Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/01/toshiba_winglet/
Toyota unveils Segway rivals
Super stylish scooters soon to be seen on streets
Posted in Hardware, 1st August 2008 08:46 GMT
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With the Segway’s popularity taking off around the world [1], Toyota has seen the opportunity and designed its own deceptively similar two-wheeled motorised transportation device.
Toyota's Winglet: a Segway in disguise?
Toyota’s machine is called the Winglet will be available in a 462mm high Type S model, a 680mm Type M option or flagship 1130mm tall Type L machine. Users stand on A3 size ‘wings’ that overhang each wheel.
It’s not clear how users control the Type S and M models, because the handles are too low for most people to comfortably reach. Perhaps Toyota’s planning to target these two models at more adventurous skateboarder type riders? But the Type L model is, aside from a few stylistic differences, a Segway.
All three models have a maximum cruising speed of just over 3mph, whereas the Segway has a top speed of around 12mph. The Type S model’s 5km cruising range is half the distance available with the two other Toyota models. All three take about one hour to charge-up.
The first Toyota Winglets are expected to roll off of the production line in 2010.