"This Will Change The World"

About 10 years ago there was intense speculation on the internet about a certain project Ginger. Something amazing was about to be revealed to the World. Something, so monumental that even Steve Jobs, boss of Apple, described it as important as the PC.

Then, after literally months of frenzied Web chatter, the something was finally revealed: The Segway.

It was a 2 wheeled, self-balancing, electric vehicle for one (See picture). A very clever form of personal transport that used a gyro to keep it upright regardless of the terrain.

So what's happened to it since? Well, it's still around, believe it or not, although it's hardly the World changer it was promised to be. There are several reasons for this lack of impact: The first is that you look a bit...odd on one. Like someone saying "Hey! Look at me!". Yes, it certainly gets you noticed. Just not in the way driving a Ferrari might; The second issue is the price. At the time of writing, a basic version will set you back £4795! So they're basically the playthings of the wealthy (JK of Jamiroquai has got some).

To date, only about 50,000 have been sold.

I kind of hoped that they might come down in price like many 'gadgets', but no chance there: They seem to be steadily getting more expensive.

I guess the technology makes the Segway so pricey (The gyros; a clever battery; robust design; etc.), but imagine if these things were priced like mopeds? Then they really might be a world changer: Eco-friendly transport for the masses.

Imagine that.