Centaur by Segway!!!!!

[Stan671]

http://www.segway.com/images/v/main_centaur.jpg

http://www.segway.com/centaur/

http://www.segway.com/images/v/centaur_4.jpg

http://www.segway.com/images/v/centaur_3.jpg

http://i.timeinc.net/popsci/images/tech/tech1104segway_485x353.jpg

This thing is awesome!!!! I rode one on Sunday evening after SegwayFest. This machine is much more than it looks. It is built around a Segway HT platform. That means - dynamic stabilization. That means, when you pop a wheelie with it, it stays up there balancing. And then you ride/drive it like a Segway HT: You lean forward to go forward, lean back for backwards. You turn/spin with the handlebars. All while the front wheels are dangling way up in the air.

The tricks and maneuvers this thing can do are amazing. It has a great deal of torque and power and moves quite quickly. The process of popping the wheelie is a little wierd because you push the throttle full forward, but it just stays in place, the front wheels go up in the air, and then it just stays up there while you are standing on the back platform.

This is not yor ordinary 4 wheeled vehicle. It is a Segway unique concept!!

Stan Dobrowski

[macgeek]

I have to tell you stan, that I see absolutly NO need for a centaur, and no market either.

To me its a SUV Segway.

It lacks the grace and fluidity of a segway, and other then a 'rich man's toy' What would you use it for? A dynamically stable baby carrage?

I love my segway, But as said in other posts, I would drather the people at LLC, work on improving whats out there.

Jonathan


Segway - "Let's Roll"
Centaur - "Lets Roll on all fours"
www.segwaygeek.com

[Stan671]

It is a high performance 4-wheeler that can do stuff no other 4-wheeler can do. If it can do almost all of the same stuff as a quad-bike and the dynamic stabilization, then, I believe, it will have a market.

Of course, this is not a product yet and may never be. It is just a working concept vehicle. It is not a drawing or a theory - it actually exists and does exactly what they say it does. Segway has not decided if they are going to make a product out of it yet. If the interest is high enough and it makes sense to make it into a product, then they probably will.

Stan Dobrowski

[woodenapple]

Jonathan - I see absolutely no use for a jet ski either (other than having fun) but a lot of money is made selling them. The Centaur obviously is not meant to fit the same needs as the Segway itself is. I think this is a great possibility for Segway LLC to market a purely RECREATIONAL product.

Rodney

[GadgetmanKen]

Wow that is cool. You gotta see the video on Segway.com . That must be the item Carla referred to from the live chat that was to be in this months Popular Science.

Whats really amazing is that they are using the Segway platform. Now if they don't have any different motors, being that they were using of the shelf standard parts in the Frog Kissing contest it looks like in fact that the HT motors are capable of 20 mph. I would bet that when it hovers (Ahhh, they are getting even closer to the real thing) that the speed is limited to the 12.5 mph that it currently uses to balance, but when all 4 wheels are on the ground it kicks in to 20 mph. I do like the steering of the wheels when it hovers as it turns the base wheels accordingly. I also wonder if that concept would work on the regular HT. Twist the handlebar slightly and turn the base wheels too. It seems it could migrate there. Don't you?

It also looks like a seated version is also possible for the HT. In fact it is similar to my seated version on my homepage. Albeit the seat is shaped differently, but it does basically attach to the control shaft similarly. What do you think?

What I think they could do with the next step for the HT is make smaller front wheels like on the Centaur in the front that come down and aid in stair climbing, when needed. What do ya think?

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[woodenapple]

We probably shouldn't assume the Centaur, if developed, would have the same size and range batteries as the Segway.

Besides, I think some people on this forum worry way too much if Segway is actually putting effort into improving the batteries. I bet we sound like a constantly nagging spouse to the engineers.

As you would expect, the question of improved batteries came up more than a few times at SegwayFest. I was convinced that batteries are one of the very top priorities. In a couple of different forums, I heard a more specific answer to the question of "When?". By December we will find out when they will be available.

So why don't we relax and let Segway take the time they need to get it right and to do it safely. This issue is obviously as important to the engineers as it is to us.

Now back to the real topic about how amazing the Centaur concept is!

Rodney

[macgeek]

OK,
I agree - Its a cool gizmo!

And when people bitch to me about how I am not getting any excersize on the segway I remind them
"How about just plain fun!!"

So I can agree to that, the centaur looks like ALOT of fun!

Jonathan

Segway - "Let's Roll"
Centaur - "Lets Roll on all fours"
www.segwaygeek.com

[SegwayUtah]

If Segway can make the machine look "extremely fun," it should be a great seller.

I imagine it should get pretty good range with new, and maybe even larger, batteries.

Chris

[fredkap]

It is far more than a cool gizmo. If you are young (in spirit, calendar age will not matter), you WILL own a Centaur if and when it comes to market. It appears to go substantially faster than a Segway HT, has a great suspension, will require the space of two HTs for a parking space, totally green...but most of all FUN! It will be the perfect vehicle for city road or off road, college campus or city center. A family in the future might own one nice pick up truck that could hold several Centaurs in the back. You could drive the long distances or commutes in the pick up truck and then all of the occupants could go their own way. This could allow a new type of hitchhiking for a typical Los Angeles or other large city long commute. A college student could have a relatively easy way to take a friend somewhere and do errands. A non freeway commute of 10 miles would be a snap without the need for an expensive parking space as it rests on its arse with the front tires in the air. (It has a weight of less than 5% of a typical car). This would use the lithium ions and have plenty of range.

LLC showed this to their dealers last night as well as a few of us SCers. No intent was meant to disrespect the Fest goers BUT they felt that the dealers that had invested major $$'s in their franchises deserved to see it before us and scheduling made it impossible. This thing is a gas (but is totally green). When it stands up in balance mode on it's rear wheels it is awesome and the company is hoping to someday sell it at a very reasonable price.

Congratulations LLC

- Fred

[SegwayUtah]

The more I look at this, the more insanely fun it seems.

I want to try one. I want one in my living room :)

I'm very sad I couldn't make to to the preview.

Chris

[Poindexter]

quote:Originally posted by macgeek
I see absolutly NO need for a centaur,{quote]
Need? Why does anyone need a Segway? I don't know anyone who has sold anything because they had something that someone else just absolutely needs.

Food, shelter clothing? I don't need any particular brand of food, shelter or clothing if I can get another.

[quote]quote:and no market either.
You have got to be kidding? How about the golf cart market, the ATV market, the off road bike market and entire bicycle market. How about people who want a Segway but are afraid (with some good cause) that they will fall off?


quote:To me its a SUV Segway.
And the problem with that is......?

It lacks the grace and fluidity of a segway,
Did you watch the video. It can do everything a Segway can do plus a lot more.

I'd love to see Segway continue along this product line. I would much rather see them involved in something that is fun in addition to their "save the world" products.

How about that motorized mountainboard Segway LLC?


Anyone who wants to be a New Urbanist was never an Old Urbanist

[macgeek]

Hey Poindexter:
quote:Originally posted by macgeek

OK,
I agree - Its a cool gizmo!

And when people bitch to me about how I am not getting any excersize on the segway I remind them
"How about just plain fun!!"

So I can agree to that, the centaur looks like ALOT of fun!

Jonathan


'nuff said
Jonathan

Segway - "Let's Roll"
Centaur - "Lets Roll on all fours"
www.segwaygeek.com

[brina]

hey aside from being possibly the greatest atv ever...doesnt this seem like it would fit military applications near perfectly.

man oh man...i have got to try one. i sincerely hope that llc sees reason enough to offer it to the public. i myself cannot picture using a centaur for anything specific but isnt that why humanity developed the fun factor.

[Deviant]

I can see these used on a military base or any other relatively small campus, especially if it has towing capability. However, "in the field" it cannot compete well against the greater range and quicker refueling of today's petroleum powered vehicles. Combine it with a hydrogen fuel cell, and you've got a chance. I'm not a big eco-proponent of hydrogen, as it is expensive to generate. However, it could help the quick-refueling aspect.

[hhaurgon]

I agree with most of you that the Centaur looks pretty fun. But can this thing really compete with an ATV? I have a Yamaha Warrior 350 that will blow this thing away in every respect (except balancing) - especially speed, power, and range. 25mph may seem fast for a Segway, but my Warrior does 60+ easily. And, I don't really sit around wishing my ATV could balance on 2 wheels. I mean, how many hours of riding would it take until you get tired of popping wheelies?

I agree with macgeek that LLC needs to concentrate on the core product more, particularly before jumping into the highly competitive ATV market.

Hugh

[BruceWright]

WOW, FUN!


When do I get to ride it?!!?


Good work Segway folks. Keep amazing us.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[wayne]

This looks like a young persons toy. I don't think you will find any kids over the age of 13 wanting one. Kids now days like speed and I don't believe you can do much jumping on this at 20 MPH, if it will go that fast.

It won't be legal on the streets or sidewalks but it would be good around a farm to ride and check on the animals.

When the price is out that is what going to be interesting.
If the I series started at $5000 then this should be $9 or $10000.


Seg-On
www.kcaps.com

[Brooster]

Neat machine ... I enjoyed seeing the video of Jeremy whipping around on it.

I have to agree with Wayne ... I can't imagine something like this ever being legal on streets or sidewalks. I'll be very surprised if it ever goes into production, but it is very cool. I'd love to ride one.

Brooster

[Neelix]

I have one word:

wow.

I really really really wish I could have seen it last night.

I'm wondering, is it possible to fall? Seems like it eliminates the number one ATV problem: flipping.

Of course it will never be on the sidewalks or streets, but it isn't really designed to be.

Waiting for the Ticket to Ride events for this puppy! ;)

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[ZoliHonig]

Wait.... I'm confused, if LLC has no plans to sell it, then what's the point? Why would they spend probably hundreds of thousands of dollars developing it??

Seems weird to me


[8]-Zoli[8]

[wayne]

quote:Originally posted by ZoliHonig

Wait.... I'm confused, if LLC has no plans to sell it, then what's the point? Why would they spend probably hundreds of thousands of dollars developing it??

Seems weird to me


[8]-Zoli[8]



Does seem like money spent on this project would have been better
spent for long range batteries for the Segway and more colors.


Seg-On
www.kcaps.com

[hhaurgon]

You guys are right, there is no way this thing is going to be street or sidewalk legal. It is purely a recreational toy. It would also be very expensive due to the low volumes and already high cost of the Segway components.

Next.

Hugh

[ZoliHonig]

Was this the... if you could only see what I was looking at?

Also, it looks like we'll need a General Centaur Discussion section on the forum.


[8]-Zoli[8]

[Brooster]

quote:Originally posted by ZoliHonig

Was this the... if you could only see what I was looking at?


Hi Zoli, I would think so.

Brooster

[Neelix]

quote:Originally posted by wayne

quote:Originally posted by ZoliHonig

Wait.... I'm confused, if LLC has no plans to sell it, then what's the point? Why would they spend probably hundreds of thousands of dollars developing it??

Seems weird to me


[8]-Zoli[8]



Does seem like money spent on this project would have been better
spent for long range batteries for the Segway and more colors.


Seg-On
www.kcaps.com


<sarcasm>
Yeah, they're not working on either of those at the moment.

They are however working on even more systems designed solely to make us complain.

</sarcasm>

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[Stewbonz]

This is very good news.
I believe that the Centaur vehicle will create alot of free publicity for SegwayLLC.
Could be it's sole purpose. Car companies come up with some wild concept designs with no plans to produce the product. Sure gets attention.
A few hundred grand can buy you a dumb commercial that very few people notice or a cool concept vehicle that can get you on the 6 oclock news.

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

[albaby]

quote:Wait.... I'm confused, if LLC has no plans to sell it, then what's the point? Why would they spend probably hundreds of thousands of dollars developing it??
Hmmm...well, they may not be planning to sell Centaurs specifically - but they may have a more commercially practical 4-wheel vehicle in mind.

As has been noted before, while there are many positive aspects to the Segway, there are a few areas in which cars - America's preferred form of transportation - have an edge:

1) Range
2) Speed
3) Cargo/passengers
4) Shelter from environment

The Centaur partially "solves" #2. Needless to say, a machine that can travel up to 20 mph has a wider range of useful distances than one which goes 12 mph.

An interesting market for Segway would be a machine that can "convert" from four wheels to two - a Centaur that can be ridden upright for extended distances. An iBot like device. A hybrid that is operated on four wheels when on the open road, then on two wheels when within a more urban environment.

I don't think there will be much demand for a Segway ATV - it's too slow. But I think there would be a lot more demand for a device that is essentially a Segway, but which can drop to four wheels for faster operation when appropriate.

Albaby

[JosephM]

quote:Originally posted by wayne

quote:Originally posted by ZoliHonig

Wait.... I'm confused, if LLC has no plans to sell it, then what's the point? Why would they spend probably hundreds of thousands of dollars developing it??

Seems weird to me


[8]-Zoli[8]



Does seem like money spent on this project would have been better
spent for long range batteries for the Segway and more colors.


Seg-On
www.kcaps.com


Yeah, how about we think a bit, that'll work here.

Car companies do this all the time, and it's a concept car. Just because the unit might not come out, some ideas and prinicipals behind it might find it's way into other future products.

Really people, just because Segway releases something that's different dosn't mean they arn't paying attention to other issues. All work and no play makes Jack and dull boy.

http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/icon_segway_happy.gif FIRST Pit News Mag @ www.pitnews.org

[terryp]

One thing is for sure - with a vehicle like that you'd never have to parallel park again.

Congrats to the engineer/magicians at Segway on another very cool way to get around.

Segway - How do YOU get around?

[tofil]

Here is the competition:

http://www.zapworld.com/products/ATZHD_ATV.asp

[Hauptagon]

quote:Originally posted by Stewbonz

This is very good news.
I believe that the Centaur vehicle will create alot of free publicity for SegwayLLC.
Could be it's sole purpose. Car companies come up with some wild concept designs with no plans to produce the product. Sure gets attention.
A few hundred grand can buy you a dumb commercial that very few people notice or a cool concept vehicle that can get you on the 6 oclock news.

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


I think Stewbonz might have hit the nail on the head... If Segway could do a better job of portraying itself as a modern "invention factory" (with products like this and the stirling), that would be some good advertising for the Segway in itself.

-Justin

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." -From Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

[mzokc]

If the seat is made to be comfy, then it's another great option for the golf course.

Mark

[macaddict_1]

quote:Originally posted by macgeek

I have to tell you stan, that I see absolutly NO need for a centaur, and no market either.

To me its a SUV Segway.




Segway - "Let's Roll"
Centaur - "Lets Roll on all fours"
www.segwaygeek.com

Thats what people said about the segway now

[brina]

i dont think that it is supposed to be a "ATV" eventhough i did refer to it as such. it does perhaps share some commonalities with one but i doubt that llc would have been naive enough to consider marketing the centaur to the average ATV customer. but they might have.

i too agree with jeff jarvis that if anything or if nothing it is one eye catching concept vehicle, and one very creative way to draw attention to the Segway name.

llc's site says that it is for one or two riders and has a variety of both indoor and outdoor recrational and commercial activities.

so its right there...for fun
though i wonder how it could be used commercially.

anyhoo, i still really really want to try it!!

[Hauptagon]

If this ever does come to market, and if I have the money to spare, I'll definately be buying one. Watching that video, I just can't stop thinking about riding it around! And I'd love to take it though the woods.

I'm guessing it would cost around $7,000 if released. Someone else here estimated around $10,000, but we have to remember that this is very much based on the technology and designs LLC already has (unlike the HT's premiere, which was completely unique).

-Justin

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." -From Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

[GyroGo]

I'm Segcited again!

Aside from the coolness of the product itself, the real stories here are (assuming it moves from concept to production in some form) that this may help not only widen exposure to Segway products in perceptions, but help reduce the costs of Segway products by sharing some component costs. Let’s not forget the whole disabled and senior citizen “scooter” market. I see red key ATV potential in thrills, black key ATV potential next to pills. Come on Granny, get your insurance company to subsidize the Segway industry. [8D]



1st SegATV thread:
http://segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9211

[KSagal]

Wow !

This thing is spectacular!

I think this is just the tip of the iceberg!

First off, this is far more than an ATV. It has all the benefits of one, with speed and improved range, but it has more. It is almost silent! For any environment fan, that can be a huge advantage over most ATVs. (Think of the hunters, birdwatchers, people that do not want to scare away the wildlife.)

Next, this unit is light on it's feet, so to speak. Many locations are restrictive of ATVs because of the amount of trail damage they do. This unit will not cause that level of trail abuse. (No noise polution either!)

Next, is the fact that it is capable of using two wheels. This not a wheelie. It can stay upright and cruise just like a segway HT. That means it can go many places that are unavailable to ATVs.

Let's also remember that many states have local electric vehicle ordinances. These Neighborhood electric vehiclese (NEVs) may make this unit available for use on local roads in a manner that is not available for ATVs.



Karl Ian Sagal

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

[GyroGo]

I just had a vision of a couple ole farts draggin up 'n down the hallways in the Harley-Davidson foggie home, poppin wheelies and terrorizing nurses.

here's an interesting article:
http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2004/09/11ky/B04-scooters0911-6689.html







. : SegCenter.com (www.SegCenter.com) : .
StirlingInfo (www.StirlingInfo.com) StirlingChat (www.StirlingChat.com)

[pam]

quote:Originally posted by mzokc

If the seat is made to be comfy, then it's another great option for the golf course.

Mark


The seat is comfy, and you can get 2 people on it. And the handlebars can be higher - or lower, in relation to the seat, so you can get a more "extreme" ride. (lower handlebars).

I do forsee a market for this - I rode it, and it's an amazingly easy skill to pick up - it utilizes - as Stan says, the dynamic stabilization of the IT and it's fast. Definitely not a sidewalk beast (too wide <G>) But with it's higher speeds, it'll work on streets up to 30mph, which most city streets are - and I can see this as an offroad thing.

Just as my grandfather used to attend motorcross motorcycle races (I was never an affecionado, so I will probably use the wrong words to describe it) - I can see people setting up the same sort of things. Seeing it being ridden up over the stage in the concept area was a real hoot!

But then, the concept cars in the auto shows were ALWAYS my favorite areas to visit <G>.
Pam

[fredkap]

Pam you looked mighty fine riding the Centaur.

While the Centaur would be tons of fun off road, the demand for a "green" vehicle for commuting and short trips is off the charts.

California has a mandate to get zero emmissions vehicles on the roads.

Most traditional gas or electric vehicles have poor maximum speed control. The Centaur uses all of LLC's technology and monitors everything 100 times a second. If someone decides that the maximum speed should be say 23.4 mph than there will be the appropriate key PLUS firmware making that a reality. Lights and mirrors are easy to add. Does the reg require a windshield and seatbelts? To me, a requirement for a motorcycle helmet may be appropriate. If you had a choice between a GEM or a Centaur...the under 75 year olds will all choose the Centaur.

Collisions between a 3,000 pound vehicle and a 150 pound Centaur would not be pretty. However, if we are to ever reduce our energy dependence, we need lighter vehicles. If safety is our only concern, than we should all be driving Hummers.

Just as SegFest allowed us to imagine a world full of Segways, use your imagination and think of a city in which 80% of the vehicles are Centaurs.

Will it happen? Who knows? It sure would be a fun experiment.

I'm raedy for CentaurFEST!!!

Fred

[bicycledriver]

I will be interested to see whether Segway LLC pursues a recreational regulatory classification, i.e. prohibited from all public ways like ATVs are, or a motor scooter classification, which in NC would allow it to be operated on all public roadways except fully controlled access freeways, i.e. the same access rights as bicyclists enjoy.

I would be very disappointed to see Segway lobby every state for new laws effectively prohibiting the Centuar from important roadways that bicyclists, moped riders and scooter users travel now to reach their destinations - especially if Segway LLC representatives makes public statements to the effect that slow vehicles don't belong on important roads that happen to have high posted speed limits.

- Steve Goodridge (Who bicycled on a 55 mph max speed limit road on his way to work today after dropping off his Honda Element for service)

[PoloAk]

LLC doesnt see the Centaur in the same legal classification as the HT. Rather, their current focus is to have communities legalize it as a NEV so that it can travel on roads with speed limits of up to 30mph.

The two wheel mode is a good idea if you get stuck in a corner or need to park in a tight parking space. Imagine if your SUV could rear up, maneuver into that spot, and set it's self back down. Maneuverability is incredible.

The dealers that I spoke with indicate that the price range is not significantly more than what we paid for the first HT's.

As for the market? Why buy a segway? The Centaur is at least more versatile than the HT's (additional rider and carrying capacity, faster speed). Granted, it's still atv-ish, but segway ht's are scooter-ish. I imagine that dealers will drive the initial demand for the Centaur since they have to sell it.

Oh. It only weights 120 +/- lbs. . . if it rolls over on top of you, it won't crush you to death ;)

Kelsey

"Half of the world has an IQ of less than average. Think about it. . ."

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by wayne

Does seem like money spent on this project would have been better
spent for long range batteries for the Segway and more colors.Wayne, what makes you think that Segway cannot walk and chew gum at the same time? We have all indications from Segway that they are working very hard on new batteries and will have an announcement before the end of the year. And I cannot image that they are not working on new colors for the Segway also.

Segway is not sitting around twiddling thier thumbs emersing themselves in wishful thinking that the current model of the Segway HT will sell a million units. They are ALWAYS!! working on enhancements to the current stuff and ALWAYS!! working on new stuff.

Trust me, there is no moss growing on anyone at Segway.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by Neelix

I'm wondering, is it possible to fall? Seems like it eliminates the number one ATV problem: flippingChris, it balances front-to-back like the Segway HT does when the front wheels are lifted off the ground. There is nothing for side-to-side flipping.

quote:Of course it will never be on the sidewalks or streets, but it isn't really designed to beActually, I think that with the addition of a headlight, turn signals, brake light, etc, it could probably fit into the NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) spec for roads of 25 MPH or less.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by ZoliHonig

if LLC has no plans to sell it, then what's the point? Why would they spend probably hundreds of thousands of dollars developing it??Because the Segway engineers' minds are always working! This vehicle is a concept vehicle. But is not a drawing or computer animation. It is like a proof of concept that they could actually do something like this. If Segway sees that there would be a market for it, then they might turn it into a product.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stewbonz]

It would be really great if we could buy the frame and switch the power base from the Segway when we need a larger transporter.



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

[macaddict_1]

dont you need a license to operate a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle?

[Neelix]

quote:Originally posted by Stan671

quote:Originally posted by Neelix

I'm wondering, is it possible to fall? Seems like it eliminates the number one ATV problem: flippingChris, it balances front-to-back like the Segway HT does when the front wheels are lifted off the ground. There is nothing for side-to-side flipping.

quote:Of course it will never be on the sidewalks or streets, but it isn't really designed to beActually, I think that with the addition of a headlight, turn signals, brake light, etc, it could probably fit into the NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) spec for roads of 25 MPH or less.

Stan Dobrowski


I meant flipping backwards. Watch America's Funniest Home Videos some time and you'll likely see a video where someone goes down a hill on an ATV and flips backward. With balancing tech, problem solved.

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[Dez250]

hey after going back to the popsci article, it seems that it has changed, the photos are gone and it seems to be a diffrent text in some spots. I was wondering if anyone happened to save any of the photos from the 16 image slide show pop sci had up.

~Dez

[macaddict_1]

quote:Originally posted by Dez250

hey after going back to the popsci article, it seems that it has changed, the photos are gone and it seems to be a diffrent text in some spots. I was wondering if anyone happened to save any of the photos from the 16 image slide show pop sci had up.

~Dez

Hmmm..........I think its time to get supicious,probly segway is developing a real version,and asked Popsci to take it off?

[beckpm]

quote:Originally posted by macaddict_1

dont you need a license to operate a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle?


...and seat belts?

<div align="right">http://www.segwaychat.com/photos/beckpm/smallsig.GIF</div id="right">

[god1138]

Wayne,

You're dead wrong: This 27 year old kid would buy one in a heartbeat! Who cares if it isn't legal on the sidewalks or streets? I don't care... and since it's likely to have the same outstanding Segway engineering, I'd buy a Centaur tomorrow if it were available... and if I had another Star Wars collection to sell off! ; )

By the way... to Segway LLC... HELL YEAH! Two thumbs up! Now send me one to beta test! ; )

-robert

[GadgetmanKen]

[qoute]quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Dez250

hey after going back to the popsci article, it seems that it has changed, the photos are gone and it seems to be a diffrent text in some spots. I was wondering if anyone happened to save any of the photos from the 16 image slide show pop sci had up.

~Dez

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hmmm..........I think its time to get supicious,probly segway is developing a real version,and asked Popsci to take it off?[/quote]

Hey Macaddict_1, I just went to popsci.com. The pics were still there. Check your spelling. I typed in popscience.com and got a different science site. Or try popularscience.com, it will change to popsci.com

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[Dez250]

the page photos are still there, i know that. But what i am saying is the link to the slideshow of 16 photos, including development stage photos is now gone...

[Florida Ever-Glides]

I'm all for change and improvements, but looking at the big picture, when the Centaur is 'out there' the serious accidents and unfortunate deaths will occur sooner rather than later. This could have serious consequences for a business built on safety and the 'future of human transportation'. LLC, 'look before you leap'...

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[jgrohol]

Concept Centaur is just that -- a concept.

The concept got posted to Slashdot and we enjoyed watching our Web server go wacky this afternoon from tens of thousands of simultaneous hits. Always fun.

--
All views expressed here are my own, not necessarily those of my employer or others. Check out http://grohol.com/.

[Florida Ever-Glides]

If nothing else, I hope it brings the HT back to the 'spotlight' in the media. They could use the exposure. It should have appeared on Good Morning America. That 'first impression is still ringing in peoples minds...

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[Sid Viscous]

"the photos are gone and it seems to be a diffrent text in some spots."

Been /.ed

__________________
What's the font Knneth

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by Neelix

I meant flipping backwards. Watch America's Funniest Home Videos some time and you'll likely see a video where someone goes down a hill on an ATV and flips backward. With balancing tech, problem solvedSorry, Chris. I did not think of that. I have not flipped an ATV yet. &lt;grin&gt; I suppose that the balance technology that kicks in during the wheelie will keep it upright rather than letting it flip over backwards. But I don't know about these details.

Stan Dobrowski

[driley]

quote:Originally posted by Florida Ever-Glides

I'm all for change and improvements, but looking at the big picture, when the Centaur is 'out there' the serious accidents and unfortunate deaths will occur sooner rather than later. This could have serious consequences for a business built on safety and the 'future of human transportation'. LLC, 'look before you leap'...

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com


Wow! Are you assuming that LLC is going to actually make this device and then promote it's use on sidewalks?

Devin

[mzokc]

The Centaur is great as is, but...

Imagine if the front wheels could drop down next to and outside the rear ones when in balance mode. The outside (front) wheels would not touch the ground in that mode. We would have the Segway HT and Centaur in one - and that could give perfect flexiblity for all glide and ride locations.

Mark

[GadgetmanKen]

Excellant idea Mark. But why outside, why not inside? It seems it is much wide than the original HT. I noticed that looking at pic 13 from Popsci. It looks like they added maybe six inches to each side. I would guess for stability in sharp turns to keep from flipping. You know, wider wheelbase

Having the wheels fold back below the handlebars in the much more spacious area would be OK, I think. This kinda reminds me of the fellow who posted the "BAM Third Wheel post." While balancing as you would usually do standing, leaning to far forward would slowly engage the front wheels to drop and lock, thus enabling faster 20 mph speeds.

I also noticed no fenders?

I think if they position the front wheels right or even make smaller front wheels with a short belt or rubber track they could add motors to the front wheels too, and enable slow speed stair climbing. A sort of 4 wheel drive, you know? What do ya think?

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[sholloway]

We got a chance to ride it and it is amazing. For those that are wondering why you would get one, once you ride it you might have to rephrase that to why DID I get one. It's pretty addicting. Also they did mention that it REALLY is an HT base it is on, so it could be possible to buy an "attachment" that turns your HT base into a centaur. It is really a big, neat handlebar and a software upgrade. Now for me, the wheelbase will have to be widened for side to side stability which could kill the idea of just buying a new "handlebar" but it's great to know that that's they way they are thinking and designing. It would be like that Ryobi where you take off the weedeater attachment and put in the edger. You could just use your power base for a one person vehicle, a two person atv, and who knows what's next? The re-use of parts and software, I think, were really amazing.

[bicycledriver]

Here in Cary, NC, prohibition from roads posted over 30 mph would make a vehicle useless for most trips, no matter how short. This is because most of the roads required to travel from one land use to another (e.g. residential to commercial) are posted 45 mph max, and most of the remainder are posted 35. That's why bicycles, which are popular enough to garner adequate political support of required travel rights for their owners, are allowed on all non-freeway roads. Heck, even horsedrawn carriages and tractors pulling tobacco wagons are allowed to poke along at slow speed on these roads according to state law.

Some NEV's can be seen driven by maintenance crews on apartment complex properties or commercial/employment complexes, but that's about all. Everday private travelers need to use the 35-45 mph roads to get anywhere important. If NEVs are ever to make inroads in the suburbs, they need legal access to the essential roads.

[KSagal]

I posted the possibility of NEV status several pages ago on this thread and so did many others.

This centaur might qualify as NEV. (There are also federal guide lines for NEVs, but the states are still free to legislate them as they see fit.)

Do not think of this spectacular device as just a NEV.

This was not my golf cart, by any stretch of the imagination.

My ride on the centaur was incredible! This thing has speed, versatility, phenomenal range of application, and is more fun than that drunk 4 year old from previous threads...

The fully functional prototype looked good, rode good, and could handle cargo and all manner of terrain. Did I say it was Fun?

I, for one, don't care for the loud noise of small internal combustion engines. Quiet, fast, and oh yeah, FUN!

Karl Ian Sagal

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

[billc]

Agree with Jeff Jarvis, these things are as much about promotion of the company and in some cases investigating new technology (let's say dymamic switching between a balance and power mode though load detection on the front wheels??)

The seated "old fart" version preceeded the Segway and is the iBot
http://www.independencenow-europe.com/uk/_media/ibot/motion_balance.jpg
and then there's the equally bizarre, astronomically more expensive, and not really smarter Toyota concept...

http://carsguide.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,387895,00.jpg
http://carsguide.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,387897,00.jpg

as for dynamic balance and ATV....
now are you gonna put us out of business...think of all the spinal injuries that won't occur


Bill Contoyannis
Manager / Rehabilitation Engineer, REHAB Tech
Centre for Biomedical Engineering - Monash University

[mzokc]

quote:Originally posted by GadgetmanKen
Excellant idea Mark. But why outside, why not inside?...If the front wheels folded to the outside the two wheels could appear as one. However, how it's done isn't as important as the ability to travel 20 to 30 mph and have the HT flexibility. There's no way the museum or Civic Center Music Hall will let me park a 4 wheeled Centaur in the coat room! :)

Mark

[fredkap]

Mark,

The Centaur will be parked outside but it will take less space than a motorcycle. I see a need to have a valet key without rebooting as well as a theft prevention system for the batteries. The engineers are the best...they will figure it out. Note, I didn't say theft deterrent but theft prevention. Loss of those batteries won't just be annoying but expensive.

Fred

[defenbaugh]

Damn, I thought the HTi was my last major toy purchase. I have to have one of these. I can think of all kinds of uses-especially for the two-wheel balance phobics.

Ron

[Deviant]

4 wheel drive traction:

Although it would be a large technical feat (turn coordination), putting a second powerbase in the front could get maybe 35 mph or 80% more range? Even if it didn't facilitate the two wheel balance on the front wheels, the ability to climb would be greatly enhanced by 4 wheel drive.

We've all experienced that the push from the wheels up a curb can lose traction and fail - potentially disastrously due to the spin. With a 4 wheel drive Centaur, you could pop up the front wheels onto the higher surface, then have them pull you forward as the back wheels push.

[Segs4Legs]

Originally posted by wayne
"This looks like a young persons toy. I don't think you will find any kids over the age of 13 wanting one. "

How about someone like me, who's 43 and can't hike like I used to? I have MS and longer hikes are a chore, and that leave sme unable to get away from it all and take some "hikes" in the woods/brush/desert. It looks more stable than a Segway (for terrain) and is much quieter and environmentally friendly than a gas and spark spitting ATV (I like in a deserty region, one spark can set off a huge fire).

Seems it would certainly have a market. Smaller and lighter and safer and quieter than an ATV, I'd buy one.

[KSagal]

Segs4legs got it right.

Not everyone that wants an SUV wants a Lincoln Navigator. Some want an Outback.

I don't want a loud, knobby, brute. I'd rather a nimble sprinter that does not disturb the very fabric of the outdoors in order to bring me to it. What is the point of escaping the noise and stink of urban life only to bring it with you to the woods?

I will admit that the centaur has a youthfull air. That does not mean that us 40something kids cannot appreciate it.

I feel that just buying and using a segway will take you back years in your life, to a more youthfull and fun time. Centaur does it in spades!

Karl Ian Sagal

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

[Sunday]

I can't wait to see what Zorba does with one!

Mark

Escape the cage

[pam]

quote:Originally posted by driley

Wow! Are you assuming that LLC is going to actually make this device and then promote it's use on sidewalks?

Devin



Nope, I was told specifically that this was NOT a sidewalk vehicle &lt;G&gt;. And remember, it's still just a concept. They're still working on it, kissing more frogs as they go &lt;G&gt;.
Pam

[KSagal]

During the intro, it was specified that the Centaur was not designed for the sidewalk, and that a NEV rating was closer to what was envisioned.

To me, it did not seem substancially wider than an HT, so it would fit on most sidewalks easily, but that is not their plan.

This item is much more the nimble sprinter than the beast. My analogy is that of a mountain lion, not a serengetti lion...



Karl Ian Sagal

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

[fredkap]

Karl,

I remember the width as 30 inches and the speed certainly was far in excess of what pedestrians would co-exist with. I view it as an electric motorcycle with 4 wheels that has dynamic stabilization on the rear wheels allowing it to do all sorts of wild things. Where someone would currently use a Vespa, they could use a Centaur.

Fred

[KSagal]

Fred,

Good points. All that fits on a sidewalk does not necessarily belong on the sidewalk...

Karl Ian Sagal

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

[driley]

quote:Originally posted by pam

quote:Originally posted by driley

Wow! Are you assuming that LLC is going to actually make this device and then promote it's use on sidewalks?

Devin



Nope, I was told specifically that this was NOT a sidewalk vehicle &lt;G&gt;. And remember, it's still just a concept. They're still working on it, kissing more frogs as they go &lt;G&gt;.
Pam


Pam,
I agree... I think... what I mean is... :) I did not think that they would market it for the sidewalk, if it is ever produced.

Devin

[GadgetmanKen]

I think a lot of the time designers show off their talents to others to often to get feedback on their design. They rarely have it perfected the first time. I think this is part of what LLC is doing. Getting feedback. there is only so much a small group can come up with. By engaging their ideas openly to the public there is a lot more ideas that could come.

With the addition of the front wheel motors for say hill or stair climbing, the speed would be reduced and the traction would most likely be doubled. I agree if the 4x4 were engaged full time it would greatly reduce range. I suggest that they could only be used once deployed at slow speeds , knowing that you are about to take a hill or stair, then the front motors idle or coast at higher speeds.I think perhaps maybe at times like down hill decents to add aditional regenerative charging. I would be cool if the front wheels could charge full time, but I think that conflicks Newtons law, or something.

Being that someone stated that it is 30 inches wide, it means that it may be then to wide to fit through a lot of entry doorways, etc. From that pic #13 at pop sci, it would seem that the wheels would fit inside making it less likely to add an aditional 5 or 6 mores inches to the already 30. Seeing something coming at you, 3 feet wide is "Jump for Cover" if it were on a sidewalk or something.

I like the direction they are going tho.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[GadgetmanKen]

I mentioned in another thread that I think the reason the Centaur goes much faster than the regular HT, is the fact that once the front set of wheels go to the ground, the HT no longer has to use that extra energy to keep it upright and balance. Its now then flat out and go with full motor power. Thus increasing range too. It could be the new batteries, but I am guessing they are for better range. At higher speeds the HT would become two sets of verticle gyros which much like a bicycle going downhil, very difficult to lean or turn or stop. I think this is why the speed on the HT will not change.

As for the new Litium batteries I read a post that stated they didn't have as much instant burst of energy. I think that maybe this is where those Ultra-capacitor type batteries or the use of Ultra-capacitors could be added to the batteries to give that potential.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[Stan671]

Segway would never market the Centaur for use on the sidewalk. No way!

As for the width of the machine, it uses standard HT wheels & tires and the power base is normal width, except for the extensions between the motors and the gear boxes which can be seen in PopSci's slideshow images #8, 11 & 13. Each extension was about 4 inches wide. So, the Centaur is about 8 inches wider than the Segway HT. Front wheels are the same width apart as the back wheels.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

The Centaur gets its increased speeds from enhancements to the motors or how the motors were controlled. I did not quite understand what they said, but it sounded more like a software and wiring change than a hard mod to the motor.

They use the same gearboxes as the Segway HT with the 24:1 speed reduction. So, traveling 20 MPH results in a wheel speed of about 364 RPM. This requires a motor speed of about 8,740 RPM. I suppose it would not be too hard to achieve a +10% improvement in the motor's top end with the changes indicated above.

And as others have said, while on 4 wheels, there is no need for the balance algorithm and it's need for headroom in the top speed of the motors. I will bet that in 2 wheel (balance) mode, it will not go 20 MPH because of a speed limiter.

And all of this is possible with the added capacity of the Lithium-Ion batteries. Otherwise, the NiMH batteries would be depleated way too soon.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

Check out images #8, #10, and #13 on the Popular Science slideshow for the Centaur. Notice that ridges in the batteries are different from what we have now. Could these be the new batteries ... ?

Stan Dobrowski

[whistler]

I like the looks of the Centaur... and what it can do...
I hope they do offer it for sale after they get the final design and everything is fully tested...
I would really like to see a conversion kit offered so that a normal "i"
model could be converted to Centaur and back again by the owner...
Now that would really be worth the price... whatever it might turn out to be... I would probably buy one... so I can imagine there would be lots of people who would also... it might even outsell the HT as it is...

[Stan671]

Here's another interesting tidbit about the Centaur. Think about how most 4-wheel vehicles provide power to the drive wheels. A single drive shaft comes out of the motor to the differential and then the power is distributed to the two drive wheels.

Well, the Centaur does not have anything like that since it has two independant electric motors. It accomplishes the "differential effect" by sensing the position of the steering angle from the handlebars and throttle position from the thumb sensor and controls the relative speeds of the two rear wheels to accomodate the turn.

Stan Dobrowski

[KSagal]

I would have to think that for software alone, there would be no way to retrofit an I to become a centaur.

Also, I seem to remember that the two wheel balancing speed of the centaur is faster than that of an HT because the among other things, the HT must have reserve power to speed up the base to pivot out in front to catch the rider or to slow it down.

I believe that the centaur doesn't need to do this. In the situation where the HT power base would go faster so that the rider doesn't face plant, the centaur front wheels prevent the face plant, so the the motors can go as fast as their tourqe will let them.

I, for one, can't wait !!!

Karl Ian Sagal

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

[fredkap]

I thought the batteries were about twice the size as on our I series, and they were definitely lithium ion. The base and platform were definitely larger. Range wasn't discussed. I don't recall any discussion regarding whether they were the same or larger motors (I assumed that they were larger). The wheelbase was 39 inches (center of tire to center of tire) with a total length of 58 inches. Width was 30 inches and the height was about 38 inches. The suspension was awesome. My guess is that the Centaur might have a range of 40 to 50 miles or better (total guess). While the off road possibilities are obvious, the street use, especially for my daily commute are mouth watering. The appeal would be the fun. The ecologically green aspects are just a bonus.

There is no way that this will convert to an HT and back.

Fred

[Stan671]

Fred, the base platform/motors/gearboxes are essentially stock from the HT. They get some more torque and RPM's from the motors with fancy software and I think they said a wiring change. There are the extensions on the platform to move the gear boxes out about 4 inches each. The batteries were probably Lithium Ion, but the same form factor we know from the HT. There was a rigid cover plate on the top of the platform without rider detect switches. The charger/CS base was the same. Everything above that was new design.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

I was told by one of the Centaur testers that when they were still doing the top secret testing outdoors, they had to make sure that when they heard a plane flying overhead to have the machine on all 4 wheels.

Stan Dobrowski

[GadgetmanKen]

quote:There are the extensions on the platform to move the gear boxes out about 4 inches each.

It was stated yesterday that the platform was tops 30" wide. Now its 39" +/- 1" or 2" considering width of tires? No big deal, really but forget about taking in indoors thru a regular doorway. Even wheelie'd it is still too wide. I imagine that this width is only for stability against rollover. Wider wheelbase, to prevent it.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[Stan671]

Wheelbase (as Fred meant it) is not width. Wheelbase is distance from axel of front wheel to axel of back wheel.

I just measured my Segway HT. There are 15 inches between the insides of the gearboxes. So, that is the width of the platform. The overall width with tires is 25 inches.

The Centaur has the same plaform as the HT, so that is 15 inches. There are extensions on the outside of the platform between the motors and the gearboxes. If these extensions are 2.5 inches each, that would make the overall width of the Centaur 30 inches as Fred indicated. I did not hear the dimensions of the Centaur, but I trust Fred's information. I might be a bit high in my estimate of the extensions being 4 inches each.

Stan Dobrowski

[GadgetmanKen]

Whatever...

quote:The wheelbase was 39 inches (center of tire to center of tire) with a total length of 58 inches. Width was 30 inches and the height was about 38 inches.

Whenever I hear of say a vehicle, such as a SUV, getting a wider wheelbase say to help prevent rollovers, I believe its the width of the vehicle getting wider, not the length. Hearing the front wheels are not as wide as the base wheels I could only imagine the 30 was for the front wheels and the 39 for the rear (base) wheels. He really didn't specify which wheels. Did he?

By the way Stan, were the wheels P or I sized wheels? I? If they were P sized and used the P base, I guess the problem fitting thru doors then, with the base extensions, would still fit thru the doorways?

But as I have mention before, this narrower (uhumm) wheelbase :) wouldn't be ideal, figuring my reasoning why they extended the wheelbase (width) was to give more stability against roll over.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[fredkap]

The width is 30 inches both front and rear. The tires are I series type and it is not an indoors machine.

Fred

[Stan671]

The Centaur definitely uses the wheels and tires from the i-Series. The p-Series platform uses the less powerful motors, so I doubt that there is any p-Series stuff in the Centaur. From what I remember and what I can see in the pictures now, I believe that the front wheels of the Centaur are the same width apart as the back wheels.

I have always thought of wheelbase as from front to back with track being the width from wheel to wheel. And that wider track vehicles were less prone to rollover. And that longer wheelbase vehicle offered a better ride. Toyota, for example, uses this terminology in the specs on it's web site. Ford uses wheelbase as above and tread width for distance between wheels side-to-side.

Whatever the terminology is does not matter much, because the 39 inches that Fred mentioned was from the center of the front wheel to the center of the back wheel. This is clear from the context and the follow up comment that the total length is 58 inches. This 58 inch figure is confirmed by the PopSci article as the overall length.

Fred specifically said the width was 30 inches. I thought it was a little wider than that. The PopSci article lists the width as 35 inches. Perhaps these dimensions have varied a bit with the various prototypes.

The PopSci article lists the payload at 400 pounds and the range at 10-15 miles. With the Lithium-Ion batteries rumored to be double the capacity of the NiMH batteries, this range for the Centaur would make sense with the L-I batteries.

Stan Dobrowski

[GadgetmanKen]

Ok, I'll accept those dimensions, now. I thought someone in previous posts said something about the front wheels not being as wide as the base. I think maybe it may have been in some of the other threads right after the announcement of the Centaur. I will try to look it up. I was just under the impression, by what I heard elsewhere. Seems like there are some conflicting differences between Pop Sci, Segway, and posts. Hmmm.. It does make sense now, tho, 39" (ok,wheelbase) plus another 19" (half diameter of front + half of back) between the two wheels = 58".

I'm gonna let you guys that were there discuss it now. I just like knowing alot of the details, You know me...:D

I wonder if they plan on offering those spoked wheels for the HT's in the near future?

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[Stan671]

Ken, I love details also. That is why I tried to gather as many as I could in the short time we had to inspect the Centaur considering that we were not allowed cameras, notebooks or rulers. &lt;grin&gt; And I will try to relay as many details as I can here as they come up.

The story of the spoked wheels is that they were Segway's original plan for the HT. But after the CPSC reviewed the design, they suggested that since this was a vehicle that was likely to be used indoors that the wheels be solid so that kids could not get thier hands in there. For the Centaur, though, that is not a consideration, so maybe ...

Personally, I think the Enhanced Traction Tires would be a natural on the Centaur.

Stan Dobrowski

[woodenapple]

quote:Personally, I think the Enhanced Traction Tires would be a natural on the Centaur.


The enhanced traction tires would make sense in some applications. But I remember reading either in the articles or somewhere else, that one benefit of the Centaur is that it doesn't chew up or disturb the grass (or other terrain) as much as other off-road vehicles. That would change with knobby tires.

Rodney

[SegwayUtah]

quote:Originally posted by fredkap

The width is 30 inches both front and rear. The tires are I series type and it is not an indoors machine.

Just an interesting note -- Segway's video showed the Centaur being used inside. True, it's a vehicle like a golf cart or forklift (but safer) when it's down on all fours, but it looks like it's safe to use on indoor floors and such.

Chris

[Stan671]

Right, Chris, the Centaur certainly is safe (with proper rider control, of course) indoors in a large environment. But I doubt that Segway is too concerned that the Centaur be able to fit through a living room doorway.

Stan Dobrowski

[SegwayUtah]

quote:Originally posted by Stan671

Right, Chris, the Centaur certainly is safe (with proper rider control, of course) indoors in a large environment. But I doubt that Segway is too concerned that the Centaur be able to fit through a living room doorway.

And for good reason :)

The issue here is that many of us will need to store our Centaurs indoors. Why? Because it gets way too cold outside for the batteries, and some owners will live in condos and such things without anywhere secure outside to lock one up.

Chris

[GadgetmanKen]

Which version of the Centaur was at Segfest? I got my Popular Science in the mail today and like in slide show on Popular Science and in the magazine it shows two. The first pic on the slide show, shows a Titanium color scheme with black spoked wheels. The following pics and the video shows an aluminum colored one with red across and below the seat post and white HT wheels with the five sections in the wheel opened or cut out. The seat post is alos different than on the titanium colored one and the control box is zip tied to the control shaft. I also noticed that on the titanium colored model that the base seemed more level than on the aluminum and red colored one. Wonder why? They both were on all fours.

I can only guess that the titanium one with the black wheels was the one at Segfest, because I don't think that they would display one withthe control box zip ties to the shaft. It would be like showing it off with say duct tape.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[Stan671]

The first picture in PopSci's slide show is just a drawing, so the artist may have taken a few liberties.

The two Centaurs that we saw and rode after SegwayFest were a little more polished and fancy than the one with the light colors wheels in the PopSci slide show. The key port and display were in a nicer box. The seat was a little different with indents for two people to sit on it. I believe the rims and wheels were stock black from an HT.

They asked us to be careful getting on and off and riding the Centaur because these were going to be used for photo shoots later.

Stan Dobrowski

[Stan671]

Another Centaur tidbit: The easy way to park it which takes up very little room is to pop the wheelie to get into balance mode and then just step off of the platform, shut it off and lean it back so that it rests on the tripod created by the rear wheels and the back of the seat.

Stan Dobrowski

[Poindexter]

quote:Originally posted by Stan671
The Centaur has the same plaform as the HT, so that is 15 inches. There are extensions on the outside of the platform between the motors and the gearboxes. If these extensions are 2.5 inches each, that would make the overall width of the Centaur 30 inches as Fred indicated. I did not hear the dimensions of the Centaur, but I trust Fred's information. I might be a bit high in my estimate of the extensions being 4 inches each.

Stan Dobrowski


What does it look like here?

http://i.timeinc.net/popsci/images/tech/tech1104segway_10_485x590.jpg

Anyone who wants to be a New Urbanist was never an Old Urbanist

[Stan671]

I studied that picture before and I think I should revise my estimate of the extensions to be about 2.5 inches each. There is no way they are 4 inches each.

Stan Dobrowski

[Djbombsquad]

quote:Originally posted by hhaurgon

I agree with most of you that the Centaur looks pretty fun. But can this thing really compete with an ATV? I have a Yamaha Warrior 350 that will blow this thing away in every respect (except balancing) - especially speed, power, and range. 25mph may seem fast for a Segway, but my Warrior does 60+ easily. And, I don't really sit around wishing my ATV could balance on 2 wheels. I mean, how many hours of riding would it take until you get tired of popping wheelies?

I agree with macgeek that LLC needs to concentrate on the core product more, particularly before jumping into the highly competitive ATV market.
The new concept looks awesome. 25mph they said? I was hoping closer to 30 to 35.
What about all wheel drive. Like a very small battery in the front that is used only when needed.
Also solar panals would be awesome. Look at scott evest. They now on there jacket uses solar panals. I mean how great would that be to get another way to charge the bad *** segway on top of the regenration breaking. They should use fuel cell because its more compact and make more power than the regular batteries . Don't know about the price but i know its cheep. There are some busses in mexico that uses fuel cells already I know if it can only be recharged with water but that battery alone would make it be much more powerfully and as far as I know its inviromently friendly 2. Some how have a hybrid.cool
http://www.fuelcells.org/ Look at the mini bikes and 4wheelers that get good speeds. Like any thing else of couse you can go fast and get in trouble but than again Id go to like a parking lot get cones and get a closed circuit goin. Like the racecar places where they have the honda race cars. Yes the centaur. Why would the price be more expensive. It should be cheeper as technology gets better like fuel cell as a example.
It shouldn't cost more than 5g's at the most and from now till full production they will keep on improving it.
Hugh