Segway says it will end production of its namesake two-wheeled personal transporter, popular with tourists and police officers but perhaps better known for its high-profile crashes.
The company, founded in 1999 by inventor Dean Kamen, will retire the Segway PT on July 15.
The company said 21 employees will be laid off. In 2017, Segway got into the scooter business just as it took over urban streets all over the world.
Although popular with touring companies, the Segway didn't take off with the public.
Segway, which boldly claimed its two-wheeled personal transporter would revolutionize the way people get around, is ending production of its namesake vehicle.
The Segway PT, popular with tourists and police officers but perhaps better known for its high-profile crashes, will be retired on July 15, the company said in a statement.
Never rode one. Guess I'm glad I didn't:
quote:
The transportation revolution that inventor Dean Kamen envisioned when he founded the company in 1999 never took off. The Segway's original price tag of around $5,000 was a hurdle for many customers. It also was challenging to ride because the rider had to be balanced at a specific angle for the vehicle to move forward. If the rider's weight shifted too much in any direction, it could easily spin out of control and throw the rider off.
When they first came out, I road one at a conference for which I was the host. At one point, I road it up a narrow ramp onto a stage. I was sure that would be a Fiasco - but I pulled it off without incident. They are helpful for police at malls or airports - but as a practical transportation device - not so much.
We did a couple hour tour on these in Chicago. It really helped see more than a walking tour! Probably took 30 minutes to get everyone comfortable and stable before heading out - there was 1-on-1 training.
-------------------------------- Visit me on the Web! www.ronkoval.com
Posts: 7603 | Location: chicagoland | Registered: 21 April 2005
