Ian Jordan wrote:
>
> The Segway doesn't use a big gyro- it uses small semiconductor gyros as part
> of the feedback loop. The wheels are powered by electric motors, and a
> feedback loop controls the motors to keep it upright. There is no big
> spinning weight in it. Gyro action is not what keeps it upright.
>
> It should be able to brake just as well as a motorcycle does.

Sorry about that, I didn't know it was a DC motor
vehicle when I posted that. :o)

> It goes up to 18 miles on "5c" of electricity, which I take to mean 1/2
> kilowatt. It goes 12 mph, so it uses about 330 watts. I have found info that
> an electric bike at the same speed uses about 100 watts. So yes, an electric
> bike appears to be more efficient, but I'm not quite sure why. They should
> have effectively the same efficiency the way I see it, minus the processing
> power needed by the processors onboard the Segway.

Energy efficiency at LOW speeds is primarily
dependant on rolling resistance. You need large
diameter wheels, and very small and hard contact
patch of the tyres, like a bicycle. And good
bearings help. Small chubby wheels won't perform
as well, and electric bikes have proven even more
efficient in the standard "coasting" setup than
in direct geared with regenerative braking, which
I suspect is the format in the Ginger.
-Roman

PS. "Segway"??? That's worse than "Ginger". ;o)

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