SEGWAY

Segway is a personal transportation that have two-wheeled electric vehicle. This technology is a self-balancing device and the original name of the Segway is derived from the word “segue” meaning “follow”. This scooter uses gyroscopes to stay upright and is controlled by the direction in which the rider is leaning. For example, the rider will lean back, forward and left and right by holding the arm rods that attached to the scooter pole. This Segway was designed by Dean Kamen, an American entrepreneur and creator and was launched in 2001 before its mass production in 2002. The top speed of this technology is 12.5 mph and is often used by workers in warehouses and industrial sites. This product is really good because it works so well. Segway Inc., has a wealth of funds and resources because their level of marketing through newspapers and TV is great.

Cause of failure

The main reason for the Segway failure is due to the lack of overall product management. This is because, this product is not optimal in our daily life because:-

a) Product is too heavy — This Segway weighs is 50 lbs. This makes the product impractical to carry up and down staircases or carry it onto a train. This is an invention not an innovation and can’t help people make a daily activity.

b) Product is too large — Probably due to the large battery usage of the Segway. This causes users to have no space to store the product. For example, users cannot place the product under the table or in the store.

c) Product is too expensive — The cost is 7k++ and no target market, many ordinary people cannot afford it. Then, because the price is too high, many young people who want to try the latest technology can’t afford it.

d) Product is too slow — The maximum speed of this product is only 12 mph. Many users find that walking are more faster than using Segway.

e) Product expectations are too high- Segway has been described as a future transportation. Equivalent to internet or PC development. But unfortunately that is not possible. Disclosure of the product was excessive during the launch of the product.

Possible ways to revive technology

To upgrade Segway, the company must build the product as part of the solution. Even if you only build one product, it should be in tune with the human environment. Beside, this product should also be made continuously and get feedback from the buyer. Buyer feedback is crucial for a company to fix the problem. Then lastly, no company can stand alone. Companies should build the ecosystem around the product. For example, like Apple did to then App Store.

Conclusion

For conclusion, there are lot of reason why Segway are failed such as the component of the product, the cost and the market. Segway can be a convenience to the public. It may be used by old person who are unable to move fast. Lastly this product needs to be redesigned so that many users can enjoy the convenience.