Segway Glides Towards IPO?
from the chicken-and-egg-problem dept
The Segway was one of the most hyped products of the last decade -- getting a ridiculous amount of attention before almost anyone knew what it was. For months, people guessed about this mysterious device that would change the way cities were built, according to some of the early buzz. Of course, with so much hype, it's no wonder that the actual launch of the device seemed anti-climatic. While they still get some buzz, that doesn't mean there's much of a real business there, as evidenced by the constantly rotating cast of characters who fill the executive chairs at the company -- each with a different strategy to try to build more of a business out of the buzz. Apparently, the latest CEO has his own strategy. theodp writes "Segway's new CEO tells the AP he was brought in to bring the company to a liquidity event, which could solve a chicken-and-egg problem: Segway won't be widely accepted until its price comes down, but its price can't come down until it's produced on a much larger scale." Making an effort to increase economies of scale to decrease price makes sense -- but it's not at all clear how going public actually solves that issue. Producing a lot more doesn't make any sense if there aren't going to be any buyers -- and if there really would be buyers it doesn't necessarily mean an IPO is necessary when private investors might be willing to pump in money for growth. It sounds more like a weak excuse for previous investors who want to figure out a way to get at least some return on their shares.
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Ahem
I'd buy a Segway for around 350$ , maybe.
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Re: Ahem
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Why?
Too big bulky and dangerous to ride on a sidewalk- too small and fragile to ride on a road- can't handle steps well- and cannot go offroad.
There is really little use for Segways- they're really just an overpriced toy.
Yeah- I know, some loyal user is going to burn me saying how much he loves his Segway- but for 99.9% of the population they are useless- and there are better alternatives to just about every application to which a Segway can be used.
It's a toy not a transportation device. I doubt they would get much of a market even if the price dropped to $500.
$100 they might get some kids that want one instead of a bicycle.
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It's not just silly...
The issue with the IPO isn't just who will buy, but who will invest. I'm a huge toy junkie and an investor, but I can't see myself ever buying a Segway no matter what the price nor can I see myself investing in a company that produeces them.
It's not just a silly idea, it simply doesn't make sense.
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Anyone remember....
They were saying what you guys are saying now 20 years ago.
Untill there down to at least £300 ($550)
And there illegal over here in britan for use on the roads or the pavement. so Segway UK is pretty much screwed. otherwise i use one round london but then again i can't see myself getting it on the tube very well.
I think segway need to get back to the drawing board. work something new out.
Meanwhile i'm going to buy 5 now. then wait a few years untill they become retro novety items. Then watch the cash reel in.
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funny
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Why stand up?
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Re: Why stand up?
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Who's buying these things?
I haven't seen these things revolutionize urban transportation the way they were hyped up about, and the only people I have seen give a rats ass about them are yuppie executive offers that think they are cool and young driving their 50 year old ass around the office on one.
As much as the technology is cool and the concept sound, the arrogance of the company in believing this is anything more then a child's scooter is astounding.
I will invest in Segway the moment they sign a deal with Toys R Us to market this for children. For kids, this will be a HUGE market. For adults, this is a novelty item that will never be a success.
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Already a better option
$1200, I've had one for 2 years in a large city and I've managed to cut my automobile usage down to 2500 miles a year. The Ego2 costs about 8 cents to recharge, can carry 300 pounds, and is street legal.
I use my Ego2 daily, to commute (6 miles each way), shop, and just for fun. With gas prices high and heading higher, there's a need for a reasonable alternative. Ego should be selling a million of these a year, but people are too wedded to their SUVs.
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Build it, and they can't buy any?
Until all states and provinces make these legal for street use, no one is going to waste $5000 or $500 on something they're only allowed to use in their driveway.
Regulations vary between municipalities, states and provinces. That IPO money should be going to lobbying the governments to make these street legal in places they are not currently.
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Well, well, well...
The Segway is the same thing. Looks like the company tried to create a need, hype it up and sell millions thereby forever changing transportation as we know it.
Yeah right! It's lame! There is no true need for the contraption. Wheel chairs and electric scooters for those who need them. Scooters, bicycles, skateboards, minibikes, and pogo sticks for the kids.
So where exactly does this standalone device fit? Nowhere really. Think about it. If I have to stand in order to move well then just move my legs and keep going. It's free, good for you, and fun for the whole family!
I wonder if I can start my own IPO on that information alone!
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Re: Well, well, well...
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Ego2
Of course, I eagerly use bicycle lanes whenever possible. If there is a high-speed boulevard or highway, I ride on the sidewalk, at a reduced speed (about 12 MPH). The Ego2 is only 23" wide, narrower than many bicycles, so it's easy to share the sidewalk with pedestrians.
If there's no sidewalk, I try to find a different route, using back streets, parking lots, and other cut-throughs. For trips of less than 5 miles, I can usually get there in less time than auto traffic, and parking is never a problem.
There's also the pure joy of riding the thing - wind in your face and a very quiet belt drive that allows you to hear birds singing, talk to pedestrians in a normal voice, etc. There are also some guilty pleasures like cruising silently through gas stations and smiling at the people who are cursing their $60 fill-ups.
I also use the Ego2 in my role as a Neighborhood Watch volunteer. It's amazing how much ground I can cover in an hour, and how much I can hear and see when I'm not surrounded by a car. I can also go many places a car can't go, and if i do see suspicious behavior, I can get a lot closer to it before being heard or seen. It's also a great conversation starter, and I've gotten to know dozens of my neighbors through their interest in the Ego2.
There are thousands of places where the Ego2 would be a perfect compliment to (or even a substitute for) an automobile - inner cities, small towns, college campuses, resort areas..we also trailer the Egos to far locations - state and national parks, historic towns, etc. We took them to Savannah recently and were able to explore all of that beautiful city in one day. And on a 90-degree day, we stayed nice and cool. We got to know the city in a way that just wasn't possible in a car, on foot, or even on bicycles (better range and we didn't reek of sweat when we visited nice restaurants and shops)
Sorry for the lengthly promo, but IMO the technology to greatly reduce our oil dependence is already here, reasonably-priced, and lots of fun. I'm not associated with egovehicles, just a happy customer. Check it out.
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Ego2 IPO?
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Nope
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Liquidity
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segway
the fat american was being trampled under the foot of a skinny chinese soldier, hmmm, sounds alarmingly
prognosticative huh
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Segway
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