RIP - Segway 2001 - 2020

[Seevio]

I was just setting off up a nearby 15% climb when a man shot past me on a one-wheeled Segway-like machine. I was impressed by how powerful the thing was!

PS Actually, I think it was one of these (or something very similar)...



I saw him again yesterday, whizzing along the pavement in Todmorden, so he probably lives locally.

There was a lady at a previous place of work that used to ride something like this. It always reminded me of the character below on the left.

 

[captain nemo1701]

That and the fact they're illegal to use in public spaces (as are the Scooters still)

This, unfortunately, doesn't stop a tidal wave of lies and misinformation on e scooters. Just because Bristol has been selected as a trial area for the bloody things, people on social media now claim they're legal. Talk about jumping the gun... Former cycle shop in Bristol now specialising in e bike sand e-scooetrs with the owner claiming they're as safe as bikes...yeah, right. Can't see how people who don't want to cycle because the think the roads are dangerous are going to jump on a £500 e scooter. Plus, he'll say that anyway as he's sunk a ton of cash into stock.

I saw a guy on one of the top range e scooters on the B2B path a few weeks ago. Shooting along, much bigger scooter motor & battery housing, definitely unrestricted. Found out recently that the top range models can do 85kph or about 50mph. Certainly don't want to encounter people doing that speed on one of those (look on YT for people racing e-transport along cyclepaths).

 

[Paulus]

I did see the Italian local police in Sorrento using Segways about 10 years ago, other than that a few tourist companies offering Segway tours.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I think they're brilliant as tour vehicles if the guides know what they're doing and plan good routes that avoid most traffic and pedestrians. I first did a tour on one in Atlanta some years ago with a really good company (ATL Cruzers), we covered about 12 miles of diverse neighbourhoods, cultural sites, graveyards, film locations, all sorts. We couldn't have covered that range of sites on foot and it was truly, enormous fun at the same time. (I did fall off twice but let's not go there). 😄
They definitely have a place, it's a shame to hear their life is limited now. E-scooters aren't as good.

 

[RidingBSOisnotacrime]

The real trouble was the difficulty of learning how to ride one. It wasn't easy for us parents. My son used to have two of them. They were brilliant for him. He started riding them from day 1 and never fell off and he was very quick. My wife injured her shoulder and I fell twice then gave up. My son got bored with it at the end because we never let him to drive on his own. He sold them. He now rides a triban roadbike with me so he is a good boy

 

[ColinJ]

Anywhere near the railway station?

Along the A646 just opposite where the new Aldi store is being built.

 

[classic33]

Along the A646 just opposite where the new Aldi store is being built.

Assuming it's the same person, he works in Bradford city centre. He used to get off in Hebden Bridge.

 

[ColinJ]

Assuming it's the same person, he works in Bradford city centre. He used to get off in Hebden Bridge.

Ah. It did look fun, but he looked perfectly capable of propelling himself. I don't know why so many people seem to hate exercise!

 

[wafter]

Rightly or wrongly they always struck me as tw*tchariots for fat pretentious yanks with too much money... but I guess as a tool for guided tours as has been mentioned a couple of times they could have a place and potentially fill an otherwise empty niche between walking and cycling, being more accessible for many than the latter.

I was just setting off up a nearby 15% climb when a man shot past me on a one-wheeled Segway-like machine. I was impressed by how powerful the thing was!

PS Actually, I think it was one of these (or something very similar)...



I saw him again yesterday, whizzing along the pavement in Todmorden, so he probably lives locally.

Wow - those are pretty interesting; I like the minimal nature and it makes the humble bike look somewhat archaic and bulky by comparison. the look like a nice idea for shortish urban journeys though; I bet long runs could be pretty hard on the legs and core.


Speaking of e-scooters I've seen quite a few in use around the city; was in the park last night and saw a girl clocking I'd guess 15mph on one with relative ease. Wasn't sure at the time but yes, they're essentially illegal although I'm wondering if the Polis are turning a blind eye given the softening attitude towards "alternative" modes of transport currently.

Sooner or later legislation will have to be enforced or amended in the face of their growing popularity though; as more people (esp. kids) buy them there's bound to be a few high-profile accidents that force action of some sort.

I'm ambivalent about them tbh; don't fancy one myself but can see them appealing to commutors given the potentially greater accessibilty, cost, simplicity and small form factor.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd always wondered what a scooter like I believe @steveindenmark (it may have been someone else though) has got would be like fitted with a full size motorised wheel like on my trike would be like.

 

[raleighnut]

Something like this,

 

[RidingBSOisnotacrime]

The advantage of a segway/hoverboard kind of a design was one size fits all. No frame size/type or seat adjustment. If you think about how many different types and sizes in bike industry...

 

[captain nemo1701]

Ah. It did look fun, but he looked perfectly capable of propelling himself. I don't know why so many people seem to hate exercise!

That's what i don't understand either. Whats wrong with .....walking?.

 

[Julia9054]

That's what i don't understand either. Whats wrong with .....walking?.

Too slow.
That's why I cycle

 

[keithmac]

I did an off road session on a Segway with a few mates.

Started off learning the control and by the end we all had them in "Full Powed" mode.

Was amazed at how quick they went and how well they handled, really well engineered bit of kit!.

Shame to see they've gone bust.