Time to prioritise Technology, Segway Myths Debunked!

Segway Myths Debunked

Barcelona, June: Early morning, sipping my energy drink Le-espresso, a power dose of caffeine while my mind is constantly racing between the world issues, intergalactic space (the vast empty spaces that sit between galaxies), Earthly Space (the vast empty spaces that sit between humans), advancing technology, and retreating humanity. Europe can give you a taste of the entirety, from the magnificent architecture to bitter memories of World War II.

I had to hold that thought, as a couple approached the coffee shop on their smart self balancing motor vehicle, commonly known as Segway in western regions. In simple words, it’s a two wheeled, battery powered, personal transportation that simply moves you from point A to point B. This adorable couple, was soon joined by a bunch of fellow Segway riders, who happened to be on the city tour.

Segway

The Guide

I approached the guide, who spoke perfect english with Spanish accent. He informed me that the Hover-board scooters and Segway’s are illegal to ride in public due to Segway rules, these popular ‘self-balancing scooters’ must adhere to certain rules, meaning they cannot be ridden on roads or pavements and have to be either off road or at a private property. I asked the guide (James), if I could try my hands on this non-hovering scooter for a few minutes. He chuckled, and after a short tutorial, he asked me to be as intuitive as I can get with the balance.

Got lucky

The tour group had taken a short halt at the cafe, and while they graciously ordered their coffee, I hopped on this mini scooter to experience the most celebrated transportation invention. For the initial 3 minutes, it is a frightening experience. However with the assistance of James, I managed to get the grip and balance just soon enough. Experience 5 minutes on this conveyance, and you will know how the world would end. Well! I mean of course this is that next generation toy, that would replace a lot of physical activity; walking, jogging and anything extra curricular that could keep one fit.

Thought thereafter

I thanked James for the wonderful experience, returned back to my seat, and ordered a re-fill for my coffee – before I could record any substantial thoughts in my mind’s journal. Since I am an Indian national, everything upturns with reference to a vision that future India may hold. If only Mumbai had cleaner surroundings, wider roads, no encroachments and off road routes! Delhi could be in a dominating position here, the well heeled families of high social standings live in large houses, surrounded by gardens, sidewalks and pavements.

What if

Once upon a time, Televisions and Mobile Phones faced the unstoppable upward trend, costing a great deal for two decades. Today electronics have become a common house hold item for most below the poverty line. Right from our domestic help, milk man, washerman, painter, driver – almost everyone has a sizeable television and a decent mobile phone. If they had access to “Segway” in future, either through relatively low costs, or through the person employing for the menial tasks, it would still bring about a colossal change. The domestic help would have access to mobility, would reduce the task completion time, increase their productivity, reduce their frustration, and would make life much easier for all of us if our “Bai’s” (Maid’s) remained cheerful and faithful.

Domestic Help

A domestic house-keeper in Spain makes the same salary as an employee with a new regulation effective since 2012. House holders can make deductions from wages for accommodation. Although, these cannot be more than 30% of the agreed wage. The maximum working week of 40 hours applies. As will the statutory minimum length of rest between working days of 12 hours. Now that’s what you call a legalised balanced life. I bet half of them own a personal Segway, who wants to drive a car when you commute faster through off road routes.

Could India do it..?

If India could derive that level of respect for work from western countries, economic equality will follow in no time. Who knows, 25 years from now, India would completely transform. Conclusively, our domestic help aka Bai’s may start visiting us on ‘Segway’s’. With that thought, I devoured the last drop of my coffee, and closed my brain’s ever active journal. Until of course the next stop over.

Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Lifestyle, Offbeat, Technology

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