When the Segway was first announced in 2001, inventor Dean Kamen declared that it would change the way people move around in urban environments. While its incredibly high price tag made it unapproachable for most people, a new Indiegogo campaign, URB-E seeks to be the next urban transport king. Available in the 3-wheel Commuter model or the 2-wheel GP model, you get a 27-pound lithium-ion battery powered foldable electric bike that boasts a top speed of 15-mph and a 20-mile range. Prices start at $799 for a model made overseas to a $1599 model made here in the United States. As a special perk, there is a dock for inserting your smartphone for recharging using the built-in Li-Ion battery pack. The whole thing folds up quickly into a compact wheeled-luggage type arrangement to make it easier to fit onto a bus or train. If you want to get in on the ground floor of the next trend in urban transport, better act quick. The campaign ends on March 21st and has raised almost all of its goal with two weeks remaining. Visit the URB-E Indiegogo campaign page for info or to pledge.
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Five years ago I fell off a two-wheeled classic Segway and broke my shoulder and tore a rotator cuff. It took about a year to heal completely.
Last June I fell off a CitiBike in NYC and broke my leg and tore a minicus. I am now forbidden by family to do any activity that requires any type of helmut.
One thing I discovered on the Segway was that my feet got tired from just standing in one place. Just standing put a lot of pressure on my feet. But I couldn’t shift from foot to foot as it would disturb the balance and direction of the Segway.
It’s not like walking for the same amount of time. When that happens only half the time is spent on each foot and each time you lift the foot it gets rest.
The URB-E solves that problem with its seat.
It also makes it easier to carry a computer and other items in a pack on the device instead of on the back as the Segway required.
You are misinformed about how to control the “balance and direction” of the Segway – which is likely why you fell off. It is also incorrect to say that you can’t shift your weight from foot to foot or carry items like a laptop without a backpack.