Would You Buy the GM-Segway PUMA?
Today General Motors and Segway unveiled an electric two-seat prototype vehicle with just two wheels, intended to navigate urban traffic. The companies claim the vehicle could be used on college campuses and in gated communities as well as on city streets.
The GM-Segway prototype is called the PUMA, for “Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility.” It can automatically balance itself fore and aft and can travel at up to 35 mph for up to 35 miles between recharges.
The question is; will the PUMA sell when introduced to the market? The Segway has been on the market for years and hasn’t lived up to expectations. Additionally, should GM be investing in a product that may not sell, especially in the United States? The infrastructure isn’t here for these small death traps to drive in urban traffic. The PUMA may do well in other countries that already use small vehicles (bicycles, motor-cycles, etc) in urban areas, such as in China and India.
Only time shall tell, it’s a prototype. But I would not feel comfortable driving the PUMA in Manhattan, NYC going 35 miles per hour. When I see such small vehicles on the road, I consider them coffins. This is why I’ll never ride a motorcycle!
What do you think? Leave your comments below!
See more photo gallery of the PUMA at Newsday.com.
Video: The PUMA in Action
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8:48 pm on April 7th, 2009
GM has gone from big gas guzzling SUVs to the PUMA. Wow, what a change!
3:54 am on May 30th, 2009
Not in a trillion years. Looks like a fun way to die.
3:56 am on May 30th, 2009
Why not just lay down in a busy intersection and get it over with quick. That way you won’t have to live on an iron lung or be in a coma for the next 6 years.
5:34 pm on July 5th, 2009
[...] and said it “looks like it would crumple if a Hummer came within ten feet of it.” Money-cake.com had a similar reaction: “I would not feel comfortable driving the PUMA in Manhattan, NYC going 35 miles per hour. [...]
1:32 pm on March 12th, 2010
[...] like a “genetically modified wheelchair” that is “green, but useless.” Money Cake points out safety hazards, comparing the small car to a coffin. And UsableMarkets says the [...]