I immediately liked the Segway, the two-wheeled Human Transporter
that looks like a lawn mower. For those who haven't seen it, have a
look at the photos, descriptions and discussions at:
http://www.segway.com/
http://www.atnet.org/news/mar02/031501.html
http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2001dec/gee20011203009126.htm

Yes, the Segway was "officially" released back in December 2001, so
it's not exactly new. But what makes it important is the discussions
around it, how it would innovate the way we live.

Here are some specifications of the i-series Segway model:
1. Footprint - 19 x 25 inches (48 cm x 63.5 cm), easy to store,
park, transport, think of traffic jams;
2. Pollution - the Segway runs on electric batteries;
3. Travel range - up to 15 miles (25 km) on a single charge;
4. Speed - top speed of 12.5 miles (20 km) per hour;
5. Cost - $3000;
6. Mobility - 360 degree rotation, zero turning radius;
7. Weight - 83 lbs. (38 kg), you can carry it up a stairway or take
it into an elevator;
8. Running cost - A recharge takes four to six hours, which at 10
cents per KW-h, works out to less than 10 cents.

There has been much hype about the Segway when it was first shown to
the media. Some argued that it would change the world, even replace
the car as the most popular means of transport. That would indeed be
something.

REPLACING THE CAR - THE ECONOMIC IMPACT

Think of the huge part of the economy evolving around the car, the
manufacturers of cars, the oil companies. The fact that the Segway
runs on electrical power is something that may play a role in this
too. Note that electrical power could be generated by solar panels
at home. Just add up the cost of petrol, then the car aquisition
cost, insurance, maintenance, and look at the taxes paid each time.

ROADS AND URBAN DESIGN

Then, of course, roads. Would we still need roads the way they are
now? We could build new cities around the Segway, smaller houses (no
garage needed), half the surface of a town consists of roads, so
think instead of something like a campus with footpaths going from
one place to another, houses can be put much closer together, etc.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

People can go eat to eat in restaurants easier, because there's no
traffic and parking hassle, just a short stroll or ride on the
Segway instead. That means less shopping, which previously required
a car to get the load of groceries home. Instead, goods can be
delivered by mail order, courier or delivery van.

POLITICAL IMPACT

It would change politics. Government earns much taxes on cars,
petrol and associated businesses. Speeding tickets, parking fees and
fines, they often have become a revenue that government has become
dependent on. Roads are typically government-owned, police are most
visible on roads, people are controlled by traffic rules, licence
plates and driver's licences. Further control is exercised through
public transport, taxi licencing, etc. Government would have less
grip over a community in which the Segway was the most popular means
of transport.

I love to hear more about this!

MCS