Segway Gets a Boost as Gas Prices Soar
June 16, 2008 by Susan Gunelius
Filed under Marketing
The Segway brand is getting a PR and sales boost as a result of soaring gas prices. At $5,000 a pop, the “It” machine hasn’t lived up to the prophecies originally made for it as the product that would change the world. However, with gas prices topping $4 per gallon in the U.S., people are getting creative about ways to save money at the pump. Enter the Segway.
The Segway can go 25 miles on a single charge of its battery with a top speed of 12.5 mph. People with short commutes who live in mild climates are looking at the Segway with new found interest. According to an article on the Wall Street Journal website today, Californians are embracing the Segway as a great alternative to paying high gas prices.
Cities and companies looking to move to greener transportation methods are also hopping on the Segway bandwagon trading in gas guzzling traffic scooters for Segways.
Segway Inc. CEO Jim Norrod says sales are expected to increase by 50% in 2008. Not bad for a $5,ooo product that debuted as a major disappointment and marketing disaster. It just goes to show, you never know what changes might take place in the marketplace that can completely shift consumer opinion.
Would you get a Segway if you lived in a nice climate and had a short commute (say less than 10 miles each way)?
Image: Flickr
Yesterday morning on my way to work (in Vancouver BC), I saw a middle-aged man riding a Segway with a wireless headset on, smoking a cigarette. It was quite amusing. I was on my bike, of course.
Sarah, that is so funny! What’s next – drinking and Segwaying?
Good for you for riding your bike!