Apr 7, 2009 9:57am
A Two Wheel Segway Car (Yes, Two Wheels)
EmailThis must be one of the odder high-design vehicles to come to ever come to fruition. Today General Motors and Segway team up on a brand new car (kind of). The effort is called P.U.M.A., or Personal Urban Mobility Accessibility, and the result is a 2 wheel, 2 seat prototype that runs on electricity. Yes, 2 wheels. Segway provides the balance, GM the power. It weighs 300 pounds and can go as fast as 35 miles per hour. No air bags, but yes on seat belts. Click here to see more crazy cars.
GM is, of course, struggling to survive. But they are still trying to innovate even in the worst of times.
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Just what, exactly, is the purpose of such a vehicle? It likely would not be classified as a “car” by federal safety regulations, and probably wouldn’t be permitted on most roadways. Maybe this is a golf course vehicle for the “green” movement?
The LA Times article says no airbags are needed because it’s got an obstacle avoidance system… that’s good for stationary obstacles, but what about obstacles like icy roadways, animals (we’ve got deer in the midwest, you know), and vehicles that hit YOU?
All this, aside from the fact that it doesn’t make sense to utilize a balancing system with two-wheel drive when the energy could be better spent driving four wheels. Less-than-ideal road conditions would dicatate that four points of contact would be better than two.
Posted by: Kris K | April 7, 2009, 10:17 am 10:17 am
It is cute! It would be great for driving around the city even in the U.S. I could drive to work and run errands in that car. I would love to have one. I also think the “Smart” cars are really cute. As long as it has great gas mileage, I am interested.
Posted by: Pat | April 7, 2009, 10:34 am 10:34 am
“But they are still trying to innovate even in the worst of times.” – ABC News
Do you ABC Newsers realize how stupid you sound when you use throw away statements without any thought behind them?
The innovation resulting in the PUMA has been going on for a long time.
I don’t know when it started but I bet it was years ago.
Right now, in these worst of times, an innovation in the works, such as the PUMA, would probably be put on the shelf.
Posted by: Noz | April 7, 2009, 10:53 am 10:53 am
that’s cute…need to add some baskets or something to carry stuff…add a third wheel (not known for my balancing skills) and I’d buy it…
Posted by: samhiguchi | April 7, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am
And listed only at $152,000 M.S.R.P.!
Posted by: Deep Release | April 7, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am
“I’d buy it…” – samhiguchi
Wow Sam, you must be rich!
Posted by: Noz | April 7, 2009, 11:22 am 11:22 am
Is this the best GM can come up with? Wonderful what the survivability in a car accident?
Why can’t they build an affordable vehicle that gets 30-35 mpg on gasoline for around $15,000 to $18,000?
Eliminate hybrids until the cost comes down.
The next best idea for the U. S. from GM is roller blades on batteries.
Posted by: Larry | April 7, 2009, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
very useful in miami, where have the worst metrobus system.
but the price need to be $ 5,000 or less
Posted by: robert | April 10, 2009, 11:35 pm 11:35 pm
I can see this used in a city park but not on the road or sidewalk. It can be used in bike lanes, maybe. It really is something that would need to be designed with many cautions.
Posted by: Ajlouny | April 20, 2009, 12:12 am 12:12 am
Well. I seem to think that within a couple of years it would pay for itself for gas. Though I would still sooner bye a motor scooter that gets over 100 mpg for less than a grand. Out a basket on the back and go 5 miles per hour faster.
Posted by: mitchQ | June 23, 2009, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm