04-07-2009, 08:25 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Administrator
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GM + Segway = ? (fail IMO)
I was riding in this morning to hear about GM partnering up with Segway. Then, once I booted up my computer, I see an email from a coworker pointing me to the article below. While it is a cool concept, I'm betting its far from a money maker.
GM tests a sporty new, 200-mpg 2-seater - USATODAY.com
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04-07-2009, 09:35 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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So, it's basically a sit-down Segway with twice the battery, a partially enclosed body that won't keep you dry if it's rainy AND windy (hey, how often does that happen), and possibly automated.
The enclosure is perhaps the easiest to fix.
Quote:
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The companies hope to recruit partners, such as cities or colleges, to set up Puma travel lanes, like bicycle lanes.
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That's the plan's weakest link. Segway also hoped to get cities on board, en masse, to permit the scooters on paths & sidewalks. Many refused.
And any city that even contemplates PUMA lanes before it has actual bicycle lanes (assuming they're not integrated) is going to have a public relations disaster on its hands. |
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04-07-2009, 09:35 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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needs more cowbell
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Aww, let's not poo poo it. It's definitely "out of the box" for GM. Though I do have to wonder how you "coast in neutral" on such a device.
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WINDMILLS DO NOT WORK THAT WAY!!!
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04-07-2009, 09:51 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Breaking!
Chrysler has just released its response to GM's PUMA!
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04-07-2009, 10:50 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Weight Reduction
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haha
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04-07-2009, 12:46 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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PSmodder lurker
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Segway on steroids or sub-sub-micro Smart!
Take you pick! What is your comment of this collaboration of two floundering transportation icons. Is it viable? Letting this thinly protected urban transport mix with the chaotic mix of messenger bikes, scooters, taxis, commuter buses & garbage trucks. I've driven in New York City, Boston, Chicago & other urban centers....Honk, Honk!...WOAH!...finger salutes!
GM, Segway to Make Vehicle - WSJ.com |
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04-07-2009, 12:57 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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04-07-2009, 02:36 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcb
Aww, let's not poo poo it. It's definitely "out of the box" for GM.
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You're right - shouldn't dismiss it outright.
But it's so far out of the box that I don't think the average North American would give it a second thought.
I'd use one.
Oh, and you can already get an efficient, "personal" EV with a small physical footprint that's capable of 45+ mph, road legal and everything!
Cool looking light EV kit vehicle: BugE |
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04-07-2009, 02:41 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcb
Aww, let's not poo poo it. It's definitely "out of the box" for GM.
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You're right - shouldn't dismiss it outright.
But it's so far out of the box that I don't think the average North American would give it a second thought.
I'd use one.
Oh, and you can already get an efficient, partially enclosed, "personal" EV with a small physical footprint that's capable of 45+ mph, road legal and everything!
Cool looking light EV kit vehicle: BugE |
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04-07-2009, 02:44 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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ooo ooo ooo ah ah ah
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If the thing somehow was able to be more efficient than a regular 2 wheeler I'd be less inclined to ridicule it.
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