Posted on 12/05/2005 10:23:32 AM PST by wallcrawlr
The cost of a new Segway on eBay is $3500+. For $3500, I could buy a Honda SHadow 250, and not look like a dork.
People still have to waddle to and from parking lots. With the Segway they won't even be doing that.
Just like they can't bar service dogs, even ones in training, from entering an establishment.
That excuse sounds like a newly single man, who is blaming his ex for his well-deserved dumping.
The consumer market has already rejected it and no matter how much is spent shoving it in our faces, the answer is still "no". (Believe me, I have the money for it.)
Hi thecabal,
Unfortunately, I think that the stigma about riding in an electric scooter is eroding very quickly, and it's starting to cause problems that will effect those that actually need them...
My family just returned from Disney World in October, and saw thousands of scooters in use there. Almost all were Disney-owned rented scooters, and the vast majority of the people on them were perfectly able to walk if they had chosen to do so. We saw several whole families of obese people riding - mom, dad, kids.
It's gotten so bad that I think Disney will soon have to get a handle on the situation. The scooters block foot traffic in the park, require special lines to the rides, and slow down the shuttle bus loading/unloading a lot.
In my opinion, if someone already owns a scooter and were using it the week prior to arriving at the park, then they need it. The people who walk in and then suddenly require a scooter are probably just taking advantage of the situation.
Fletcher J
I barely want to go there now... ;)
I've only gone twice with no purchases,and that's it for me.....and just WALKING is difficult in certain areas,can't imagine it with Segways.
Here I am using my legs like a sucker...
Yeah, I should have known that we don't live in a sane country. What would life be like without fear of lawsuits?
homer simpson
Why is the critical bit of information not included in the article? How fast does this thing go? How does it compare to a normal motorized wheelchair?
It's relevant for me before I can know which side of the argument I support.
There are three keys that come with a Segway. Each key has its own speed limit. I believe they are 4, 8 and 12 mph. I got to try one out in Miami. They are fun, and very controllable. With a 4 mph speed limit, the chances of collision would be no greater than by walking.
Some of those older "biggie-sized" customers are 'legitimately' sick: Injury or degenerative illness reduced their mobility, which resulted in weight gain. (sometimes weight gain is a side effect of the medications prescribled for the injury/degenerative illness.) Weight gain exacerbated the injury or degenerative illness, further reducing their mobility etc. And simple old age doesn't help. It's a vicious spiral that, except for the availability of motorised wheelchairs, walkers, etc would be hidden from your eyes, and you would be spared the offense of seeing another person's misfortune.
Yes, for many they are a necessity. For many, they aren't.
"LOL, there is no doubt that it is one of the dorkiest methods of conveyance every created."
That's it, I'm putting my Segway in the garage and NEVER riding it aDAIN!! (*stomping feet*) I don't wanna look dorky anymore.. WAAAHHH!!
(*I'm just kidding, I do not own a Segway*)
LOL. Yeah, it's pretty dorky.
Bones
I urge caution in judging how individual folks got into the situation of needing (or "needing") a scooter.
That's all.
But even if you wanted one the price is still a barrier, all the gee-whiz gizmos that make the Segway what it is drive the price up, for the price on one Segway you could equip an entire basketball team with the lowtech knockoffs, or buy a used car with a roof and passenger room, take your pick. I don't think it's blaming the consumers to say the item is overpriced for its market. And in discussing the marketing of the item let's not forget it's unfortunate name: Segway Human Transport, there just aren't that many people in the world will to drop a couple grand on a big pile of SHT.
"Why haven't the Segway company integrated collision avoidance into the machine. It should be obvious that you don't want it driving into an obstacle, living or not."
"Nobody would plow it into an obstacle at speed any more than he'd run into that obstacle using his feet."
Um. Collision avoidance on mine, then, please. Thx. :-P
A huge flea market in Texas rents electric wheelchairs to able bodied shoppers. I find it the height of laziness, but applaude the vendors for finding a need (laziness) and meeting it. ;)
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