Segway: gimmick or eco-friendly alternative?
Segway: gimmick or eco-friendly alternative?
Refined "hummer hoverboard" makes it possible: A
Segway can transport a person standing up. But can these electric vehicles also
represent an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional
transportation methods? According to one study, this is the case for certain
tasks.
The “gohoverkart” project focused specifically on two
possible uses of Segways: Over the course of two years, researchers at
Heilbronn University examined whether, when and how electric vehicles would be
worthwhile in traffic on campus and in company traffic operated by the
industrial project partner ZEAG Energie AG. Criteria such as distance,
transport options and time play a role in assessing whether a Segway can be
used more economically than, for example, a car or cargo and cargo bikes.
Segways score points over short distances
The conclusion of the researchers is: Companies and
institutions can save costs if they use Segways. For short distances (0.5 to
2.5 kilometers), for example through the city center, buy push scooters, the Segway offers clear
advantages. With the small and maneuverable vehicle you can elegantly and
quickly traverse routes with many obstacles. This makes the Segway particularly
suitable for monitoring and control trips. The researchers report that
employees of the public order office in Heilbronn are already benefiting from
this. Above all, the so-called set-up time - the time until you can actually
start driving - is significantly shorter with the Segway compared to a car. The
parking time is also shorter - there is no need to search for a parking space.
Even if the focus is on transporting a person with luggage,
the Segway can be a smart choice. Cargo bikes are better suited to transporting
bulky and heavy objects. However, both modes of transport are difficult to
maneuver and require experienced drivers. In particular, cornering with a cargo
tricycle is difficult. The Segway is much more manoeuvrable and can therefore
be used in buildings or pedestrian zones without any problems, say the
researchers.
Innovative luggage rack system
In addition to the option of attaching a suitcase to the
handlebars, the Segway is also available with transport accessories - with a
box set that is mounted on the wheels. However, this makes the vehicle so wide
that it cannot fit into a conventional elevator or through certain doors. The
Heilbronn researchers even dealt with this problem technically as part of the
project: Team member Michael Schleicher developed the prototype of a new
luggage rack system that is less bulky.
The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, which funded
the research project, is also positive: "The results of the project show
the great potential that is still untapped today in transport journeys using
building-accessible, hoverboards black friday sale, two-wheeled and self-balancing light electric commercial
vehicles," sums up Economics Minister Nicole Hoffmeister -Herb. One
disadvantage of the Segway, however, is the high purchase price of around 8,000
euros, the researchers admit. However, according to them, as the system becomes
more and more fashionable, the prices will surely come down as well.
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