Toyota Targets Segway with Winglet Personal Transportation
Like the Segway, the user controls the Winglet by shifting his weight to move the transporter forward and back or to make tight turns. Winglet will begin consumer testing at the Central Japan International Airport near Nagoya and Laguna Gamagori resort this Autumn with further testing in more crowded environments planned for 2009. It's planned to hit a production stride in 2010.
Hey Toyota, here's a hint: you'd better start lobbying for sidewalk legalization ASAP if you're hoping for global success. All three pictured after the break in order of S, M, and Large.
Update: Video added after the break to show just how nimble the handle-less S and M versions can be. [Source: Toyota Via Akihabara News]
Related Links:
- Crazy Woman Pushes Stroller on Segway
- Amputee Vets Riding on Free Segways, Thanks to Non-Profit Group
- Segway Sales Hit All Time High, Thanks to Oil Prices
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
ItsBridget @ Aug 1st 2008 2:19PM
Well, just another tool to aid in obesity!! Walk, people!!
Al @ Aug 2nd 2008 10:03PM
Very well said, I couldn't agree more!
However, if people get TOO obese from these things, the wheels or motor will break from the weight overload anyway. Then they'll have no alternative but to lose weight.
Arthur Lamarche @ Aug 1st 2008 2:20PM
I am sure that the inventor of the Segway "Dean Kamen" will be closely looking for any type of Patent Infringements on this one.
Will be interesting to see if Toyota can ever legally market this in the U.S.
Yakamoto @ Aug 2nd 2008 11:05AM
Yes, I am sure Toyota may or will not be able to sell this product on US soil. The Segway idea has been stolen. So sad. US ideas have enriched Japanese.
s. perry @ Aug 1st 2008 2:26PM
I love Toyota products... so reliable!
Dave @ Aug 1st 2008 2:28PM
These things have always scared me. Screaming down a sidewalk here in Los Angeles, they are as silent as a bicycle but not as stable in an emergency. I asked my doctor, who is an elderly Japanese gentleman, about these about a year ago. We were standing in his office hallway looking outside when two of them went by in a blur. He grinned and said "You know, I'm from Japan, but I'd be the first one to say they should call them Kamakazis instead of Segways."
jme @ Aug 1st 2008 2:46PM
Tall about lazy... !
elaine @ Aug 1st 2008 2:51PM
WOW!!! this is the last thing America needs....in case you havent heard, we are the FATEST country....Americans need to WALK....
Jordan @ Aug 1st 2008 3:52PM
Australia is dumbass
Richard @ Aug 1st 2008 3:08PM
"WOW!!! this is the last thing America needs....in case you havent heard, we are the FATEST country....Americans need to WALK...."
People also criticize our educational system. Proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure are important as well.
rich @ Aug 1st 2008 3:04PM
I think they created this to see how stupid the American People really are. I am sure we willnot disappoint them. Guard your groin guys.
Richie @ Aug 1st 2008 3:11PM
What a bunch of cynical turds you are. How about the practical use of being able to go farther then if just walking and NOT taking the car? How about seniors who can not walk that far and would need the aid? Everyone is always looking for the downside of something rather then the positives. That is just as much a problem in America as obesity. People always looking for an excuse, cop out or reason too sue someone. Only 1 out of 7 comments so far were positive. You people need a life check.
rich @ Aug 1st 2008 3:13PM
But 4 out of eigh posts are by Riches.......... LAZY LAZY LAZY. What is the weight limit for this unit? Do they have a hefty? Wonder if it comes with a side car for your briefcase? Just a thought here..... Why do I see so many of you order half a cow at a fast food place and you make yourselves think you are doing a good job with your diet because you order a Diet drink? I do not think you are. Not when it takes half a tank of gas to drive around to the other side of you. WALK WALK WALK WALK WALK.
sailorgirl88 @ Aug 2nd 2008 7:35PM
lol. hefty... that's a good one. you made a really good point!
P. Smith @ Aug 1st 2008 3:27PM
Useless for healthy people. Handicapped people don't use this kind of thing. If you can stand, you can walk. Ridiculous and a limited usage of this type of thing. Are they trying to make legs obsolete. We need to walk more in this country. We are the most obese country in the world.
williehart @ Aug 1st 2008 4:22PM
Get a clue. Just because you can stand does not mean you can walk. You need a bit of enlightenment there P. Smith. This would be a Godsend for a friend of mine that has a back problem that makes walking a problem but she could use this! You need to back up a bit and rethink your thought!!
LD @ Aug 1st 2008 5:14PM
There are many medical conditions where it is possible to stand but walking is much more difficult. This device would give some independence to people like myself who would like to get out more but are unable to walk for long distances due to orthopedic problems resulting from a car accident. I can walk but not for long distances with this devise I could go to the park again or the mall or sightseeing in D.C. Get real, there is more diversity than the so called able bodied and the obese. Don't be so narrow minded.
elfriede @ Aug 1st 2008 6:53PM
If you can stand, you can walk? How wrong you are! People have numerous problems with their backs or legs. By the way, I'm 65 years old, and walk to and from the bus station to get to work - almost 2 miles each way. Yes, even now, when the temperature is in the mid 90s...How do you get to work?
Ron @ Aug 1st 2008 4:07PM
Wow...The possibilities for these are endless...I hope Toyota prices these a little more reasonably than the segway people did.
TFran @ Aug 1st 2008 4:14PM
very cool! I've seen segway tours around my city and think it's cool for them to spice it up with a lil competition.....i noticed that noone is rolling any faster than the ppl walking beside them. if not, then..well...why not just walk. (unless they're moving slow becasue they're testing it out).....just a thought. a good brisk walk never hurt me none....