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.

http://i.usatoday.net/money/_photos/...7/seg_wayx.jpg

GM tests a sporty new, 200-mpg 2-seater - USATODAY.com

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.

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.

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.

Breaking!

Chrysler has just released its response to GM's PUMA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HroPSc0E-A4

haha

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

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!

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-buge-143.html

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!

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-buge-143.html

If the thing somehow was able to be more efficient than a regular 2 wheeler I'd be less inclined to ridicule it.

To lazy to walk or ride a bike? Ride your segway to the garage and then sit in your puma all the way to the mailbox.

Id rather walk.

Its just a segway for those who cant be bothered to stand up.

Small, dangerous, lazy, only single seater and a stupid idea.. Who designs these things?

Id choose a bicycle every time, over that.

I'm confused as to what the point of this is over an electric scooter, electric bike, or electric motorcycle. None of which are technically legal for use on sidewalks in any state that I'm aware of.
It's actually a very cramped two-seater.
The layout is pretty awkward and would only appeal to people that have too poor of a sense of balance to ride a scooter or motorcycle.

GM/Segway PUMA has been discussed all day from microcars to car free to recumbent trikes to velomobiles with a few Facebook and Twitter comments and lots of newspapers articles ; hot-rodders all over. One video I saw is a rendering of maybe 20 in lanes with full enclosures. At first; it seemed ridiculous when I saw a photo of 1 side- it looked like a 1 person rocking horse; but after seeing about 5 videos- it did look useful. Like a tipping wheelchair, but quite useful for 2 people.

I use a wheelchair- quick release the wheels and pile the 3 pieces in my City-el, or stack them in a bicycle trailer and drive my velomobile.

With this PUMA, I am sure a wheelchair can easily be hung on the back. I was considering building up a 3-wheeler power wheelchair as a small "hot-rod" but on second thought; I would be glad to test drive a PUMA! No possible way I could ride a 2 wheel vehicle - or so I thought.

Wait a minute. Wouldn't we be ahead of this by putting an Etek and 4 wheels in the bottom of an easy chair?

Small, dangerous? Check.
Won't be allowed in bicycle lanes? Check.
Illegal on sidewalks? Check.
Lazy and comfortable? Check.

Cheaper than gyroscopes? Checkcheckcheckcheckcheck.

So you're thinking 50 HP La-Z-Boy? Me too!

Puma? I guess they sort of already beat us to Cougar. hahaha!

Well, I don't wish to spurn GM for being creative is my point, it is a significant (and healthy) deviation from their usual MO. Hmm... I suppose folks could collaborate on an open source vehicle project if they have the answers, i.e.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OScar_(open_source_car)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...e/4-OScar1.jpg

i think this is interesting although i don't think many people are waiting for something like this.... than again the segway is an interesting vehicle...

with a little imagination this could become a smart on two wheels (and in the actual concept sketches the cabin is fully enclosed... this is just a test vehicle)

with a little more imagination one could imagine i normal sized car with only two wheels in the middle that handles just like a car today, but car turn on the spot...

the less wheels you have on the ground the more creative you can be with the overall shape of a car,... how about a trike that lifts its rear wheel of the ground at speed (prehaps aided by an airfoil)... to produce better aero and less rolling resistance... or a for wheeled car that can split in two two seaters

or car sized motorcycle..

the first car's where little more han some wheels with an engine, a seat or two, and some sort of handle thing to steer... but look where they are now...

sometimes starting from scratch is the only way to get a real revolution

I see this as having very limited potential... 35 miles? Would it be comfortable that far? Hell, its 50 miles each way for my commute. Make me an electric car that is comfortable for 4 tall Americans, can get me to work and home on a charge and about 20% reserve, able to to traverse a snowy mountain pass and still do posted speed limit and I'll be all over it. I LIKE tha Smart Car, but it won't fit 4...