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Tai Chi Scooter Promises Fun and Falls

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the thinning-the-herd dept.

In a bold move for natural selection, a mechanical engineer at Purdue University has created a new take on the Segway. Removing pesky confusing handlebars, the new "Tai Chi Scooter" has an optical encoder that monitors the angular displacement of the electric motor, requiring you to manipulate your center of balance to drive the scooter. Unfortunately you will not be able to purchase this and begin breaking your own limbs anytime soon as the creator says he has no plans to market the scooter. Someone buy the rights to this and mass produce it quickly so we can thin the herd.

3 of 30 comments (clear)

  1. Isn't price the issue. by jellomizer · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I think the main issue with the segway wasn't the handle bar or its size. But the fact that it was 10k Too expensive for the average Joe for what you get from it. I think they should but engineering into making it cheaper Sub 1k and run well.

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    If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    1. Re:Isn't price the issue. by gad_zuki! · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Theyre not 10k. I was looking at a used one for under 3k and a new one for 4k recently.

      The problem is they are just a bad product with no real market for them outside of lazy meter maids.

      Theyre not comfortable to ride. My feet were achy after a few hours on one because youre standing up the whole time. There's a reason why no one built a standing scooter before with conventional technology. Its just too slow for the street and way too fast for the sidewalk at full throttle. It has a hard time with anything that isnt an almost perfectly smooth surface. You cant just quick charge it at the gas station, so you need to plan out your riding well in advance and have locations where they'll let you charge it for several hours. etc

      Its a neat piece of technology, but its not serving any demand. Its a top down decree with no market. Its in the category of mini-hovercrafts and tricycles for adults.

  2. Re:tai chi? by somersault · · Score: 2, Insightful

    With nothing to wrap your hands around, riding the scooter requires focusing your mind and maintaining awareness of your center of balance -- two fundamental elements of tai chi.

    Or, you know, learning to walk or perform any other task where you move around while not holding onto anything.. Tai Chi my ass..

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    which is totally what she said