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Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

Posted August 01, 2007 4:12 PM

From OhGizmo!:

While the Segway hasn't really caught on the way its makers had hoped it's nice to see the technology and concepts behind the device catching on elsewhere. The Tango was created by high school students Ben Gulak and Jason Morrow who represented Team Canada at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico this year. Think of the Tango as a self-balancing, compact version of a racing motorcycle with a bit more kick than even the fastest Segway model. Riding the Tango is just like riding a racing bike though instead of having the wheels mounted in the front and back they actually sit side by side in the middle of the bike. Using accelerometers the Tango detects the subtle movements of the rider which are used to control the vehicle. Like with the Segway you just lean forward to drive forward or lean left and right in order to turn. Since the Tango is electric powered it produces zero emissions but it also means a top speed of only 40 miles an hour. So while speed freaks should look elsewhere, commuters living in a crowded city center might soon have another transportation alternative. Unfortunately Ben and Jason didn't win the top prize at the Intel ISEF but they did manage to get a lot of publicity which will hopefully attract investors and get more people excited about their concept.

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#1

Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/02/2007 3:11 AM

I could not read the whole article......problems?

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#2

Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/02/2007 5:08 AM

Neither could I. Could someone help?

Thank you

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#5
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Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/02/2007 10:50 AM

The link has been updated in the story.

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#3

Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/02/2007 8:45 AM

Awe shucks.

-A-

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#4

Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/02/2007 10:37 AM

http://www.ohgizmo.com/2007/07/31/canadian-teens-invent-a-segway-like-motorcycle-called-the-tango/


I saw Segways for sale at Sam's Club the other day.

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#6
In reply to #4

Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/02/2007 11:17 AM

Nice. I love the picture. Made me smile to think I used to be that slacker kid with the baggy pants and the long hair.

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#7

Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/02/2007 6:27 PM

I don't get it. If you have to brake suddenly, do you do a nose-plant, or do you hit and/or run over the thing you were trying to avoid? How can it not be one or the other?

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#8
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Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/03/2007 8:24 AM

Munky. You're right, it IS inherently slow to react. Owing to the fact that you have to shift you entire body weight rather than move a hand or a foot. However, the concept is sound.

The more you lean forward, the more it accelerates to compensate. The more you lean back, the more it decelerates to compensate.

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#10
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Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/03/2007 5:32 PM

Yeah, I get the Segway concept, but it's designed for something around jogging speed on a sidewalk, whereas they are claiming 40 MPH for this thing, which would have to be on a road. That's just nuts. Which is what anyone thinking of investing in this thing would have to be. Unless they wanted to use it as a prop in a sci-fi movie. Or maybe a comedy, where they could change the name to the "Face Plant-O-Matic".

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#9
In reply to #7

Re: Segway-like Motorcycle Called The Tango

08/03/2007 9:21 AM

There is two videos on YouTube, showing how a young lady lands on her nose with a Segway and also, a Segway training class where due to doing an emergency stop (part of the training), a beginner also bites the dust!!!

I am sure that they are relatively easy and safe to drive, but it points out that you ought to be correctly clothed and protected! Like a Skateboarder or inliner at least I would say.

If you can't find the videos, let me know.....

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