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GM & Segway reveal Project P.U.M.A

By Matt Brogan |

General Motors and electric scooter maker Segway have revealed a two-wheel, two-seater prototype vehicle they’ve code named Project P.U.M.A, which stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility.

The self-balancing electric “car” is designed to transport two adults in a seated position, with the minimum amount of energy possible.

“Project P.U.M.A. represents a unique solution to moving about and interacting in cities, where more than half of the world’s people live,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development, and strategic planning. “Imagine small, nimble electric vehicles that know where other moving objects are and avoid running into them. Now, connect those vehicles in an Internet-like web and you can greatly enhance the ability of people to move through cities, find places to park and connect to their social and business networks.”

The P.U.M.A can travel of speeds up to 55km/h and can travel up to 60km between charges. The “car” is powered by a lithium-ion battery connected to two seperate electric motors that coordinate to achieve both self-balancing and steering.

P.U.M.A will be on display this week at the GM stand of the New York Auto Show.


 
  • RoFlmaTiC

    But is it big enough to fit an american :p

  • Hummerbug

    Haaaa thats a classic RoFlmaTic! I knew GM were making cuts but this is crazy LOL

  • Captain Mainwaring

    It’s about a week too late for April Fool’s Day

  • Hummerbug

    Hey hey Dan Da Man’s back in town! Yeah fun to drive but can you imagine what would happen when an 18 wheeler flys buy you doing 100 clicks?? LOL

  • http://skyline The Salesman

    Just when you thought Americans couldn’t find a way to make them even lazier and fatter. What market would this sell to? I guess if you are wheel chair bound it might be appealing.

  • Hummerbug

    Good to hear Dan! Salesman i think you have hit the nail on the head as these things you can drive to the escalator out the front of your local American gym and not have to walk there and back or go up pesky stairs! Just be careful what you say about Americans youll have Hazle & Chinesedriver on your back about blah blah…

  • Bavarian Missile (.)(.)

    Yeah and the world recession just ended,nice one ! hahaha

    So are these being made in China ,cause I know where the Segway factory is ,right next door to ours,bet it will have cup holders .

  • Hummerbug

    You would need cup holders BM ???

  • http://skyline The Salesman

    I love that it already has alloy wheels. Can you fit a blow off value and sports exhaust to it? Not only do I want cup holders, I want a play station and I pod connectivity as well. But is fitting fluffy dice and a tigers tail too much?

  • WVB

    our cities are just not ready for this kind of transport yet.

  • Bret

    BM, would they be “D” size cupholders?

    Just imagine hitting a pole, brick wall or pedestrian at 55km/h in one of these.

    Perhaps this is the next LAPD patrol “car”.

  • Hummerbug

    Haa thats great ipod holders ! I have just found out you can register these at your local circus but it has to be signed by a clown in authority!

  • http://skyline The Salesman

    Ha Ha Ha, I was waiting for it :) Well if they want “Freedom” and complete “Customizability” Than some decals wouldn’t be a bad idea.

  • Bavarian Missile (.)(.)

    hahaha Bret make that Es hun………. you been sneaking a look on my facebook page again ?

    Quote “Just imagine hitting a pole, brick wall or pedestrian at 55km/h in one of these.”

    So youll need airbags as well,god this thing is getting a little weighty.

    Got to admit they look more fun than old f a r t s carts…..

  • http://skyline The Salesman

    BM,
    It’s too quick for the oldies. On the other hand they might start up a PUMA bikie gang. Imagine cruising the highways, false teeth flapping in the breeze. And your girl by your side. Magic.

  • Hummerbug

    Sooooooo CA when are you guys going to road test this haaaaaaaaaaaaa! Stick Maric in it near a big hill…

  • Harley Stone

    god help us

  • JasonP

    Connected in an Internet-like web?

    Can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when the first hacker breaks through…… LOL!

  • Shak

    They wont need hackers, coz the only peeps who will buy this are >55′s and possibly those 40 someting yr olds who think their ‘hip and cool’. But yeah good range and nice alloys. all we need know is to hook it up to a turbo from GM’s performane division then it’ll top 60 kmh. WWOOOOOAAAHHHHHH. Slow down there grandpa.

  • swampdawg

    Great first three comments,
    I can’t wait until the real Top Gear gets hold of one.

  • Jimbo

    Why would anyone choose this ridiculous contraption over a scooter or a motorbike?
    A scooter does everything this thing does, without making you look like a joke. This thing is wide enough to get you caught in a traffic jam and I would imagine would be lacking the stability and handling that a scooter and motorcycle gives you.

    Safety wise on a scooter if you come off you will(should) be wearing a helmet and body armour. A Toyota Yaris gives you a nudge in that thing and your toast.

  • Harley Stone

    imagine driving outback roads in such a wheeled letterbox