There are some exceptions, but usually any vehicle that comes from America has a hard time in Japan. Just ask Ford or General Motors. Normally, the Japanese just love their own brands. But now Segway’s Japanese subsidiary [JP] achieved an agreement with the city of Yokohama, which might pave the way for a lot more Segways in the world’s second biggest economy.
Segway Japan and the city of Yokohama will jointly try to convince the Japanese government to allow people to use Segways on designated public roads in the city. With a population of 3.6 million, Yokohama is Japan’s second biggest city.
The move is highly unusual, but can explained by Yokohama’s efforts to boost the local economy and promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles in the city. Japan’s road traffic law currently proscribes the use of Segways or Segway-like vehicles (such as Toyota’s Winglet). However, Segway has sold about 1,000 vehicles so far in Japan, where they are used in exhibition centers and similar public facilities.
The average price for a Segway in Japan is $10,000 (the picture above shows former Prime Minister Koizumi riding one, which was given to him as a present in 2005 by then president Bush).
I’ve often thought about a Segway dominated society and cities based around different transportation methods, and my confusion with this has always been how you deal with bad weather. If it’s raining, what do you do if you’re on the Segway?
Assuming the device itself is water resistant, do you attach an umbrella to the device or just wear a poncho or something?
Excellent to see a US company selling vehicles (even though they are small vehicles) to Japan!
These Segways also use Lithium batteries from an American battery company, Valence Technology.
While the rest of the economy is exporting from Asia to the US, finally something from the US to Asia!
Ankit, Segway is launching PUMA tomorrow morning. basically its a segway with a roof that goes 40 mph.
Funktapuss — minor corrections: PUMA goes 35 MPH (56 KPH), and it’s not exactly a launch, more of an unveiling of a concept vehicle. There’s just one prototype at this point. Still, it’s an interesting development.
Ankit — The Segway is quite water resistant, and I have used mine for hours in downpours.
As to dealing with weather — the same way you deal with it when walking, pretty much. Some people use ponchos. I’ve heard reports of people using a Nubrella (http://www.nubrella.com/), but I have no experience. I use a simple lightweight rain jacket with hood and rain pants.
One advantage is that most puddles are no problem on a Segway!
THis is more of an promo ad for the Segway – Japan has had several vehicles like this on the market for some time.
Does anybody know of any updates on the traffic law regarding segway?
If I get one, could I ride it around Tokyo? Anybody know?
Thanks!
Chris from Tokyo