General > General Technical Chat
Whatever Happened To Segway
james_s:
They were a gimmick right from the start. The self balancing aspect was a neat technological achievement but didn't really solve any actual problem, and they cost thousands of dollars, more than a fairly nice used car at the time. A more conventional scooter or e-bike was more practical and a lot cheaper.
Black Phoenix:
--- Quote from: mairo on July 03, 2023, 11:10:19 am ---Someone (Ninebot) bought them and then they closed - a large auction happened around 2020-21. Lots of new segways and ninebots went virtually for free, but the important bits were the quite modern production, compliance and RnD test gear :P
--- End quote ---
Ninebot still exists and still sells products in Mainland China, including a small EV powered kart car:
They also have EV Piaggio like motorcycles, who are one of the best ones being sold in the market in terms of build construction and design, without the cut corners that is common in most brands being sold in China, with prices to match that quality (one of the more expensive options).
MarkS:
It was an overhyped massive disappointment. The novelty quickly wore off and they were sold to a Chinese company.
Black Phoenix:
--- Quote from: MarkS on July 10, 2023, 07:34:29 pm ---It was an overhyped massive disappointment. The novelty quickly wore off and they were sold to a Chinese company.
--- End quote ---
Although I had the chance to use one back in 2008, it was a novelty at best. Not a city transport as they wanted, not a small terrain crawler as the TT version they sold.
It's best use was really for shopping centre security patrols and police patrols in city centres
- PSP in Lisbon use them in the tourist part of the city, close to the river and Shenzhen Police also on the Huaqiangbei district, on the electronics supermarkets avenue - or for big warehouses or company headquarters where you have a big area with tons of warehouses and labs and want a fast way to go from point A to B.
But the price of it was the biggest no-no, specially with other transportation methods as the typical bicycle or even by foot.
Basically a solution looking for a problem.
Bud:
I am pretty sure I saw a security guard strolling around on one in a restricted area near the White House.
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