Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Motocrossing a Segway with James "Bubba" Stewart]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/video-motocrossing-a-segway-with-james-bubba-stewart/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/video-motocrossing-a-segway-with-james-bubba-stewart/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/video-motocrossing-a-segway-with-james-bubba-stewart/#comments
Segway Supercross with James "Bubba" Stewart - Click above to watch the video after the break

Now, to answer what we're sure is a burning question on the minds of all of our readers... yes, it is possible to ride a Segway on a supercross track. Well, it's a burning question if you happen to be AMA Supercross Champion James "Bubba" Stewart, that is. As you'll see in the video we've conveniently pasted after the break for your viewing pleasure, for the rest of us, probably not.

From the looks of things, this particular Segway is one of the brand's off-road models and has some specific modifications to help improve its chances on Stewart's own personal supercross track. For instance, note its deeply lugged side-by-side tires, and, most importantly, the Renthal dirtbike-style handlebar complete with appropriate padding for safety.

Kids, don't try this at home. Now, how long 'till we see this replicated on MythBusters?

[Source: JS7 via Hell For Leather]

Continue reading VIDEO: Motocrossing a Segway with James "Bubba" Stewart

VIDEO: Motocrossing a Segway with James "Bubba" Stewart originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bubba stewartBubbaStewartjames bubba stewartjames stewartJamesBubbaStewartJamesStewartsegwaysegway supercrossSegwaySupercrossWed, 10 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[GM and Segway working on new balancing two-wheeler P.U.M.A. project]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segway-working-on-new-balancing-2-wheeler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segway-working-on-new-balancing-2-wheeler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segway-working-on-new-balancing-2-wheeler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GM/Segway Project P.U.M.A. - Click above for a high-res gallery

Please hold a moment while we check our calendars. Nope, it's definitely not April 1. That must mean a General Motors tie-up with Segway must be true. The Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (P.U.M.A. for short) will seek to develop a self balancing two-wheeled vehicle capable of reaching speeds of 35 mph - well above the Segway's 12 mph top speed -- for 35 miles.

Instead of the more common single track of a motorcycle, this electric vehicle will borrow the side-by-side arrangement popularized on the original Segway Personal Transporter. A lithium battery will store enough charge to allow the vehicle to travel for up to 35 miles on a single charge. Another interesting feature is the expected ability for each machine to communicate with vehicles around it, reducing the risk of accidents and regulating the flow of traffic.

Cost isn't yet set, but initial projections would place the total cost of ownership for the two-passenger autonomous vehicle at about a quarter of the price of a traditional automobile. The P.U.M.A. project will make its official debut at the New York Auto Show this week.


Gallery: GM/Segway Project P.U.M.A.

Continue reading GM and Segway working on new balancing two-wheeler P.U.M.A. project

GM and Segway working on new balancing two-wheeler P.U.M.A. project originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gmgm segwayGmSegwaygreennew yorknew york 2009new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowny auto showNyAutoShowpersonal urban mobility and accessibility projectPersonalUrbanMobilityAndAccessibilityProjectpumapuma projectPumaProjectsegwayTue, 07 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dean Kamen pondering giving up on Segway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/dean-kamen-pondering-giving-up-on-segway/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/dean-kamen-pondering-giving-up-on-segway/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/dean-kamen-pondering-giving-up-on-segway/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Is the Segway a failure? That's the question that inventor Dean Kamen is reportedly grappling with, as the so-called Human or Personal Transporter has failed to live up to the sales goals set for it when it was launched back in 2001 with a great deal of fanfare. In fact, it was so hyped when first introduced that it would have been nearly impossible for the self-balancing 2-wheeled machine to meet such lofty expectations. Another major problem with the Segway is that there are few places where the devices are specifically legal.

Kamen himself suggested that the Segway "will be to the car what the car was to the horse and buggy," and that scenario has most definitely failed to pan out. So, with the Segway's failure as a replacement for the car firmly established, Kamen admits to sleepless nights spent pondering on whether to completely kill the project. Our take? The Segway's a cool product that's a 50% price cut short of greatness. Well, that and perhaps a bit of red-tape cutting.

[Source: CNN]

Dean Kamen pondering giving up on Segway originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dean kamendean kamen segwayDeanKamenDeanKamenSegwaysegwaysegway htSegway kamensegway ptSegwayHtSegwayKamenSegwayPtToyota WingletToyotaWingletFri, 16 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota reveals 'Winglet' assistance robots, Segways beware [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Toyota's Winglets

Toyota's bid to completely take over the world with robots is getting ever closer to fruition. Its latest endeavor is intended to place mankind on moving platforms -- very Segway-esque. Coming in Small, Medium and Large sizes, Toyota's Winglet places its riders in a standing position, likely to dissuade notions of the future portrayed in Pixar's recent Wall-E movie in which humans spent their time in more relaxed positions. Powered by an electric motor, the Winglet's two wheels are closely monitored by on-board sensors that constantly adjust the movements of the machine to keep everything upright. At just 6 kilometers per hour it ain't very vest and can't go too far with its 5-10 kilometer range, but it makes up for these issues by taking just one hour to charge. Testing is currently underway, with human trials expected to begin this Autumn in Japan. Presumably after that there'll be a version with handle bar-mounted guns that's able to round up humans in a pen. Check out the video of Toyota's winglet in action after the jump.

Gallery: Toyota Winglets


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota reveals 'Winglet' assistance robots, Segways beware [w/VIDEO]

Toyota reveals 'Winglet' assistance robots, Segways beware [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>segwaytoyotatoyota robottoyota robotstoyota wingletToyotaRobotToyotaRobotsToyotaWingletwingletFri, 01 Aug 2008 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Chinese anti-terror Segway commandos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/photo-of-the-day-chinese-anti-terror-segway-commandos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/photo-of-the-day-chinese-anti-terror-segway-commandos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/03/photo-of-the-day-chinese-anti-terror-segway-commandos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



From Xinhua via our friends at China Car Times comes the above photo, showing Chinese counter-terrorism forces going through drills as they prepare to crush any dissent terror threat that might arise during next month's Olympic Games. The black ninja suits, fritz helmets, body armor, and submachine pistols all fit the profile of a specialized group like this. But... Segways?

UPDATE: Turns out, Engadget is having a caption contest. (Thanks, seoultrain.)

[Source: Xinhua via China Car Times]

Photo of the Day: Chinese anti-terror Segway commandos originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti terrorAntiTerrorchinachina policeChinaPolicecommandocounter-terrorolympic-gamesolympicgamesolympicspolicesegwaysegway-securityThu, 03 Jul 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Segway PT i2 Ferrari Limited Edition... this has got to stop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/22/ferrari-goes-two-wheels-ducati-neednt-worry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/22/ferrari-goes-two-wheels-ducati-neednt-worry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/22/ferrari-goes-two-wheels-ducati-neednt-worry/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've covered all manner of Ferrari products that have little to nothing to do with the firm's actual road cars or even its championship-winning formula racing program. These include laptop computers, PDAs, stereo systems, cell phones... you name it. Those are just the electronics, and just a few of them at that. But this... this is just too much. Ferrari, in its unquenchable thirst for more licensing opportunities, has teamed up with Segway to offer this special-edition scarlet scooter.

Okay, we'll concede that Ferrari employees actually use Segways to get around the ever-growing factory in Maranello, and heaven forbid they should use anything that isn't emblazoned with the Prancing Horse emblem. So while they were at it, the two companies at polar opposite ends of the wheeled transportation spectrum evidently decided to offer these Italian hybrids to the public.

And so the Segway PT i2 Ferrari Limited Edition was born, complete with Rosso paintwork and leather handlebars. Otherwise it's completely stock, so don't expect to be out-running anything with, you know... an actual engine, or other Segways for that matter. Like the standard Segway, it's designed to fit into the trunk of a car (maybe of a Scaglietti) and turns as instinctively as Kimi Raikkonen on the apex at this past weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Don't think this makes the geek's alternative to walking actually cool or anything, and it's no faster in any way than an ordinary Segway. But if you're filthy rich and you've wisely invested your wealth in a massive collection of Ferraris old and new, it may (and we'll stress may) make for a nice way to get around the garage. (We'll walk, thanks.)

Thanks to James for the tip.

[Source: Sybarites]

Segway PT i2 Ferrari Limited Edition... this has got to stop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari segwayFerrariSegwayscootersegwaytransportMon, 22 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[T3 motion cop trike ensures unsuccessful getaway for crooks on foot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/t3-motion-cop-trike-ensures-unsuccessful-getaway-for-crooks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/t3-motion-cop-trike-ensures-unsuccessful-getaway-for-crooks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/t3-motion-cop-trike-ensures-unsuccessful-getaway-for-crooks/#commentsFiled under: ,

Visitors to the 2007 International Security Convention West show (ISC West) in Las Vegas had a chance to get up close and personal with the future of police patrol vehicles. On display was the new three-wheeled chariot from T3 Motion. Sort of a Segway with sirens, the T3 Series security model boasts a top speed of 18-25 mph. That should be good enough to catch a fleeing suspect, but the T3 will most likely show its benefit in keeping officers fresh for when they have to dismount and really start a pursuit.

Powered by two rechargeable batteries, it will cost about $8,000 but offers a much lower per-mile cost than just about anything this side of a bicycle. Extra batteries can be carried and swapped in as necessary for a longer range and recharge times are 4-6 hours when you get back to the station. It's a bit beefier and more authoritative looking than a Segway, and with a front wheel, a little more stable, as well. And it's green to boot. The zero-emission vehicle even uses LED lighting to minimize battery usage. T3 motion offers a range of similar vehicles customized for military, personal security and law enforcement applications.

[Source: Engadget]

T3 motion cop trike ensures unsuccessful getaway for crooks on foot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Engadgetlaw enforcement vehicleLawEnforcementVehiclepolice carPoliceCarSegwayT3T3 MotionT3MotionFri, 30 Mar 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch your toes: T3 three-wheeled police scooter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/watch-your-toes-t3-three-wheeled-police-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/watch-your-toes-t3-three-wheeled-police-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/watch-your-toes-t3-three-wheeled-police-scooter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nothing says "to serve and protect" like a cop riding piggyback on R2-D2. T3 Motion has developed a three-wheeled competitor to the Segway, which it's currently marketing to law-enforcement agencies and those crazy cops from California were first in line.

The T3 made its debut in Boston on October 14 at a police chiefs convention, though the company says it is looking into other technologies, applications and markets. Currently the T3 is being tested at the University of Southern California and on Catalina Island, among other locations.

The vehicle is powered by two battery cells, which are charged via a specially-designed charging unit that runs off ordinary wall-socket electricity. The little scooter also comes equipped with LED flashing lights, sirens and a lockable glovebox (for felonious squirrels) and even an optional GPS tracking system. That's a lot more than you could fit on a Segway (and not just because they've been recalled, either). We just wish it could say "stop, or there will be... trouble".

Because the batteries can be swapped out on the field, T3 Motion says the vehicle effectively has an unlimited range. With quick-turning agility, the company also says their scooter has "intuitive handling". Know what else has intuitive handling? A cop walking the beat.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Watch your toes: T3 three-wheeled police scooter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>policescootersegwayt3Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Every Segway ever sold recalled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/every-segway-ever-sold-recalled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/every-segway-ever-sold-recalled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/every-segway-ever-sold-recalled/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Imagine if Ford were forced to recall every vehicle it had ever sold all the way back to the Quadracycle of the 1890s. That's what Segway Inc. is facing with a recall announced that involves all 23,500 Segway Human Transporters that have been sold since March of 2002. The recall involves a software glitch that could cause a Segway to unexpectedly apply reverse torque, essentially backing up, and possibly tossing the rider over the handlebars. You see, this is why we prefer sitting down while traveling.

Segway has received six reports of this happening that have resulted in head and wrist injuries, but the fix appears to fast and easy. Any owner can take his or her Segway to a local service provider and get a free software upgrade that purportedly fixes the problem.

[Source: Segway, Inc. via Engadget]

Every Segway ever sold recalled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>recallsegwayThu, 14 Sep 2006 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Segway finds no green in New York Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/segway-finds-no-green-in-new-york-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/segway-finds-no-green-in-new-york-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/segway-finds-no-green-in-new-york-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The founder of SegwayNYNY, Itsi Atkins, reviewed the New York Auto show and found it lacking in any advancements in alternative transportation. According to PR Wire, Atkins saw nothing that indicated the automakers had developed technologies to reduce oil use. Instead, he found the "...the war of the sound waves with Sirius vs. XM. Each company was trying to out spend advertising dollars to impress the ears of the drivers." Atkins stated the real head-turner at the show was the P model Segway which drew attention not only from in-the-know New Yorkers, but from Hummer buyers as well.

For the record, no one from Autoblog saw a Segway on the floor during the press preview days.

See here for Segway's foray at the show last week.

[Source: PR Web via eMediaWire]

Segway finds no green in New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Human TransporterHumanTransporterSegwayFri, 21 Apr 2006 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Segway rolling around New York Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/segway-rolling-around-new-york-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/segway-rolling-around-new-york-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/segway-rolling-around-new-york-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're tired of walking and really don't want to risk a heart attack in one of the Big Apple's (in)famous taxi cabs--assuming you can hail one--Segway is offering an alternative.

Segways, those two-wheel motorized vehicles, will be available for demonstration at the show. The linked article cites the benefits of a Segway such as low maintenance and operating costs. Did you know it only costs 10 cents to fully charge the electric battery, which means the Segway provides 390 miles of operation for the cost of a single gallon of gas. Its tires have a 5,000 miles range. It also has an electronic key start so no one can steal your Segway from the bike rack.
 
Other advantages and contact information while in NYC can be found at the link.

[Source: PR Web via eMediaWire]

Segway rolling around New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>human transporterHumanTransporternew york cityNewYorkCityNYCSegwaywalkingWed, 12 Apr 2006 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bombardier Embrio delivers new transportation possibilities]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/13/bombardier-embrio-delivers-new-transportation-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/13/bombardier-embrio-delivers-new-transportation-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/13/bombardier-embrio-delivers-new-transportation-possibilities/#commentsFiled under:



Not since the Segway Human Transporter debuted amidst a fog of hype has a transportation solution come along that makes us rethink how we may get around in the future. The Bombardier Embrio makes the Segway look old school by relying on only one wheel while in motion, though a second smaller wheel does deploy at speeds below 12 mph. The Embrio uses gryoscope technology similar to the Segway's to keep its rider balanced, but adds a futuristic hydrogen fuel-cell motor and an active suspension with variable damping. Looking for all intents and purposes like an emasculated motorcycle, the Embio weighs a mere 360 pounds.

Bombardier's concept may offer a sneak peak at our future, but it won't have truly arrived until it has its own Polo league like the Segway.

Bombardier Embrio delivers new transportation possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futureSegwayMon, 13 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST