Riding upon the new version of Segw...

Riding upon the new version of Segway Inc.'s self-balancing electric scooter is "very similar to skiing," according to the company's chief technology officer.

That's because a just discovered batch of technology in the secondary generation of the Segway, which was unveiled Monday, allows users to direct one's course the device simply by leaning in the direction they want to go on rather than using a handlebar, said Segway Chief Technology Officer Doug Field.

The novel version of the Segway Personal Transporter also follows with a wireless device that give leave tos the user start it by means of remote control and receive an alert if it has been disturbed while left unattended.

It also has a sleeker more futuristic design than its predecessor, and a starting retail price of $4995 A more rugg version meant for off-road use has a starting price of $5495

The company has stopped producing the older types but will continue to give customer support to owners of older Segways.

Segway wanted to make the fresh version of the scooter more intuitive and pleasantry to ride, a vehicle that "truly becomes an extension of your body" Field said.

"The best interface is no interface at all," he said.

Like the original version, the rider still stands forward a platform between two wheels and hem ins onto a handlebar supported by means of a stem that rises vertically from the base. moreover all of the electronics and wires have been remov from the top part of the machine.

The solution to the new steering technology, Field said, is at the pivot point between the progeny and the base, where a form into groups of sensors "reads your carcass angle" and communicates the information to the software that checks what direction it travels.

The other major update is a wireless controller called the InfoKey, which has four buttons and an LCD cover and looks like a large digital watch. It's used to make go round the scooter on, but also besufficient fors as "trip computer" with similar functions as an odometer, speedometer and battery gauge.

It also can be used to activate an anti-theft alarm for when an proprietor leaves the device unattended. If the device is disturbed while the anti-theft feature is activated, the Segway fastenings up, sounds an alarm and flings a notice to its possessor over the InfoKey.

Field said there has not been widespread puzzles with Segway thefts, but the device is of that kind a target of curiosity that many users experience anxiety when they leave it unattended in public, smooth if only for a not many minutes to run into a store.

Since its launch in 2001 the Segway has been widely praised for the sophisticated software engineering that allows a rider to balance effortlessly forward two wheels. But its persistently high price oftentimes is cited as one of the reasons it has not to this time lived up to the predictions of its inventor and backers that it would revolutionize personal transportation.

The next-generation of Segway be deriveds in two models, the i2 and the x2 The x2 is meant for more rugg terrain. the two have a top speed of 125 mph

The i2 can glide for up to 24 miles upon a single battery charge, while the x2 can make progress 12 miles.

by way of the end of the year, the company plans to have six packages of the next-generation Segway available.

The company has kept details about its financial health secret

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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