The S-Pod fulfills an old promise of even less physical exertion than its predecessors — it has a seat.
Like the models that came before it, the S-Pod self-balances on two wheels. However, Segway has added a third wheel for the vehicle to rest on while it is stopped.
Further changes include a navigation panel and control knob in lieu of the previous leaning backwards and forwards to control the machine. It also claims speeds of up to 25 miles per hour with a range of nearly 44 miles (contingent on terrain, the rider, and other factors).
Despite it accommodating seated passengers, the S-Pod does not seem to be suitable for riders requiring a wheelchair.
For some, a seated Segway sounds exactly like what they have been dreaming of.
"This is my dream mount, haha"
"Idk I'm on my way to becoming crippled from an autoimmune disease so this legit looks awesome to me for my not so bright future lol" - OGraineshadow (Reddit)
However, others feel like the S-Pod looks eerily familiar.
Don't recognize the picture? Check out this clip from Pixar's 2008 film, WALL-E.
Fitless Humans (WALL·E)
www.youtube.com
Many people agree.
"Wall-E is very underrated for how much of a masterpiece that it really is." - DTVoid (Reddit)
Mostly people are not thrilled with society's trajectory.
"When I first saw it I assumed they were making a new wheelchair, but according to one article I read it's not going to be marketed to those who need wheelchairs." - Paper_Cut_On_My_Eye (Reddit)
"I like how when the balance mechanism malfunctions it has the option of either slamming the back of your head into the ground, or going for the full face plant." - MachReverb (Reddit)
At this time, the S-Pod is still just in its conceptual stage but it Segway-Ninebot has promised that it will make an appearance at CES 2020 which takes place next week in Las Vegas.
You can get Wall-E here.
