Toyota tests Segway-like stand-up-and-ride machine
August 1st, 2008
A model demonstrates Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp.'s new motorized ride "Winglet" during a press conference in Tokyo Friday, Aug. 1, 2008. Toyota will start testing the stand-up-and-ride contraption, that travels at up to 6 kph (3.7 mph), later this year at a Japanese airport and resort complex and next year at a shopping mall to get feedback from people. No plans are set to sell the Winglet as a commercial product. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)
(AP) -- Toyota has developed a motorized stand-up-and-ride Segway lookalike designed to help people scoot around at malls and airports.
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Like the article said they are marketing to the elderly, I haven't seen many quick elderly people nowadays. Although since they statistically have the worst eyesight/reflexes this could be a small titanic in the making...
I think we all know how popular and useful Segways are.
As for elderly the added height of potential fall and the need to constantly focus on balancing makes it a very poor choice, a wheelchair is a better option.
Indeed. If you're unable to walk properly unaided the prospect of riding this thing must be terrifying.
What's wrong with the battery operated wheelchairs that have been around since forever?
I can think of several such uses in my own life. Zipping along on a Segway(I have no experience with the Toyota) does allow you to cover quite a lot of ground very quickly. And you are out in the air and can see much more than standing on the ground or riding in a car. The small added elevation makes a surprisingly big difference.
There are lots of uses for these vehicles, but acceptance has been hampered by two things: They are ridiculously expensive and they are widely disliked by pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. In short, when you ride one, you will be openly harrassed by these people(it happened to me last weekend).
And I find that the rider does need good balance and healthy leg muscles. Many riders notice the tightness or even might have a foot start to fall asleep after little more than a half an hour. And that is on a current Segway with the handlebars. Riding one without holding the handlebars requires even more control, balance and effort from your legs. (I suspect the woman in the video is wearing capris because a skirt or shorts would have reveal her better-than-average developed leg muscles.)(It also bothers me a bit that she is not wearing a helmet. That would be truly foolish!)
So I don't recommend either model for someone who may already have difficulty walking. Or balancing. Or seeing clearly!!! As even a small brush with a stationary object can result in spontaneous rider gymnastics.
But I do like them, endorse them(for healthy-legged folks) and would love to own one, once the price comes down(way down). I hope they continue development!!