The Segway Scooter has the honor of being one of the most hyped pieces of technology ever conceived. Not that it isn’t a great product — I’ve personally cruised around on one and enjoy the gyro-type motion controls — but this thing was supposed to change cities, revolutionize transportation, and cure cancer. Instead, it’s the butt of jokes, expensive, criticized for encouraging less exercise by, say, using a bike, and kind of unwieldy. Still, GM Europe isn’t going to let such social scorn keep it from integrating the device into their next eco-friendly car. In fact, the concept features two in the rear. From the article,
“The Opel Flextreme has picked up styling cues from GTC concept coupe that debuted last March in Geneva, including the scalloped door panels and rear quarter shoulders. Aside from the styling, another unique feature of the Flextreme is the special cargo hold in the back that comes loaded with two Segway scooters. To ensure that the Segways are always ready to go, the compartment is equipped with charging points for the scooters.”
Segways aside, the Opel features technology very similar to GM’s forthcoming electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt. With an equipped 1.3 L turbo-biodiesel engine to replenish the lithium-ion batteries, this baby can get 444 miles. Even on battery alone, the car is more than capable to get most commuters home and back with a range of 34 miles per charge. We’re not sure when you use the scooters exactly, but at least you’ve got a backup plan should you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Then again, you could always walk….
