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View Full Version : P.U.M.A.: The 35mph electric wheelchair for two

Wraith
04-08-2009, 03:08 PM
http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/10784_large_PUMA_Segway.png

The Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (P.U.M.A.) is a vehicle created by Segway and GM. Goes up to 35mph (compared to a Segway's 12mph top speed), with a range of about 35 miles.

GM, Segway Pair Up for 35 MPH "Segway-on-Steroids" (http://www.dailytech.com/GM+Segway+Pair+Up+for+35+MPH+SegwayonSteroids/article14783.htm) (DailyTech)

GM and Segway working on new balancing two-wheeler P.U.M.A. project (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segway-working-on-new-balancing-2-wheeler/) (Autoblog)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/embargogmsegway18.jpg
ShivaX
04-08-2009, 03:12 PM
I saw something about this a few days ago and the thing that stuck out to me was them saying something to the effect of: It doesn't need most safety features because the cool computers in it will avoid accidents. Evidently they've never heard of other vehicles or don't understand what the word accident means.

Its an interesting concept, but I see it as being about as useful as a Segway.
National Kato
04-08-2009, 03:13 PM
Ah, GM...you just don't get it, do you?
biosc1
04-08-2009, 03:29 PM
Another article I read questioned why they would go this route...scooters and mopeds have worked out very well in a lot of Asian countries.

On a side note, I do like the new electric motorbike coming out in California.
Badger
04-08-2009, 06:36 PM
If you squint it looks like a pimped out wheely-bin. Actually, you don't need to squint.
Bone
04-08-2009, 06:48 PM
I find Dean Kamen's pre-robots so useless and yet so completely necessary. His eventual Terminator is going to kick so much ass.
cassiusregicide
04-08-2009, 07:33 PM
"Puma Man, he drives like a moron...."


Seriously, I would be afraid to drive that around other cars and its to big and dangerous for sidewalks.
Lance Uppercut
04-08-2009, 10:37 PM
Eh. Looks more like a warthog.
OldeWolf
04-08-2009, 11:11 PM
I wouldn't mind having one of those with about 10 cattle prods welded onto it and turned on as I ride through New York City's busy sidewalks.
Narradisall
04-09-2009, 06:33 AM
Yea, I saw this yesterday. Still can't think of one use for it. I either walk short distances, or drive long. I don't think I'm the target 'city' market for this though.
Sl1pstream
04-09-2009, 08:48 AM
Ah, GM...you just don't get it, do you?

I want one! Actually, at least two. Racing these things could be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Also, BMW already kind of did this with their C1 motorbike.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/prototype-spy-concept/Bmw-2001-c1.jpg
Young Al Capone
04-09-2009, 08:51 AM
Doesn't look all that safe...
OldeWolf
04-09-2009, 09:45 AM
Doesn't look all that safe...

Doesn't stop people from riding motorcycles. :p
Young Al Capone
04-09-2009, 09:51 AM
Doesn't stop people from riding motorcycles. :p

Good point, and you think I would remember that fact being that I wrecked mine last may.
civil
04-09-2009, 10:03 AM
I think it's great. Really, I think it's things like these that are the stepping stones for better things ahead. People seem to think we'll have some super jump from walking to flying jetpacks without the intermediary steps.

They're trying and taking risks which is what companies need to do to propel us forward. Not everything is going to be a success, but it's the effort that will prevail. I can see something like this working and hope they continue to expand themselves.
Bingley Joe
04-09-2009, 10:04 AM
9IT7qK1hrro

Stephen Hawking Facebook for skinny people is coming, make no mistake :)
OldeWolf
04-09-2009, 10:06 AM
9IT7qK1hrro

This stuff is coming, make no mistake :)

Welcome to Wall-E
Young Al Capone
04-09-2009, 01:24 PM
I think it's great. Really, I think it's things like these that are the stepping stones for better things ahead. People seem to think we'll have some super jump from walking to flying jetpacks without the intermediary steps.

They're trying and taking risks which is what companies need to do to propel us forward. Not everything is going to be a success, but it's the effort that will prevail. I can see something like this working and hope they continue to expand themselves.

This man speaks logic, pure and unadulterated.

Plus, I really like that C1 bike, like to the point that I checked out how much they cost. No longer in production and never made for me, the 'Merican.
UWCrash
04-09-2009, 01:43 PM
Eh. Looks more like a warthog.

If I came in here and didn't see an RvB reference I would have been deeply saddened.

"Puma Man, he drives like a moron...."

But an MST3k "Puma Man" reference? That's just awesome.
ShivaX
04-09-2009, 01:59 PM
I didn't post it initially, but I'd rather own this Puma:

http://www.warwheels.net/images/sdkfz234_2pumaDrawingCROSBY1.jpg
Wasson_
04-09-2009, 02:50 PM
Made by the Germans, you know they make good stuff!
Bad Buddha
04-09-2009, 06:36 PM
Does it right itself after bouncing off the grill of a Escalade?

I'm a motorcycle rider from way back and I can see the comparison between the concepts. But this thing has no lights, no bumpers, doesn't look like there's a requirement for a helmet.

When you hop on a motorcycle or ride a bicycle in traffic, there's a certain acceptance that there's a lot of skill involved and possible danger. I see soccer moms hopping in this thing and getting smeared all over the first intersection that they get to.

I see that crossbar catching the average joe right in the side of the neck!

Maybe if things like this are accepted in a big way and there's a possibility for something like a "Puma Lane" I could see it. Otherwise I just see it culling out the excess population.