The Segway: glorified scooter or democracy on wheels?

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The People must decide

By Lester Haines • Get more from this author

Posted in Bootnotes, 30th July 2004 15:47 GMT

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Poll It has come to our attention that some readers are a bit miffed with our stateside correspondent Ashlee Vance's controversial coverage of the Segway scooter and how it has contributed to the advancement of humanity in so many ways.

To be honest, this has taken us a bit by surprise over here in Blighty, because the Segway has resolutely not caught on, and certainly does not inspire the kind of passions expressed in readers' letters on the subject.

Indeed, it's pretty certain that if you were caught in the open in the UK astride your mighty Segway, there would be only two possible outcomes: that semi-naked scaffolding operatives would shout "Oi, mate, the back wheel's dropped off your moped!"; or that a gang of teen ne'er-do-wells - fuelled by cider and industrial adhesives - would relieve you of said transportation and use it to ram-raid the nearest off-licence (liquor store).

That being said, we understand that feelings are running a bit high over the pond regarding the Segway, and we have decided to tackle the matter as per the local custom: a definitive Vulture Central poll.

All you have to do is select one of the ten options below which best describes the Segway. We have endeavoured to supply choices representing the widest possible spectrum of opinion. Enjoy: