Domain: zapworld.com
Stories and comments across the archive that link to zapworld.com.
Comments · 54
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Re:"Renewable" sourcesI've actually had moderate success with an electric scooter[zapworld.com]. The nice part about that one is that while it is slower than a bike, I can fold it up an take it with me as opposed to chaining it up outside. It is also small enough to ride with me on the subway or the regional rail, greatly extending the range.
At $600 5 years ago, it paid for itself in gas and parking withing 6 month.
The thing is a bit old, and since moving within a block of the office I haven't used it in almost 2 years. But we are moving across town, so out it will come again. I'm tempted to find a lighter battery for it, though. The lead-acid battery is probably shot by now. Plus the think wieghs 35 pounds. While I can lug it, the wife has trouble.
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Re:I still don't get it.Hey, I still use my Zappy scooter[zapworld.com]. Nice part about that boy is that I travel at 10mph, don't have to site down, and can fold the thing up and take it with me inside. Hell, I've worn a suit while riding this thing. (Gotta watch the puddles.)
The unit is about 35 pounds, so it is just on this side of weildable. My complaints are the belt between the motor and the drive wheel snaps whenever my wife uses it, and it is to heavy for her to lug around.
She has her eyes on something called the "Zooter" board that is apparently much lighter.
One of these days I'm going to dust the puppy off, replace the 12V lead acid battery with a NIHM, and then see about replacing the belt with something that will last more than 3 weeks.
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Your Alternatives.
Did some digging and came up with a nifty little comparison. both vehicals are electric, so it all comes down to the nitty gritty.
Segway
Range: Appox 15 miles/charge
Speed: 12mph
Cost: $4,950.00 [Amazon.com]
Viento Scooter
Range: Appox. 50 miles/charge
Speed: 30mph
Cost: $2,999.99
There are three main advantages the Segway has over our competitor. 1) It's really compact. 2) It's "sexy" 3) You can drive it on sidewalks, however flawed I may find that. Oh, and auto stabilization for those who didn't learn to ride a bike. That's nice until you realize for about $2,000 less you gain speed, range and utility, only sacrificing some size, percieved coolness and the legalities of driving on sidewalks while gaining Speed, range and utility.
And no, I'm not considering the supposed saftey of the Segway, because people can still be idiots whatever they drive. Mixing a maximum 250lbs at 12mph on a sidewalk full of pedestrians is a BAD idea. But hey, the Segway is still cool. (I'm sure if you looked hard enough you could find a neato looking scooter too).
Revolutionary? It's not as if alternatives didn't already exist. -
The True Best Personal TransportationA personal helicopter sounds just downright dangerous to me. I don't even trust my neighbor not to bash the cars he is trying to parallel park between.
But what could be better is a small little electricmotor scooter. It may not be as cool, but just a tad safer and you can get one today!