Topic: Segway

The hosts recall the hype surrounding the Segway's launch, which was predicted to redesign cities. John C. Dvorak discusses his early access to Segway patents via Paul Saffo and his subsequent skeptical columns in Forbes. They mention the tragic death of the company's owner, Jim Heselden, who drove a Segway off a cliff.

John Dvorak describes seeing a person on a high-speed electric unicycle zipping through an intersection at an estimated 40 miles per hour. Adam Curry explains that these devices use gyroscopes for balance, similar to a Segway, and are controlled by leaning. They debate the safety and difficulty of riding such "hands-free" transportation devices in urban environments.

John C. Dvorak recounts the history of Kleiner Perkins and partner John Doerr, highlighting their pivot to "Green Tech" and several notable investment failures. He mentions the Segway, the Fisker automotive collapse, and a rumored "snowblower" fiasco. Dvorak also claims that the firm missed the initial opportunity to invest in Google and had to buy in later at a higher price to maintain their reputation.

At the Houston trade show, Adam Curry purchased an unbranded "smart scooter" (hoverboard) from a Chinese vendor. He reads humorous excerpts from the "Changlish" instruction manual, which includes warnings about "bruising hair" and driving in a "non-conscious situation." The hosts discuss the utility and learning curve of these Segway-like devices.

An account of a fall from a Segway during a promotional event for Showstoppers suggests that the device's controls have been downgraded or altered. The user describes becoming dizzy after spinning in place and finding the machine failed to stop upon dismounting. Further conversation touches on the high historical cost of early Segway units, which retailed for approximately $5,000.

The hosts read birthday wishes and donations from listeners in Oregon, Colorado, and Australia. A correction is made regarding the Segway: while the inventor Dean Kamen is alive, the CEO of the company famously died after riding a Segway off a cliff. The hosts advise a listener's daughter to avoid any vehicle with two wheels or less.

In response to a listener's request, Adam and John offer advice for a nine-year-old girl. Adam advises against riding any vehicle with two wheels or less, including motorcycles and Segways. John suggests taking children to high-end restaurants early to develop their standards for future dating.

The new tax law extends credits for two and three-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles, effectively subsidizing Segways. It also continues a supplemental financing program for asparagus farmers that dates back to the Bush administration.

Following the CPAC discussion, the hosts propose creating "No Agenda" neckties as a form of protection and identification. They joke about adopting the "Mormon missionary" look—suit, tie, and bicycle—to avoid being harassed by security at political events.

In Los Angeles, "BID Police" (Business Improvement District) are patrolling the streets on Segways, wearing uniforms that closely resemble official law enforcement. These are private security officers hired by local business owners to manage the homeless population and juvenile runaways. The hosts express concern over the "police" misnomer and the lack of actual authority these rented guards possess.

Adam Curry shares his reaction to the film Paul Blart: Mall Cop after watching it on a flight. The conversation shifts to the sight of real police officers using Segways in San Francisco. Curry also mentions a chance encounter with documentarian Kevin Epps and Mike Farah, a senior advisor to Gavin Newsom.