March 16, 2005 Transport Yourself The story of the Segway Human Transporter is a tale of a product notoriously unable to live up to its own hype. Long before its 2002 release, its designer, Dean Kamen, was getting slammed for claims that the Segway, or "Ginger" as it was known then, would be bigger than the Internet, sliced bread and world peace combined. When it was finally released, not only did it flop, selling about 6000 units the first year, it was recalled because of a risk that when the battery ran low the vehicle would stop, causing the rider to fall. So what's next for an invention with such a checkered past? Whither and die? Not this gyroscopic wonder. This month Segway LLC introduces three new transporters, which might by their very design make you reconsider the Segway. Sure, it may not be suited to your daily commute -- but how about the golf course? That's right, the new Segway GT is sort of a golf cart for one. Another model, the XT has beefed up tires and features cross-terrain capabilities, and the Segway HT i180 looks just like the original but comes in a couple different color combinations. The most significant technological advancement in these models is an improved battery which doubles their range to about 24 miles per charge. Okay, so you won't be seeing any special Segway lanes on the highways just yet. And unless you can meet the $5,000 price tag (the golf model is a bit more costly at $5495) it will be while before you get your own. But ready or not, these new models will be available at Segway Los Angeles the first week of April. Segway Los Angeles is located at 1660 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. For more information call 310-395-1395 or email: info@segway.la.