The wheels on this device are smaller than I'd feel safe riding on. Small rocks can stop a skateboard, and when they do, it is much better to be perpendicular rather than facing forward when stopped abruptly. I remember goofing off riding on a board facing forward, and every time the board stopped abruptly, I would fall face forward. Unrelated, they could have picked better music for the video.
Small rocks etc. is one thing, but going around a city there's so many manmade obstacles as well. Every sidewalk curb, cobblestone, pothole, with this thing you have to stop, bend down and pick it up, walk a step or two, put it down and resume. At least on a skateboard/longboard you can kick it up and throw it down again, or even just ollie shit.
It's unfortunate that we have such restrictive and inconsistent rules around the place concerning these light electric vehicles. I realize that electric bikes really push the motorbike-bike line, but this stuff is being invented and experimented on at a clip and it's hard to figure out the best form factors when the rules are all defined around what was available and popular at some point.
And, it's important to advance... All these little electric vehicles are potentially really helpful. No emissions, low energy, far less infrastructure than cars and trains. All the segway fantasies could actually come true, in some form as these things improve. They just need to keep improving the battery tech and let these guys experiment with form factor.
Here's my request for the V2: double the size and design it to be used sitting in the lotus position. It'd be a flying carpet... that flies really low.
Imagine two of these colliding head on in a mall or campus. Potential 15mph head banger. Definitely dangerous and maybe fatal. That's why these rules are proliferating. Fact is the radius in which any of these motorised mobility aids is safe is much larger than that of a pedestrian. Our legs, torsos are very strong, with dozens of muscles wired directly to our brains for minimum latency, so we can stop or dodge essentially instantly. These tools are therefore appropriate only in less densely travelled areas (factories, warehouses, etc) or on special pathways with strict traffic rules.
The simple solution is to eliminate street parking and use it for all the other better alternatives for driving. Most of the rules are there because of how incredibly dangerous cars and trucks are.
I don't understand who this is for. To be able to remain balanced on a small patch of ground that can zip around in any direction under your feet with no handholds requires MORE balance than ordinary walking. That means that almost anyone who could safely use this would have to be healthy enough to walk normally. Walking is almost as fast, vastly more flexible, convenient, reliable, cheap....
Yes, it's more tiring, but someone who could safely use one of these could also safely cruise around on a scooter with larger wheels and a handle for much higher speed, much lower cost, more stability, no fear of running out of power, better handling over uneven surfaces, etc.
The people who need powered transportation on walkways tend to be those with limited personal mobility, and most of them would be at great risk balanced on one of these things. They need something stable to sit on, not something unstable to stand on.
The best market I can think of for these things is relatively young, healthy workers gliding around the smooth floor of a very large warehouse all day long carrying small objects. But that's not how they seem to be positioning this thing, and most of those jobs will be robotized, because the little warehouse scooter doesn't really need the person.
10kph is twice as fast as typical walking speed. I can see using one of these to go to and from the train station on my commute - you can't take a scooter on the train, but something that fits in a backpack is would be fine.
Yes, as netcan says, make it large enough to sit on. But kneeling is safer than lotus position, because it's easy to transition from there to walking. And it's a standard Japanese seat style.[0]
At lower speeds would it be much different to a moving walkway? As for use cases these would be unlimited! I imagine 10km/ph is as fast as a taxi would average in a busy downtown
Cool toy but seems gimmicky. The research just keeps piling up about how sitting at our desks all day is terrible for our health... That we need to get up and walk and move, the exact thing this product seems to be trying to outsource. Too bad we evolved to move about our environments using our legs, instead of stay immobile in a dark swampy cave with bio-luminescent algae interfaces.
It was gimmicky for me until it showed him walking with his mom. My grandmother used to love going for walks but now gets too tired too fast. I'm not saying I'd buy one of these just for that use case, but that's the moment that made me see realistic applications. Could work well with a "granny grocery cart", extending the time a person can stay independent as they age without being as cumbersome as a wheelchair.
Between this, electric skateboards and scooters, and the half dozen other devices I've seen popping up - every day we're inching farther along a trajectory to Wall-E status. These devices are inherently anti-walking and anti-exercise (contrasted to, say, a car, which can be used as such, but also provides utility far beyond what walking can accomplish).
I would argue that the typical Japanese consumer walks much more than in the US. Thus, I imagine users would augment their current walking routines. Getting around in a large metropolitan area is the problem, but how you do it can vary. walk+bike, walk+train, cooltoy+walk+train, etc.
Nothing is stopping you from being active with purpose. Go to the gym, run, bike, etc. I currently own a solowheel and it's been a lifesaver. I'd just be taking transit otherwise, I'd say doing this over transit is better for you.
I, for example, love walking - on average 15k steps a day. But some days I simply don't have the time. Or I have so many errands to do that I can spend over 4 hours to get everywhere unless I use a cab or public transport.
That's why I just got myself onewheel (still on the way to me). I expect it to be faster than any other mean of a transportation.
Rather than something for me to ride, I'd rather have something that I can toss things onto, that would follow behind me (like Tensor's Floating Disc).
I'd be super worried riding this in anything other than a smooth indoor environment, as it looks like the smallest chunk of gravel could send you flying.
But I think the non-self-balancing but still weight-sensing control scheme has a lot of promise (I've built a few of theses myself: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=49557...). I've found segway-style vehicles really twitchy to ride (since they'll literally tip over if they don't react quickly and forcefully enough), whereas basic weight sensing control is super intuitive (much more so than, say, the hand control on the Boosted boards).
Is it possible that the front wheels being powered could climb up a small stone, unlike a skateboard that is kind of pushed horizontally into it by momentum?
>> And how we all thought of it as the new way of human transportation?
>No, I don't remember that bit.
I remember my American born English teacher back then really thinking that. I also read later years later somebody who explained that phenomenon as a reaction to 9/11, as a way for Americans to think about good news and a better future.
Mandatory quote from Paul Graham. He says they've received too much money too early, which didn't require them to work iteratively and deal with adoption, as a consequence people look like a dork on a Seagway.
So twice normal walking speed is good. I can walk at 10 kmph, and I can walk 12 km. But I can't walk 12 km at 10 kmph. However, I can't imagine that I could balance on such a small, short platform, moving at 10 kmph. Even on a smooth surface. And the shape seems wrong. I'd be far more comfortable on a board. Sideways is cool, but only when leaning backward. Catching an edge is so not fun.
Unlike skateboards, the four wheels on this platform make almost a square. There's a chance that it can handle pot holes better, since three wheels will still be enough. But yeah, I share your feelings about edges.
Is it as cheap as these[1] mass produced mini segways that have become popular? The linked products also have a range of 8 miles and a top speed of more than 9mph.
This is the same device being sold by iohawk and Phunkee Duck for over $1,500. Phunkee Duck managed to get celebrities to use them and people are spending a fortune although it is the identical product!
They are available directly from the original manufacturer in china via alibaba [1] or aliexpress for around $150-$300.
One practical if very niche use I could see for this would be doing steady shots when filming. I don't think it would let you do anything new but it might make doing some types of shots easier.
Based on its design, I can't imagine it going very far or very fast. The appear (what there was) of the Segway is that it will allow a normal human to go much further, much faster than would be possible by walking. And without breaking a sweat.
With the tiny wheels, I'd think it would be a rough ride anywhere near where I live... with the uneven sidewalks and other transitions needed.
You can't stop fast with that thing, except by jumping off. See the video at 0:50. Jump off or face-plant, those are the options. Riders need basic skateboarding skills to use this thing, but skateboarders will be bored by it.
The Segway can stop fast without a face plant. That's what makes it usable.
The BPG Motors transforming motorcycle[1], with both a Segway form and a motorcycle form, seemed to be a really good concept four years ago. They demoed, then the product disappeared. They've come out with a two-tracked off-road standup ATV (the "Shredder"), but it's not for urban use.
I believe this will be most awesome on tradeshows or on large company premises.
I'd be interested to see how it can deal with gravel, rain, wind and what happens when you encounter that small step that is just a tad bit higher than the device can take.
Seems incomplete. Surely one would want simple foot controls to allow stopping without having to jump off. Or even moderate speed control.
Also having recently seen first hand how much losing ones mobility to illness, this could be a really great product for older people if it were modified into a walker that carried you. Also if it were setup as a walker for the elderly basic hand controls could be added.
Very interesting product I all be very interest to see how this develops and improves with an iteration or two.
There are parts of the video where he slows down and speeds up. Tilting forwards and backwards, maybe? I think the jumping off feature is being demonstrated more as a safety system, rather the main way you control the speed.
I cant seem to get into this idea. First if I were to ride this in NYC I would probably be on my face with the 2 inch wheels stuck in the subway grates or in a pot whole. Some may say "Well skate boards have small wheels" this devices wheels are smaller, and you don’t have the momentum from peddling to get you over the bumps. And also its plain awkward without being "cool", like an electric mountain board.
I would get one of these for living in SF. It would make lots of otherwise unwalkable neighborhoods perfectly accessible while only using it to go uphill.
Alternatively just walk those neighborhoods and they won't feel unwalkable very shortly! My 89 year old grandmother used to walk from her house in Japantown to Chrissy Field and back, regularly--your legs get used to it and suddenly the city feels a lot more accessible.
[+] [-] mrinterweb|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] semi-extrinsic|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] netcan|10 years ago|reply
It's unfortunate that we have such restrictive and inconsistent rules around the place concerning these light electric vehicles. I realize that electric bikes really push the motorbike-bike line, but this stuff is being invented and experimented on at a clip and it's hard to figure out the best form factors when the rules are all defined around what was available and popular at some point.
And, it's important to advance... All these little electric vehicles are potentially really helpful. No emissions, low energy, far less infrastructure than cars and trains. All the segway fantasies could actually come true, in some form as these things improve. They just need to keep improving the battery tech and let these guys experiment with form factor.
Here's my request for the V2: double the size and design it to be used sitting in the lotus position. It'd be a flying carpet... that flies really low.
[+] [-] vegabook|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] hiou|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] darkmighty|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] sschueller|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] SiVal|10 years ago|reply
Yes, it's more tiring, but someone who could safely use one of these could also safely cruise around on a scooter with larger wheels and a handle for much higher speed, much lower cost, more stability, no fear of running out of power, better handling over uneven surfaces, etc.
The people who need powered transportation on walkways tend to be those with limited personal mobility, and most of them would be at great risk balanced on one of these things. They need something stable to sit on, not something unstable to stand on.
The best market I can think of for these things is relatively young, healthy workers gliding around the smooth floor of a very large warehouse all day long carrying small objects. But that's not how they seem to be positioning this thing, and most of those jobs will be robotized, because the little warehouse scooter doesn't really need the person.
[+] [-] lmm|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] tagawa|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mirimir|10 years ago|reply
[0] https://fewrightautonomy.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/87caa30...
[+] [-] jusben1369|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] abledon|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jkaunisv1|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] resu_nimda|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] brianobush|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] EC1|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kolinko|10 years ago|reply
That's why I just got myself onewheel (still on the way to me). I expect it to be faster than any other mean of a transportation.
[+] [-] toephu2|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mcphage|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] noobie|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] DenisM|10 years ago|reply
http://www.amazon.com/Inventist-SW1-Solowheel-by/dp/B007Q3FZ...
[+] [-] frankus|10 years ago|reply
But I think the non-self-balancing but still weight-sensing control scheme has a lot of promise (I've built a few of theses myself: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=49557...). I've found segway-style vehicles really twitchy to ride (since they'll literally tip over if they don't react quickly and forcefully enough), whereas basic weight sensing control is super intuitive (much more so than, say, the hand control on the Boosted boards).
[+] [-] Asbostos|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mcphage|10 years ago|reply
Yeah.
> And how we all thought of it as the new way of human transportation?
No, I don't remember that bit.
[+] [-] biot|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] 51Cards|10 years ago|reply
I almost rented one for the first time on vacation this spring... then I just walked instead.
[+] [-] danmaz74|10 years ago|reply
I remember my American born English teacher back then really thinking that. I also read later years later somebody who explained that phenomenon as a reaction to 9/11, as a way for Americans to think about good news and a better future.
[+] [-] tajen|10 years ago|reply
http://www.paulgraham.com/segway.html
[+] [-] mirimir|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] krasin|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] namlem|10 years ago|reply
[1]http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dap...
[+] [-] sschueller|10 years ago|reply
They are available directly from the original manufacturer in china via alibaba [1] or aliexpress for around $150-$300.
[1] http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/2015-New-Two-Wheels-Se...
[+] [-] lotu|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] sitkack|10 years ago|reply
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UYzaWGTov0
https://vimeo.com/77716627
[+] [-] newmotors|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] sshagent|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Thiz|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kristopolous|10 years ago|reply
Also, train stations.
[+] [-] ansible|10 years ago|reply
With the tiny wheels, I'd think it would be a rough ride anywhere near where I live... with the uneven sidewalks and other transitions needed.
[+] [-] lming|10 years ago|reply
It's amazing that the tiny battery can run 7.4 miles...
http://venturebeat.com/2015/08/07/pocket-sized-personal-tran...
[+] [-] Animats|10 years ago|reply
The Segway can stop fast without a face plant. That's what makes it usable.
The BPG Motors transforming motorcycle[1], with both a Segway form and a motorcycle form, seemed to be a really good concept four years ago. They demoed, then the product disappeared. They've come out with a two-tracked off-road standup ATV (the "Shredder"), but it's not for urban use.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odI4WaYEcCU
[+] [-] zeeed|10 years ago|reply
I'd be interested to see how it can deal with gravel, rain, wind and what happens when you encounter that small step that is just a tad bit higher than the device can take.
[+] [-] evo_9|10 years ago|reply
Also having recently seen first hand how much losing ones mobility to illness, this could be a really great product for older people if it were modified into a walker that carried you. Also if it were setup as a walker for the elderly basic hand controls could be added.
Very interesting product I all be very interest to see how this develops and improves with an iteration or two.
[+] [-] david-given|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jkaunisv1|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] unknown|10 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] codemonkeymike|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] scoofy|10 years ago|reply
[+] [-] emeltzz|10 years ago|reply