Mar 10, 2009: Scootin'

xoxoxoBruce • Mar 10, 2009 2:08 am
The new rechargeable Scooter system concept. The 'Link' scooter system is designed as a modular transport solution that can be retrofitted to existing Streetscape Smart Poles. It allows users to hire a small lightweight electronic scooter from a hub and ride to the desired destination and then return the scooter to another hub, where it is recharged. The use of existing light poles reduces the cost of the unit and provides strong anchors that carry both telecommunications and power to the hub. The device was designed to suit the Sydney 2030 plan to reduce cars in the CBD and make the city more pedestrian oriented. By Mr Anton Grimes, who is the student of University of New South Wales.


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Somehow I can't see me using this, but I guess some people would if they weren't encumbered with children, packages, or in a bigger group than were scooters available for rent.


On a date for dinner... "Well there's only one left, Honey, I'll order drinks for us while I wait for you to catch up".
:smashfrea
SPUCK • Mar 10, 2009 5:44 am
I can see scumbag verminous lawyers using it to great advantage.
stevecrm • Mar 10, 2009 6:12 am
I wonder what the weight limit is for the scooters?

I think I might need two or three to carry me :eyebrow:
Sundae • Mar 10, 2009 7:13 am
We had a couple three scooters at work, which people would borrow to go up to the local shops. It halved the journey time - useful if you had a lot on and only wanted a sandwich - of course the alternative was to wait for me to go, and then make outrageous requests which took up most of my lunch break!

The weight limit on those was 100kg I think. Nearly 16 stone for Brits, 220lbs for Merkins. Note chap in picture looks pretty lithe. Why is he using a scooter? He can run!

Love the idea. Sadly, wouldn't work here.
1) We're too fat
2) We're too destructive
3) They would probably get blown up now the IRA are active again
glatt • Mar 10, 2009 8:55 am
It's an interesting concept. I wonder if they have multiple poles around town, if you can return the scooter to another pole with an available slot. And if you are able to do that, does that mean you might rent a scooter from one pole and then go to return it to that pole, but not be able to, because someone took the empty slot you created.

I haven't looked into it closely, but there are places in DC where you can rent bikes from stands, like luggage carts in an airport. I think it's a great idea. Zip cars too.
Trilby • Mar 10, 2009 9:19 am
scooters are White and Nerdy.
Sundae • Mar 10, 2009 9:24 am
I am White and Nerdy.
But you love me, right?
Trilby • Mar 10, 2009 9:28 am
absolutely and without reserve, you White and Nerdy thing, you.
xoxoxoBruce • Mar 10, 2009 9:54 am
glatt;543626 wrote:
It's an interesting concept. I wonder if they have multiple poles around town, if you can return the scooter to another pole with an available slot. And if you are able to do that, does that mean you might rent a scooter from one pole and then go to return it to that pole, but not be able to, because someone took the empty slot you created.

I think that's the plan.
It allows users to hire a small lightweight electronic scooter from a hub and ride to the desired destination and then return the scooter to another hub, where it is recharged.
monster • Mar 10, 2009 10:16 am
I like it :) I wonder if a group going out together could form a big chain of them?
Juniper • Mar 10, 2009 10:44 am
CUTE! I love scooters. I want a segway so bad! :D
sweetwater • Mar 10, 2009 11:37 am
Do scooters come in trike form for the balance-impaired? No wait - Big Wheels! I'd rent a Big Wheel! Rental scooters would not work on frequently cracked, uneven, and missing sidewalk areas, but I like the idea. Juniper, I was just in San Antonio, TX, and there is a walking tour that doesn't walk. They use Segways.
Sundae • Mar 10, 2009 11:42 am
What's a Segway?
Is it like a segue, just pronounced wrong?
Leokins • Mar 10, 2009 11:45 am
A segway:
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I can see theft being a potential problem, with hackers making their own charging devices and disabling any anti-theft/tracking measures.

Sidenote: It's really disheartening to see the peace-process in Ireland being all stirred up because of some extremists. </3
I hope and pray that things settle down quickly and painlessly.
Sundae • Mar 10, 2009 11:53 am
Oh! I see and I like!

Leokins, the sitch in NI has been really upsetting me. Don't know if you read any of my posts. But it's good to hear positive statements from around the world - cheers.
stevecrm • Mar 12, 2009 12:26 pm
The idea of riding to your destination is good but if everyone else gets there before you all the spaces on the smart pole would be full. knowing my luck I would end up 5 miles away trying to find a spot. :yelsick:

I also would not like to ride one of those small scooters with my high heels on :yelsick: