Toyota tests Segway-like stand-up-and-ride machine

If it's the same speed as walking at brisk pace then what's the bloody point?

If it's the same speed as walking at brisk pace then what's the bloody point?

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...

Rule #1 to blatantly copying an invention - make sure what you're copying was a success first.

I think we all know how popular and useful Segways are.

Segway's are great -- their price is is just about 4x too high. If Toyota can bring their manufacturing know how to bring it down by that much, they'll become more prevalent. Still, their version is a bit too slow.

This has to be either faster then walking or at least have a seat so you can rest while traveling, since walking is healthier than standing still and only a bit more tiresome this device doesn't look very appealing.

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.

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...

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?

Wow, more useless crap to make people fatter and asians seem taller. The elderly already have rascals what else could they possibly want!

These machines have great potential use for short trips of, let's say, under two miles, where today many people would use a car.

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!!