Human Transporter?!

AlphaGam1019 · #1 12-03-2001, 05:51 PM

A new invention was unveiled this morning on Good Morning America....

"The ultra-secret invention that has kept the high-tech world abuzz for the past year is a self- balancing, motorized scooter that costs under 10 cents a day to operate and could usher in a new era of individual transport.

The machine, once code-named ``Ginger,'' but now known as the Human Transporter, could replace private cars in crowded cities or battery-powered carts on factory floors by enabling riders to zip around safely in close quarters, its developer said.

Segway Human Transporter (HT) empowers you to go farther and faster than you've ever been on foot. It is the first enhancement to personal mobility that doesn't isolate you from other pedestrians. It inspires new ideas—about urban spaces, commerce, community, and your next trip to the store. It represents what is possible when people thoughtfully approach problems from new angles, applying technology, vision, and creativity."

More pics and info at the company's website www.segway.com

Is it me, or does it look goofy?! Can you imagine riding this contraption on the way to class or on the sidewalk of a downtown city?! lol.

SigmaChiCard · #2 12-03-2001, 06:18 PM

I've been reading about that too. Crazy shit, isn't it?

The New York Times has an article on it, but you might have to subscribe to it to get this link, I'm not sure.

33girl · #3 12-03-2001, 08:38 PM

So, this is "IT"!!!

All I can picture is that one Bugs Bunny cartoon where the big furry beaky space alien was riding one of these things.

My next trip to the store? I don't think so.

amycat412 · #4 12-03-2001, 08:47 PM

plus i heard they cost like $8,000.
Gimme my car any day please! And at 12mph, I'll ride my bike.

AlphaGam1019 · #5 12-03-2001, 09:01 PM

Can you imagine the world if people regularly rode on these things? I think you'd have to make those things BIGGER, cause we wouldn't be getting any slimmer by giving up walking.

Rosealum · #6 12-03-2001, 09:03 PM

Yeah, I can see that on the highways of Houston!

GmuTeke · #7 12-03-2001, 11:27 PM

sorry but...what a terrible idea.

i mean, we had enough of a problem with those razor skooters on our campus, imagine the horror of seing these things scoot around the buildings. at 80lbs, you can't really take in into the store with you as you make a run to the supermarket for that quick pint of milk. but still small enough for people to get dangerously injured in a hit and run accident with a MAN IN CAR, and you on your little HT.

sure it may work for some of the smaller people, but my big bro is 6'4" 250lb fraternity man. i can't see him on one of these things.

it's just silly.

SilverTurtle · #8 12-04-2001, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AlphaGam1019
Can you imagine the world if people regularly rode on these things? I think you'd have to make those things BIGGER, cause we wouldn't be getting any slimmer by giving up walking.

LMAO! I was thinking this, too, but it wasn't so funny until I read it!

GmuTeke · #9 12-04-2001, 10:00 AM

I found an article on the Washington Post website about it, it makes some valid points, both for and against it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...-2001Dec3.html

juniorgrrl · #10 12-04-2001, 05:50 PM

South Park's version of IT was much funnier

amycat412 · #11 12-04-2001, 06:15 PM

with my purse, my laptop and any other random stuff i carry to and from work--and yes, I walk to work--I wouldn't even be able to use it, no place to stash my stuff.

i'll continue to drive my car, ride my bike and walk, thanks.

AlphaGam1019 · #12 12-04-2001, 07:19 PM

In one of the pictures, it showed a "business man" having his briefcase on the side of the gadget. What prevents a theft though? lol.

I suppose you can go after the thief since your top speed would be around 17mph lol. Now that would be a sight.

Beef · #13 12-04-2001, 07:28 PM

I can just imagin the races on TNN, lawnmower racing might have some competition for that coveted 2am time slot!!