Think of it as a digital solution to an analog problem. Segway’s P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility) prototype represents the shift that’s needed for the future of transportation. It values less over more; taking up less space, using less energy, produced more efficiently with fewer parts, creating fewer emissions during production and operation, all while offering more enjoyment, productivity, and connectivity.
Take a test drive and you quickly understand that this is something completely different. The elegance and maneuverability of dynamic stabilization combined with proven battery, sensing, and controls technologies come together to solve real transportation challenges. This prototype represents only the first step of what’s possible in a technology collaboration between Segway and General Motors.
Top speed: Aimed to travel between 25 and 35 mph (40 – 56 kph)
Range: Aimed to have a 25 – 35 mile range (40 – 56 km)
Weight: Currently ~300 lbs/136 kg
Key/system information: Wireless via handheld
Charge time: ~8-10 hours
Turning radius: Zero
(All specs are approximate and do not imply intended configuration if it or a variant were ever to productized.)
Q: How much does it cost in electricity to recharge?
A: Based on the current battery configuration, it’s about $.60 in electricity to recharge.
Q: How do you accelerate?
A: Push the steering console forward to alter the position of the center of mass of the vehicle and it’ll naturally accelerate forward.
Q: How does it brake?
A: Perform the opposite by pulling the steering console toward you.
Q: How does it balance?
A: It uses an array of angular rate sensors and accelerometers to determine the orientation and motion of the vehicle’s platform. As the platform leans forward, the balance sensor assembly notices and responds by requesting power to the motors to drive the wheels forward to maintain balance.
Q: When can I get one?A: This is only a prototype with no current plans to offer it for sale, but you can sign up for our company newsletter
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Q: In what weather conditions can this be ridden?
A: The prototype has not been tested in adverse weather. Additional development would be necessary to determine the proper enclosure to protect against the elements and maintain traction control.
Q: What sort of terrain does it travel over?
A: The prototype was developed to travel over smooth terrain as a demonstration of what’s possible with existing technology.
Q: What would this cost if it were to come to market tomorrow?
A: Think about this prototype as building up from a Segway PT, not down from a car. As such, there are a lot of components that can be eliminated and cost saved. Still, batteries are a significant portion of any electric transportation product. Range configurations would sway any figure significantly. So we’re not going to share a figure at this time, but it’s probably less than most current small car prices.
Q: How can I get one?A: There’s only one in the world. If you’d like email us
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