After Paul Feeney mover
closer to the place where he worked, he started enjoying the battery-powered scooter, called Segway. According to the sales representative of
multinational seller of computer equipment, software, and information
technology services, Sun Microsystems, the
scooter makes the 1.4 mile
journey a lot of fun. Besides, Segways save a lot of money on the commute to
the workplace.
For the first time the Segway Personal Transporter was introduced into the
market in 2001. Its inventor was Dean Kamen, who
mentioned that the self-balancing vehicles would become a breakthrough in short
distance journeys. However, now the device is appealed to police, security
crews of large malls, as well as airport workers. The sales of Segways are
constantly increasing as a result of the gas prices increase.
According to Matt Sermarini, who holds the position of
spokesman for Riva Motorsports of Pompano Beach, Fla.,
one of the Segway dealers, the company was able to sell almost 200 scooters in
2006, 250 Segways in 2007 and 175 devices during this year's first five months.
"Anything
that seems to be economical on fuel or doesn't use fuel at all, people are
definitely researching and buying," said Mr. Sermarini. The Segway dealer from Columbus, Jared Cavalier, who sold the scooter to Paul Feeney,
stated that due to increased sales of Segways he was able to open in 2008 new
stores in Toledo and Cincinnati. "These last few months have been fantastic. We unbox them and
they go out the door the same week," commented on the success Mr.
Cavalier.
More and more attention is
paid on the self-balancing, stand-up scooters
worldwide. Mr. Feeney mentioned that people, who at first yelled "Dork", are now asking "How much does that cost?" He also
added that probably the biggest disadvantages of the Segway scooter are its
$5,000 price, and its geekiness.
Some customers like James Hourchard, who has three
self-balancing, stand-up battery-powered scooters, tell people who ask about
the cost that there is no difference in the electric bill. "People always (wanted)
to know how they work and what they do, but now I've had people ask about gas
and say, 'Is that a lot cheaper?" outlined Mr. Houchard. He added that
Segway is like an energy saver, but its cost still remains a surprise.
"Five-thousand
dollars is an issue," mentioned Jim
Norrod, Bedford, N.H.-based Segway Inc.
president and CEO. Despite the device's high price Mr. Norrod predicted that
the sales will continue increasing in 2008.
Carol Valianti, a spokeswoman for Segway Inc.,
mentioned that dealers have identified a continuous 30 to 40 percent increase
in walk-in traffic earlier this year as more people are in search for
alternatives to expensive gasoline. Segway Inc. is currently keeping the
information regarding the scooter sales private. The main motivation that still
drives the sales figure upward is energy savings.
One of the Segway's customers, John O'Connor, from Kalispell, Mont.,
says that after he purchased the company's scooter in April 2008, he was able
to save at least $100 on gas for traveling.
"Gas prices are going up, and it just turns my stomach. So I thought, 'I'm
done — I'm not going to do it anymore," said O'Connor, 53. He and his
wife decided to sell of their cars.
The company doesn't
entirely cure the pain of gas price increase, due to the fact that its device
has to be recharged every 25
miles. In addition the scooter cannot save its riders
from the elements or carry a lot of cargo. Besides the top speed of the device
is 12.5 mph.
"I could
probably ride 10 minutes in 10-below-zero weather and not get so cold that I
couldn't stand it. If the trip was a lot longer, I probably wouldn't want to do
it," mentioned O'Connor.
According to Richard Doherty, who works as an analyst
with the Envisioneering Group
research firm and who also analyzed the company's situation on the market for
several years, people started purchasing the Segway after the price for a gallon
of gas reached $4 earlier this year.
"When SUV owners
start driving slowly to save precious drops of gas, using a Segway looks more
and more appealing - especially for middle of the day and weekend trips near
home," mentioned Doherty. "They're saying that a Segway now costs
about what you'd pay for the annual maintenance on many car models. It just
makes sense, if it is fair weather and you can make your trips by Segway,"
he added.
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