Segway analysis

Dan Bricklin has a well-written analysis of the Segway which he correctly identifies as a disruptive technology in the market for scooters and other "people movers". Of course the Segway competes with scooters. But it also competes with a range of other transportation technologies such as public transportation, bicycles, and rollerblades.

Rollerblades are probably too dangerous to use for many people and the wheels are very impractical when you go shopping. Bicycle riders live a dangerous life between the cars in many major cities. And public transportation does not always take you to the place you need to go. So, many of the existing personal mobility devices are too hard or dangerous to use for daily transportation in the city. As a result, people go by car which creates traffic problems in the city.

The Segway may improve things since it appears more safe as you could be driving on the sidewalk and is better protected from the traffic. At least one big question remains: Will cities allow Segways in pedestrian areas? It ultimately depends on how it will affect other pedestrians.

Kristoffer Bohmann

Segway analysis

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