is not new. Motorized vehicles in the Netherlands have to adhere to certain rules and have to be insured. The Segway does not comply with these rules and therefor using a Segway on public roads and pavements was and is illegal. - checksumdotorg, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I did, but wasn't that fast :), excuse me.
btw, Austin Powers talked German instead of Dutch in that movie, quite imbarassing. - Topher06, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Dutch implemented the Robin Willams rule "I will not buy stupid sh*t for no reason!". Say it while taking purchased stupid sh*t and banging it on your forehead.
- wbgo, on 10/12/2007, -6/+6Good. They should be banned from pedestrian areas. You can't have people bombing around at 5 times walking speed on a 90lbs machine ideally designed for breaking ankles.
What a pointless invention anyway. Buy a bike. - wetard57, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3u can smoke pot but u cant ride a Segway
- rpjrugby, on 10/12/2007, -6/+5I was @ the Denver airport and a police officer was scooting around on a Segway. It seemed silly at first but when he zipped down the hallway, that thing really hauled! I can see it as being useful for something like that. I see professors on campus use it a bunch as well.
Why would they ban it? Energy consumption? I like the Segway personally. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -7/+6The Woz is gonna be pissed!
- benlyon, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0Segway : The Top 7 Misconceptions
After 4 years on the market, there are still a few popular misconceptions about the Segway Personal Transporter. Most of those people have never even tried a Segway. As a Segway owner, please allow me to dispel some of those misconceptions.
1. Segways will permanently replace walking/biking and we will all get fat and die.
First off, Segways aren’t exercise machines, they are transportation devices.
Occasionally, you might choose to Segway instead of walking or biking, but not all the time. Segways are an alternative, not a permanent replacement. Quite often they replace driving a car for trips under 10-15 miles. I commute to work by Segway in a business suit, saving $350 per month on parking and gas. I love my car, and my bikes, and love using them. I stay in shape and save a bundle. I also rollerblade sometimes. They are all alternatives.
Since Segways are sidewalk legal in most states and countries (so far), people often think they replace walking, since they see us on the sidewalk. They can’t imagine that I’ve just commuted 6 miles to work as I roll past the barber shop. In fact, they would have a different attitude if they realized that my car used to be in traffic in front of them, taking up a parking space that they’re looking for.
When a Segway is used for recreation, that’s OK too. If you took out a jet ski or motorboat for recreation, does that make you lazy because you’re not swimming that day ? Segways are a clean, quiet, fun way to get to the state park for a day hike, instead of driving there. I do it all the time (Will Rogers State Park is 5 miles from my home. The hiking trails there are awesome).
2. Segways are dangerous because they can go 12.5 MPH.
If Segways were really dangerous, you’d be reading about dozens of accidents every day. 23,000 Segways wouldn’t be safely gliding on the world’s sidewalks for the past 4 years. Try Googling “Segway Accident” and you’ll see what I mean. More people trip over their own front door.
As far as actually going 12.5 MPH on a sidewalk with pedestrians, people just don’t do that. Most of us can run 12.5 mph. Would you run full speed down a busy sidewalk knocking over people ? Of course not. Segways are transportation devices, they aren’t toys. It’s not about what their potential top speed is, it’s about what people will do. My car can potentially go 120 MPH. I certainly don’t do that driving to the corner market. No one does.
Actually, Segways are extremely safe because they don’t use or rely on a conventional throttle/braking system. They adjust to your body’s natural movements, correcting themselves over 100x per second.
3. Segways will never work in a place like NYC because they take up too much room.
Not true at all. The entire device fits underneath your body, and is only as wide as your shoulders. They don’t stick out like a bike or a scooter. They don’t take up any more space than if the person riding it were walking. They literally become part of your body.
4. If you take your eyes off the sidewalk in front of you, you might bump into someone.
Again, Segways don’t have separate mechanical throttles. They only respond to your body’s natural movements. Here’s the key : There is a self-preservation instinct that keeps people from bumping into other people. The only way I can describe it to someone who has never ridden a Segway is by asking this question : Could a person walk down a busy sidewalk with their eyes closed ? It’s possible, but that same human instinct makes it so uncomfortable that most people just can’t. Try it, and you’ll see what I mean.
5. Segways are too expensive.
Again, the perception might be that they are simply a recreational vehicle, like a bike or scooter, both which are inexpensive vehicles, too dangerous for sidewalks. By law, Segways are electronic pedestrian assistance mobility devices (EPAMDs). If you bought a commuter car like a small Chevy or Toyota, would $5000 sound like a lot ? Are you kidding ? $10,000 would sound like a bargain. As I mentioned earlier, I save over $350.00 a month on gas and parking commuting by Segway (approx 18 cents a week to recharge). Expensive ? By last month, my Segway paid for itself while my $30,000 Mustang continues to burn gas at $3.00+ per gallon. Also, you don’t have to pay for parking or insurance, and the only maintenance involves buying wheels/tires (approx. $100 ea. every 4 years) and new batteries (approx. $800-$1200 every 5-6 years). I continue to save money every single day that I choose my Segway over my car.
6. People on Segways look “dorky”
The Segway is a new invention. No transportation device exists that ever looked like a Segway. I’m sure when people started riding bicycles 100+ years ago they must have looked very strange. The few people who use the “dorky” label are either insecure about their own identity, or are mentally in the 4th grade. New inventions happen every day kids, and they will always look different. Get over it.
7. After being on the market for 4 years, why have they only sold 23,500 Segways if they’re such a good thing ? There must be something wrong with them, or more people would have them by now.
PCs were around for 10 years before anyone bought them en mass, mostly because they cost $5000-$8000 back in the 80’s and early 90’s (without the monitor). When computers became affordable, everyone got one. The Segway is a new invention by a small company in New Hampshire that cost over $100 million to develop. The factory isn’t big enough yet to manufacture its own parts, so they have to buy parts like the motors (Danaher), and tires (Michelin) from outside vendors, keeping production costs high. When the Segway can bring its price down like the PC eventually did, you will see them everywhere.
Before you listen to any anti-Segway blogger offering ill-informed opinions, remember that they probably never rode one, and don’t really know what they’re about. Talk to any Segway owner and they will tell you how safe, how economical, and how great they really are.
benLyon
Segway-Fan -
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