LOL, really?

[theholycow]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...egway-gm_N.htm

GM, Segway team up on 200-mpg 2-seater

[...]The companies plan to announce the partnership Tuesday in New York, where they are testing a prototype of the partially enclosed, two-seat, two-wheel scooter. The venture is called Project PUMA, for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility.

The companies hope to recruit partners, such as cities or colleges, to set up Puma travel lanes, like bicycle lanes.[...]

Though being unveiled in New York, the Pumas might appeal most in densely packed cities in places such as India and China, Borroni-Bird says. There they would seem a big step up from bicycles. Americans, who are used to cars, might not take them as seriously.

He forecasts energy consumption equivalent to 200 miles per gallon of gasoline. That falls to about 70 mpg adding in fuel to generate electricity used to charge its battery.

More photos: http://www.usatoday.com/money/galler...sh.htm?gid=942

Well, they're right...I'm having a hard time taking it seriously.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

I think the drawbacks will be limited range and speed and they haven't said anything about price yet. I have heard it is 35 miles at 35MPH.

....but hey, at least GM is trying.

[IndyFetch]

It is all fun and games until... WHAM!!!

Lawsuit.

When was the last time someone drove a Segway on the road? Hit a curb or a bad pothole and your face will hit that flimsy plastic windshield.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

I figure you may have to sign something saying that they aren't responsible.

how hard would it have been to give it a 3rd wheel. even just one that pivots so you didn't have to have all of the balancing software and hardware.

make it like one of those zero-radius turning mowers.

[dkjones96]

Originally Posted by BEEF

how hard would it have been to give it a 3rd wheel. even just one that pivots so you didn't have to have all of the balancing software and hardware.

Then it wouldn't be a Segway and nobody would want it!

[theholycow]

I see fore and aft pairs of airborne wheels...it still certainly wouldn't be fun to hit a road hazard, but that's true of any particularly tiny vehicle.

This is the part of the article about speed and range:

The Pumas also could be operated manually. Not intended for highway use, they would hit about 35 miles per hour and go up to 35 miles on a charge.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

you're right about the segway thing.

branding can mean much more than price or usability

[Dalez0r]

70mpg when burning fuel to charge it...

No thanks, I'll take a VX.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

At least you don't have to stand on it. Not the smartest idea if you want older or disabled users.

[dm1333]

I can't believe you guys are scoffing at this! This is one of the few places where I thought these would be accepted as kind of cool. I'd give it a shot!