Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Transportation Alternatives, On Two Wheels, Green Daily
Segway i2 is now green for real
Segway transporters hold a special place on our site as technologically advanced electric two-wheelers available all over the world. While the Segway's usefulness as a transportation device is often scrutinized, the zero-emissions status of the self-balancing little machine is not up for debate. Now, the Segway i2 even comes painted in the right color: green. Specifically, the chosen hue is known as "Metallic Sage." Apparently, just calling it green doesn't do the new shade justice, as Segway remarks that the color "has a goldish finish with hues of green and a metallic underbody that grabs changing light." But wait, there's more, the "Segway wordmark is presented in an off-white green with a subtle outline above the gray i2 logomark."To be frank, our meager blogging budgets don't allow us to afford a Segway i2 anyway, but if we were to purchase one, this is the color that we'd choose.
[Source: Segway via Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Throwback 10:05AM (5/05/2008)
I never understood Segways. If anything we (USA) need to walk more, not less.
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s10 10:32AM (5/05/2008)
exactly... although nice technology, walking, driving a bicycle or any smaller manpowered 2 wheeler, is both cheaper, greener, easier and healthier.
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jt 11:52AM (5/05/2008)
I can't believe that people who read a green transportation blog would be so ignorant.
The Segway is not a replacement for walking--it is meant to replace short car trips. Think a 3 mile ride to the supermarket to pick up a loaf of bread. That is the sort of trip that, in a car, is most harmful for the environment. It is so short the car cannot warm up, and thus its emissions systems cannot operate efficiently.
To anyone who is trying to reduce their car usage -- whether by Segway or bike or mass transit -- I say bravo. Every advance in electric vehicles is a step forward, and I think that readers of this blog should recognize that,
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Throwback 1:45PM (5/05/2008)
3 miles on a Segway? As I recall Segways where originally developed for urban transportation needs. As someone who grew up in NYC, I can tell you a Segway is the wrong answer, mass transit is the way to go in urban areas.
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Joey 10:34PM (5/12/2008)
I agree with the person above that said "bravo" to those of you who have chosen to walk or ride a bike. GOOD CHOICE. Considering this, remember that some people have chronic pain, diseases,and disabilities. For these people the Segway gives them a big piece of their lives back. I go further than 3 miles. I sometimes go 15 miles in a day on mine. I see parts of my city and parks that 99% of the other citizens didn't even know existed. You know why? Because, not only is the segway "green" but it is really really fun!! I've ridden a bike, not very fun. Walking, no, not fun. Am I lazy? No, I just ran a marathon. It is practical. Not for Manhattan, not for the middle of suburbia, but for intermediate city living. Ann Arbor Michigan is a perfect example. Impossible to park here, gas is almost 4 dollars a gallon. Tight streets, lots of hills, LOTS OF HILLS. Ever try riding a bike straight up a hill? How'd your legs feel when you got done doing that? Most students that live where I do take 25-30 minutes to walk to class. I get there in about 5 minutes. Why do I need to go so fast? Whats my hurry? I don't know, why don't you wash all your dishes and clothes by hand?
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Clayton L. Riggs 3:15PM (5/14/2008)
I am not an owner of a Segway but want to know more
about them and the cost. I'm 79 years of age and I
want something to use to go down town rather than
drive. I'm talking about 3 or 4 blocks. I had a
Honda scooter, but sold it as couldn't trust the
cars. This I can use on the sidewalk. Please give
me all the info. I may need to purchase one.
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Kyle 5:47PM (5/18/2008)
OK, I'm going to get blasted for this, but, for the love of God, how lazy do you have to be to have a machine walk for you? Every time there is a Segway on a TV show, they're making fun of it, [Simpsons, Fraser].
A ZERO emissions bicycle will get you anywhere a Segway can go, and prolly a little faster.
And the cost!, give me a $500 bike to a $5000 Segway anyday. If you are old an unable to bike, then get the Segway.
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jbenni 10:26AM (7/21/2008)
Bikes are great. So are Segways. Segways complement, not compete with, bikes and mass transit. Bikes combine transportation and exercise - both important. But Segways give you the option to to perform those activities separately.
I commuted 6 hilly miles (round trip) by Segway, and even on hot days I could arrive at the office in a crisp clean shirt. That's an important practical difference. (I prefer to get exercise when there's a shower handy.)
And the average rail commuter walks 1/4 mile or less to get to a rail point. In the same time, a Segway user could travel 1 mile to get to a train. Increasing the range of a rail system by 4 increases potential ridership by 16 (the square). That's a huge boost for mass transit appeal. My own use of light rail certainly increased after getting a Segway.
And yes, rail systems accommodate Segways - even more easily than bikes.
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Steve 3:52PM (7/31/2008)
The last comment made a very important point that should stick in all of the "Negative Nancy's" heads.
Segways complement, not compete with, bikes and mass transit. Bikes combine transportation and exercise - both important. But Segways give you the option to to perform those activities separately.
There are applications for both. I know someone who owns one, and I borrowed it for a day. I wanted to take it everywhere I went. 1 mile drive to the 7-11, take the Segway. Much more fun, better for the environment. If I had a bike(which I don't) I could have used that, but most likely if I had a bike, I would have driven. Reason? Segways are a blast. If you've never ridden one, keep your comments to yourself until you have an educated opinion to give. Until then, you can only dream....
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Steve 3:54PM (7/31/2008)
Also,
Clayton, if you are in the southeast Michigan area, you can purchase a segway at www.annarborsegway.com
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Roland 7:59PM (9/30/2008)
I commute 9 miles each way to work most days by Segway in hilly Seattle. When not on my segway, I typically ride the bus. My Segway commute takes me about 45 minutes (I go about 11-12mph on average - certainly not walking speed ;-). I work in a business formal office and wear a suit & tie. If I were to bike to work, I'd need a change of clothes and a shower at both ends of the ride - not realistic for me logistically or time-wise.
If I were to walk...it would take me much longer than 45 minutes (I don't "walk" a 5-minute mile ;-).
The segway costs $5k to start, but...
I don't pay for parking (parking a car costs $14/day in Seattle) - park in a bike storage area at work.
I don't suffer depreciation of my car by using it.
I don't have to deal with cars as I am on sidewalks.
It is really fun to ride.
Ultimately - if a segway is simply purchased as a toy...it is expensive. If it is really used as a commuting vehicle...it isn't all that expensive.
Unfortunately, many people think Segways only go walking speed -that would be pretty useless. They really are a reliable and green alternative to other motorized transportation devices.
Oh...and my wife has one too. Her rationale is that she has mobility problems (can't walk well - but stands great) as she suffers from MS.