[sustran] Re: Segway's assault on walking

[Piotr Olszewski (Assoc Prof)]

I agree that at the current price of $3000, Segway HT looks like not
more than an extravagant toy.  But I would not be so sceptical about its
future prospects. 

For argument’s sake, let’s assume that it becomes popular, proves to be
safe and reliable, is mass-produced and the price drops to ~$500.  There
could be some positive effects of this for transport sustainability:

- Human transporter (HT) increases personal mobility so it would not
only replace some longer walking trips but also some short car/transit
trips. And it is certainly more energy efficient and cleaner than the
existing motorised modes.

- A rail-HT intermodal combination could prove to be an attractive
travel alternative. 

- HT popularity could create pressure for more, better, wider footpaths
(or bicycle paths) which would benefit pedestrians (cyclists).

- If an HT industry develops, there could be positive spin-offs in terms
of more efficient batteries and other components which could be used for
electrical bikes, sit-down scooters, etc.

So will all this really happen?  There are too many ‘ifs’, so we’ll have
to wait and see… For the time being, those interested can check out the
Segway webpage: http://www.segway.com/consumer/vision/

Piotr Olszewski

 

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: Paul Barter 
	Sent: Fri 12/7/2001 2:09 PM 
	To: 'sustran-discuss at jca.apc.org' 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [sustran] Segway's assault on walking
	
	

	A sceptical article about the hype on an interesting, weird
even, new
	transport invention launched this week. Look at the picture.
But in any
	case unlikely to have much relevance in poor countries in near
future with a
	$3000 price tag.
	Paul
	
	
	http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2001/12/07/segway/print.html
	
	Segway's assault on walking
	Dean Kamen's much-hyped superscooter is a slothful step in the
wrong
	direction.
	- - - - - - - - - - - -
	By Christopher Orlet
	Dec. 7, 2001 | Dean Kamen readily admits that his Segway Human
Transporter,
	unveiled Dec. 3, is not the futuristic answer to his nation's
transportation
	woes, crowded highways and poor public transit, nor will it
replace the SUV,
	the bus or the commuter train. The push-lawnmower-size scooter
travels only
	12.5 miles per hour with a 17-mile range between charges. It
will have no
	impact on air quality nor will it reduce the reliance on fossil
fuels.
	...
	
	

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