After 18 months of working together in secret, General Motors Corp. and Segway Inc. unveiled a prototype two-wheel, electric passenger vehicle that the companies say could be a transportation solution for overcrowded urban areas.
The prototype vehicle uses lithium-ion batteries and balances on two wheels. Two passengers can ride side by side inside a podlike area. Video of the small vehicle shows it turning nearly in place. It can travel up to 35 mph and go 35 miles between charges, GM said.
The company is developing the small electric vehicle, capable of hitting 35 mph and running for 35 miles on a single charge, with Segway Inc., makers of the Personal Transporter.
Officially, the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project—or Project P.U.M.A.—could revolutionize city travel, GM and Segway said in a joint statement.
“Cities around the world are actively looking for solutions to alleviate congestion and pollution. Project P.U.M.A. addresses those concerns,” the statement said.
The Pumas also could be operated manually. Not intended for highway use, they would hit about 35 miles per hour and go up to 35 miles on a charge.
GM is developing the electronic wireless systems for safe, autonomous operation. Segway is responsible for the self-balancing, electric, two-wheel chassis. The prototype has “training wheels” front and rear, helpful at stoplights. Pumas would use lithium-ion batteries, like those Segway uses in its stand-up scooters.
Though being unveiled in New York, the Pumas might appeal most in densely packed cities in places such as India and China, Borroni-Bird says. There they would seem a big step up from bicycles. Americans, who are used to cars, might not take them as seriously.
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