Segway

[redpoint5]

I kinda impulse bought a Ninebot (company that bought Segway) Mini Pro 320 for ~$300. Quite a bit more than the $100 hoverboards I have been tempted to try, but I understand these to be more refined, and I want my dad to start using one instead of driving a car the 150 yards to my grandparents house. I'm also considering it for my wife who walks to work about half a mile away. It basically only seems useful for replacing walking/jogging places with a top speed of 10 MPH and range of 12 miles.



Then there is the Inmotion V10, with a top speed of 25 MPH that looks like it could more than replace bicycle commutes. It seems the superior way to commute in Manhattan, for instance. At $1000, it will be a long time before I get one, but my interest is piqued for sure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80jjnmerUdo

[Vman455]

Slightly off topic: I was just getting to the age where I was interested in politics, news, etc. and started reading a newspaper when the inventor of the Segway was teasing his new "Project Ginger." I remember reading an interview where he wouldn't say what Ginger was, but did confirm that it would revolutionize transportation as we know it. And then it turned out to be the Segway.

Back on topic: I couldn't see replacing a half-mile walk (says the person who just walked 1.9 miles to a coffee shop to study) or, especially, a 150-yard drive with anything but...walking. However, I suppose this is better than driving that short a distance, especially if your father is impaired and can't walk that distance comfortably.

A few weeks ago driving to school, I saw another student pull out of the apartment complex literally 200 yards from campus in his F-150, drive the 200 yards and pull into a parking spot at the college. And he definitely was capable of walking that distance. Go America!

[ksa8907]

If I lived close enough to, and had non-highway/interstate roads.... I would DEFINITELY add an electric assist to my bicycle. Heck, I've tossed the idea for a while but I would never use it where I live now.

[redpoint5]

I remember the Segway being referred to as "It". Might have been the late 90's. Good way to get free advertising, but I guess nobody wanted to spend $7000 to look like a dork. Musk got the free advertising, but his products are a bit sexier.

My dad drives my plug-in prius to my grandparents up the hill. I'd like to use my Prius as a car sometime, so I figure a Segway is the next best thing for him. Plus he could check the mail which is about the same distance in the opposite direction. Don't think I can get him to walk. He has nerve damage from an L5-S1 injury and problems with his knees, but should really walk while he can. My grandfather could walk about 100ft tops, and had no physical problems other than sitting all day and being out of shape. Hope I don't end up the same way. The property is 25 acres total, so it would come in handy getting around.

My wife was walking to work even up to the day she had the baby, which involves a sketchy climb over the fence at the apartment complex and walking through a very steep grassy field that isn't regularly mowed. That is the half mile walk. It's more like a mile if you go the proper route. Now that she comes home at noon to feed the girl, she drives to work rather than walk round trip twice per day. Maybe she would scoot instead.

Anyhow, I'm grasping at straws for utility so that I can justify my impulse purchase, and you're not helping. :P

[elhigh]

If dad ever takes the grands somewhere, having the car at their place ready to go is very sensible.

Mobility in seniors is a funny thing. My own grandfather had forgotten a lot of stuff, including a few of us family members, but at 91 he got out of the senior care place and walked home. That was about five miles. Your mileage may vary.

[redpoint5]

My parents already have 2 cars; we have too many cars. The Prius lives there now while we're in an apartment and can't plug it in, so I've got the Acura and CX-5 most readily accessible, but the parents are only 15 minutes away and that's where all the trucks, 2 Camrys, Prius, 2 motorcycles, and a Buick Riviera live.

I'm already looking forward to the old folks home. Friends around, no obligations, don't have to figure out what's for dinner...

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Don't think I can get him to walk. He has nerve damage from an L5-S1 injury and problems with his knees, but should really walk while he can.

Never tried one of those things, but looking at the picture, I'm wondering whether with the nerve damage & knee problems, he could stand and balance on one. From the little I've seen of them, it seems that they'd be much more difficult than just walking.

Seems like what he needs is an electric adult trike, or quad.

[hamsterpower]

My feelings on the Segway and it's clones have not changed since Dean Kaman "revolutionized transportation". I still have not come up with a situation where one would be better than a bicycle (including mall-cops). His self balancing wheelchair, that the Segway evolved from, is a wonderful idea.
But I do agree a mobility scooter seems a better fit for the OPs needs.

[seifrob]

... Or this: https://www.amazon.com/Sitting-Attachment-Hoverboard-Cart/dp/B01LY43ZY8, seeing the OP already has motor and wheels etc.
+1 for adding stability though.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by seifrob

... Or this: https://www.amazon.com/Sitting-Attachment-Hoverboard-Cart/dp/B01LY43ZY8, seeing the OP already has motor and wheels etc.

Could someone explain how the manufacturers can sell those things as "hoverboards" when they have wheels? I'm surprised no one has made millions suing them for false advertising.