Handle-less Segway on the Way?

[Scotty]

An anonymous (and hence, unconfirmed) source has told us that Segway engineers are currently working on a new model of the electric scooter that has no handles. The new Segway is in early development, and may use either a wireless handheld control unit for turning, or may in fact turn solely based on the balance of the rider, like a skateboard. Crazy, if true, but it might give the Segway a much more portable option, since the current models are somewhat unwieldy to haul up stairs or strap to one’s back.

[Dragan]

There was some video a while back of a Japanese (I think) iteration, no CS and bars, exactly what you describe. I recall the guy riding it looking completely terrified the whole time he was on it...looked like human bumper pool!
Wayne

Segway of Alberta - Calgary
www.mysegway.ca

[Tarkus]

I don't want to offend but they should think about their marketing of the HT. Not selling like hotcakes, know what I mean.

__________________________________________________ _______________________________________
See the original Tarkus for yourself.
http://tralfaz-archives.com/coverart/E/elp_tarkus.html

[woodenapple]

quote:An anonymous (and hence, unconfirmed) source has told us ...I love anonymous, unconfirmed sources. They always have the best stories.

Rodney

May all your days be Segway days!

[bystander]

Here is something that can be strapped to one's back:

http://www.clevergear.com/website/product_db/images/p48172_4.jpg (http://www.clevergear.com/website/store/product_detail.asp?UID=2005070515593252&item%5Fno=53111&keyword=F1CG&cat%5Fkeyword=F1CG&search%5Fpage%5Fno=2
)

That looks like this:

http://www.clevergear.com/website/product_db/images/p48172_3.jpg (http://www.clevergear.com/website/store/product_detail.asp?UID=2005070515593252&item%5Fno=53111&keyword=F1CG&cat%5Fkeyword=F1CG&search%5Fpage%5Fno=2
)

And can be used like this:

http://www.clevergear.com/website/product_db/images/p48172_2.jpg (http://www.clevergear.com/website/store/product_detail.asp?UID=2005070515593252&item%5Fno=53111&keyword=F1CG&cat%5Fkeyword=F1CG&search%5Fpage%5Fno=2
)http://www.clevergear.com/website/product_db/images/p48172_1.jpg (http://www.clevergear.com/website/store/product_detail.asp?UID=2005070515593252&item%5Fno=53111&keyword=F1CG&cat%5Fkeyword=F1CG&search%5Fpage%5Fno=2
)

[segtownmst]

If you remove the CS and handles it will be even more difficult to carry. Then you have a 75lb object with no easy lifting point. Certainly not somethign I want to carry on my back. I think we discussed this in a previous thread, too.

~Matt

[Stewbonz]

Segway LLC must simplyfy the handlebar system to get the costs down.
Seems to me the handlebar is problematic, with connector troubles and costly grip replacement after a fall.
I bet half of the service problems have been related to the handlebar so it makes sense to eliminate.


JEFF JARVIS
http://www.thailandsegwaytours.com/

[KSagal]

The reason the handlebar grips fail is because the get driven into the ground during a fall, by the weight of the falling rider...

If there was no Control Shaft, then the riders wrists would take the force that is currently breaking the handlebars...

I should suspect that the control shaft is not a relatively expensive portion of the machine, but it is a good safety item...

I would agree that many service issues include the CS, especially after a fall. But I believe that replacing service expenses with medical ones is false savings.

Karl Ian Sagal

Each road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass.