i2 or x2?

[SKPeterson]

I hope you guys don't get impatient with me. I'm sure you've been asked this a bunch of times before...

Lots of little questions imbedded bere, too :o

I need some advice - Should I buy the i2 or the x2? Which is right for me?

I know the answer is: It depends on how/where you'll be gliding.

But, I'm more interested in answers from those of you that bought the i2 and wish they had spent the extra for the x2, and vise versa for the spending less crowd.

My commute is about 4 miles over some hilly streets, but it's not terrible. Most of the streets have either sidewalks or bike lanes, but not all. I could go on a "main" road that has a bike lane for practically the entire route, but then I'd be subjecting myself to the risks of excess traffic.

I don't think I'll be too interested in the off-road experience, wanting to stick mainly with streets, roads, sidwalks, and parks, but I've also seen videos that show the i2 going off-road on grass and over forest paths. Is the x2 impractical on sidwalks and streets? Are the extra mushy tires prone to excessive wear if used on pavement? Are those videos I've seen of the i2 going off-road examples of unsafe gliding?

Has the decreased range of the x2 been a problem for anyone? I don't think I'd want to buy an x2 and then have to pop for an extra set of batts. Wouldn't carrying an extra set of batteries be impractical, anyway? BTW - How much do the batteries weigh?

What are some of the other factors that I should be considering in my decision?

I'm beginning to feel dizzy...

Stuart

Thanks for your patience

[cyberjack]

Stuart: I am a new i2 owner, not been around as Segways as long as many posters nor a legal expert. Disclaimer complete....when I was researching my purchase I was told by multiple sources that in California I would not meet the state EPAMD qualifications with an x2 because of the width. I use my i2 for my daily commute and could not afford, after this type of investment, to be told I was riding illegally and put me back in the car. So if you are commuting I would say that is an important thing to look into. As there are not many Segways around my area I try to be a model citizen, as I do get attention. I do not want to give LE or ignorant public officials reasons to interfere with my gliding. I smile nicely, yield to pedestrians, not act like a fool in traffic etc. Good Luck...

Joe

[Joushou]

First of all, the x2's range isn't as bad as Segway Inc. writes, as it's for off-road, not on-road gliding... The only time i've almost run it down from full-charge, to none, was where i was riding aggressively off-road (A mountain-bike trail), and got home after 15 miles, with 2 bars (out of 8) left... I haven't run it all the way down, from a full charge... Actually, i've only run out once...

Changing batteries isn't very fun, as you have to remove 4 screws per battery, and they're heavy...

x2's are very wide, so they're a bit impractical on bicycle-lanes, but i ride mine to work every day, and some of the lanes are as narrow as the Segway itself... If a bicycle wants to pass, i just throw one wheel up on the pedestrian area.

i2's don't have nearly as good grip as x2's, and therefore off-road gliding is more risky with the i2. The i2 also allows slightly tighter turns, which again are dangerous off-road.
An i2 can follow trails, and limited off-road, but it limits the amount of power you can use to force your way through the terrain, and will complain about you not touching the mats far quicker than the x2.

To sum up:
x2 pros: More comfortable to ride (Low-pressure tires)
Way better traction (Low-pressure tires)
More power when needed (i2 act more conservatively, per software)
Looks slightly less geeky

x2 cons: Wider
Responds a little slower (In order to keep traction at all times)
Not EPAMD...
More expensive (D'OH)

So, as you said, it depends on where you're gliding, and what you're willing to sacrifice.
I glide to work every day, on pavement, but i still choose an x2, for the extra traction, extra comfort, and extra coolness.

[jrwilcox]

One of the things that is rarely mentioned is the off road tires that are available for the I2. They work great. I have never had any problems on trails keeping up with the X2's in the group. MIne are actually motocross tires. Kind of the best of both worlds. They fit through normal doors but do well on trails.

[team222badbrad]

If you decide on an X2 make sure it will fit through the doorway where you plan to store it.

My x2 just squeezes through my basement door with 0 clearance on either side.

I measured before I purchased just to make sure.

I'd get the x2 just for its ride comfort! I don't ride my x2 sidewalks though so I'd make sure its legal in OR.

[DarthSegVator]

An X2 won't fit through a normal door. You wouldn't/shouldn't take it inside an establishment with outdoor tires anyway.

The i2 sounds like the best choice for you.

[theglide]

I have both segways and prefer the x2 because of it's ability to handle different surfaces and softer
glides.You really can't go wrong with either.

[jgbackes]

Buy an i2 and wheel adapters, tires, fenders... Best of both worlds.

[SKPeterson]

I've read somewhere that the software in each model is optimized for the "stock" tires/wheels. Would putting x2 tires/wheels on an i2 alter the handling characteristics to the point of possibly being unsafe?

I guess this question also goes with mod-ing any Segway with non stock tires/wheels.

Thanks!

Buy an i2 and wheel adapters, tires, fenders... Best of both worlds.

[Joushou]

If you put x2 wheels on an i2, it will think it's actually going slower than it is... Meaning you're capable of running at slightly more than 12.5MPH, at the cost of torque. It's tougher to spin the larger wheels, and since the i2 is already a bit conservative, that will maybe be a problem...

If you put i2 wheels on an x2, it will move slightly slower, but you will have more torque, which means you can force your way through quite a lot... But you're lacking traction.

The miscalculations of speed will also affect the odometer...

[jgbackes]

I have run x2 and x2 turf tires on a gen1 machine for years without any problems. There may be performance differences by I don't see them... My standard Polo machine for two years was an i180 with XT tires and rims.

[Bob.Kerns]

I hope you guys don't get impatient with me. I'm sure you've been asked this a bunch of times before...

Lots of little questions imbedded bere, too :o

I need some advice - Should I buy the i2 or the x2? Which is right for me?

I know the answer is: It depends on how/where you'll be gliding.

But, I'm more interested in answers from those of you that bought the i2 and wish they had spent the extra for the x2, and vise versa for the spending less crowd.

My commute is about 4 miles over some hilly streets, but it's not terrible. Most of the streets have either sidewalks or bike lanes, but not all. I could go on a "main" road that has a bike lane for practically the entire route, but then I'd be subjecting myself to the risks of excess traffic.

I don't think I'll be too interested in the off-road experience, wanting to stick mainly with streets, roads, sidwalks, and parks, but I've also seen videos that show the i2 going off-road on grass and over forest paths. Is the x2 impractical on sidwalks and streets? Are the extra mushy tires prone to excessive wear if used on pavement? Are those videos I've seen of the i2 going off-road examples of unsafe gliding?

Has the decreased range of the x2 been a problem for anyone? I don't think I'd want to buy an x2 and then have to pop for an extra set of batts. Wouldn't carrying an extra set of batteries be impractical, anyway? BTW - How much do the batteries weigh?

What are some of the other factors that I should be considering in my decision?

I'm beginning to feel dizzy...

Stuart

Thanks for your patience

None of the things you cite here will be the slightest problem for an i2. You'll save some money, and fit better on sidewalks (and possibly only be legal on sidewalks with an i2).

I wish I HAD an x2 -- but only in addition to, not instead of, my i2. I do take my i2 offroad, and on gravel roads, etc. I put snow tires (IRC-SN23) on it for extra traction when needed. I have them mounted on their own wheels, so it's a matter of three nuts for each while for a quick change.

I'd suggest going with an i2 -- and if you find you want "a bit more" offroad, go for tires + wheels. I think, if I remember correctly, the combo will actually cost you less than the cost difference between x2 and i2?

[Arturas]

We have both.

X2 is better with everything. It is so much more comfortable. The biggest problem with it is that it limits the speed when gliding up and down the hills, i mean a lot... And off course the range of the battery. But most of the time you will not use whole battery so it doesn't matter.
The size of it never makes the problem with door and so on, unless you are not able to pull it from a side or lift it (it doesn't weigh 100 kg:))
And finally i can say that it is nearly unbreakable.


I2 is good also. One problem: when you go fast through stoned street it limits speed too. Everything is fine. We go on the beach, sand and everywhere else. I also put irc tires on it and then it will go through the same surface as x2. At least sand and snow won't be a problem.
Wheel wobbling and bent gearbox is very common for this model.

[cyberjack]

We have both.

"Wheel wobbling and bent gearbox is very common for this model."

I believe others have said these were only issues with earlier versions of the i2 and that any models produced in the last year do not have this issue.
Is this accurate?

[Bob.Kerns]

We have both.

X2 is better with everything. It is so much more comfortable. The biggest problem with it is that it limits the speed when gliding up and down the hills, i mean a lot... And off course the range of the battery. But most of the time you will not use whole battery so it doesn't matter.
The size of it never makes the problem with door and so on, unless you are not able to pull it from a side or lift it (it doesn't weigh 100 kg:))
And finally i can say that it is nearly unbreakable.


I2 is good also. One problem: when you go fast through stoned street it limits speed too. Everything is fine. We go on the beach, sand and everywhere else. I also put irc tires on it and then it will go through the same surface as x2. At least sand and snow won't be a problem.
Wheel wobbling and bent gearbox is very common for this model.

Being able to go through a door is a big deal, if you have mobility issues, or if you have to do it very often. Dragging it sideways may be OK if it's just a matter of getting it into and out of your house.

Wheel wobbling and bent flange (not actually the gearbox!) is common only for older i2s. They strengthened the flange on later ones. Mine doesn't have a problem after 2600 miles of hard usage. I don't think it's something to worry about if you're buying new. It's something to consider if buying used (does it currently have the problem, and is it old enough to be susceptible). It is, however, apparently not that hard to remedy when it does happen; you can find instructions in a thread here, and I think on the SegwaySocial wiki.

[Arturas]

Being able to go through a door is a big deal, if you have mobility issues, or if you have to do it very often. Dragging it sideways may be OK if it's just a matter of getting it into and out of your house.

Wheel wobbling and bent flange (not actually the gearbox!) is common only for older i2s. They strengthened the flange on later ones. Mine doesn't have a problem after 2600 miles of hard usage. I don't think it's something to worry about if you're buying new. It's something to consider if buying used (does it currently have the problem, and is it old enough to be susceptible). It is, however, apparently not that hard to remedy when it does happen; you can find instructions in a thread here, and I think on the SegwaySocial wiki.

That's what i said, if you are able to, but we never had a problem because of it's size. It's just that many of them don't fit in a smaller car.

I said gearbox because the flange and the gearbox is the same peace (at least i don't take them apart).

The flange doesn't bend for newer models but the wheels bend very easy and wheels wobble.

We buy new ones every year and they do about 2000 miles per summer and these segways are for tours (that's what i call hard use). When you have a segway on your own you will never use it like a rented one.

So we meet all the problems with segways that private owners usually don't.

[MJEdelman]

FWIW, the X2 is not legal for commuting on sidewalks or in bike lanes in Oregon. Lots of people do it but the laws are against you...

[SegReCreator]

What did the new tires set you back? Did you buy them new with your i2, or add them on later to make your ride look cooler?

[SegReCreator]

How much do they cost approximately?

[Bob.Kerns]

That's what i said, if you are able to, but we never had a problem because of it's size. It's just that many of them don't fit in a smaller car.

I said gearbox because the flange and the gearbox is the same peace (at least i don't take them apart).

The flange doesn't bend for newer models but the wheels bend very easy and wheels wobble.

We buy new ones every year and they do about 2000 miles per summer and these segways are for tours (that's what i call hard use). When you have a segway on your own you will never use it like a rented one.

So we meet all the problems with segways that private owners usually don't.

Yes, the gearbox and flange are only sold as one piece, I understand. But a search for bent flange will turn up solutions for bending it back; I doubt you'd find them searching for "bent gearbox".

I generally push my Segway pretty hard. I've got 2576 miles on it. I've lost both hubcaps, and a console cover. (And had them fall off on hitting potholes several times). I think most tourists would push the units a lot less than I do, actually. If you see more problems (and I believe you), I think it is either because tourists are more likely to wipe out or do other "unusual" things, or simply because you have more units. Probably both.

There are some private owners who treat their units as pretty toys, while others go banging in to each other on the polo field. I'm somewhere in the middle, but I bet mine gets exposed to a lot more weather....

Anyway, I take tour operator's experiences seriously, because I use mine hard enough I don't think I should consider myself all that different. The fact that you replace yours annually makes me wonder when I should plan to replace mine. Or get a second and have a spare...

[Arturas]

Well your segway will start to slip on wet asphalt or any other surface, at least then i change my tires.

[bentbiker]

How much do they cost approximately?
To whom are you addressing this question? Please use the quote button or their name.

[Bob.Kerns]

Well your segway will start to slip on wet asphalt or any other surface, at least then i change my tires.

Yeah, I've changed 'em once already, and they're due again. In fact, strangers have started commenting on my bald tires! I get around 1200 miles on a set of tires.

I'm just looking for time to go pick up a new pair. I do have a set of IRC-SN24's I can throw on if needed.