John, I lived in Japan for many years. I don't need to research anything about countries where bicycles are more well-utilized, as I have lived in and studied such a country intensively. I also am an avid cyclist, year-round.

I just think you and many others are missing the point of this article - namely, a different approach to transit by solving the last mile problem, using shared vehicles, etc. There's actually a lot of thought put into the design they're testing, and it would have been nice to discuss that concept instead of trying to convince me of the merits of bicycles, of which I am very well aware.

Actauly the stress of mass transit in japan is immense. Poeple do not like being crammed in that close and as the fabric of japan tears apart its getting worse fast. The gov is frantic about it because they know there is nothing they can do to stop the decline.

That's ridiculous.

Its not rediculus they were talking about it even. Japan is changing rapidly alot of things they used to be able to count on they cant for much longer. The ONLY reason the japanese rail system worked at all the way it currently does is because of the way the japanese USED to act. But they are changing.

You can turn a blind eye to the obvious problem but here it is in stark fact. A system like the japanese one only works if the VAST majority are very stable very curtious and NOT INSANE or violent or even just rude and crude.

This is a big problem because the japanese rail system is massively overcrowded and dangerous.

This is a big problem because the japanese rail system is massively overcrowded and dangerous.

Wintermane, for as long as I can remember, people have been saying "Japan is changing". And like everything in the universe, this has some truth. But your assertion that the rail system itself is "crowded and dangerous" and since somehow "people are changing" this will lead to what?

It's the sort of statement that someone makes when they've never actually been on a packed train in Tokyo. It's probably one of the calmer places I've been. Japanese are very used to such situations and they're very good at dealing with it -- better than any other people I've ever encountered who also tend to mash people into trains, buses, boats, etc.

The only ones you have to look out for are the four and a half foot obaasantachi -- they'll chop you at the knees for a seat.

It was what THEY were saying. They dont know how much longer the crowding will work before things get realy bad as crimes of all sorts are going up and things are getting bad.. bad as far as they are concerned.

They are very worried the spirit that made japan what it is is changing and that things like the rail system they have wont survive ths shift.

And yes they are very right to fear it. All sorts of things are happening in japan that point toward a breakdown of what made japan special.

Wintermane, perhaps you can simply link to whatever source you're referring to, so I can examine it on my own.

Thanks.

A shared-bike program failed in Portland due to theft and maintenance cost. The Segway and other devices are not exercise machines, they are transportation devices. I really love those folks that yell at how lazy people on these devices are, as they drive past in their cars.

Scooters, mini-bikes and human transporters occupy a vague stratum of the law, nestled somewhere between motorcycles and bicycles. Lacking the speed and safety features (turn signals, lights, horns, etc.) of motorcycles, scooters were not deemed street legal. However, because they were motor-powered, they were banned from sidewalks and bike lanes. In effect, these devices were vehicular pariahs, trapped in legal limbo.

With all of the interest in getting cars off of our streets and hydrocarbons out of our air, commuters have come to view the electric scooter as a viable means of alternative transportation. This has been especially true for commuter extending their range from transit stations.

The Segway HT is different from other devices and is allowed for use on the sidewalk as according to laws of pedestrian right-of-way. The major difference is that a Segway, unlike scooters, can stand motionless, self-balance, stop, go backwards, and can pivot in place. Riders are responsible for knowing and obeying all local, state and federal regulations regarding the riding and use of such devices.

Additionally, the majority of such electric devices, are not mechanically robust and cannot be operated in wet or inclement conditions. Only the e-bike and Segway have been proven effective in wet conditions.

Many new technologies are expensive when introduced. Simple portable calculators cost around $80 when introduced in 1970 and now are the size of a credit card and cost about $5. Personal computers were around $6,000 in 1990 — without the monitor. With further consumer acceptance and market saturation, this technology will likely follow economic history.

I'm searching for one and more cheap segway, also another brand, someone can help me?