Meet the Opel Flextreme with a storage compartment for two Segway scooters. One has to wonder – why?

Ulrich Kahlert has invented a Handsfree Transporter that functions much like the Segway but, of course, without the need to use one’s hands. I remember the freedom I felt riding my 10-speed with my hands held high, as well as the times when an ill-placed obstacle sent me flying into space. Almost, I’d say, as it looks like this model is about to do. If she weren’t smiling, I’d imagine she were grasping for something to save her scantily-clothed hide. But, it it works, it does have a leg up on the segway (pun might be intended), because there are many instances where having ones hands free would be a distinct advantage. Which is my "duh" statement for the day.

I’m all for police receiving the tools they need to make their jobs safer and more effective. I also think they should be made to look formidable, menacing even, when necessary. These Street Smart Police Units, however, or modified Segways, kind of make them look like geeks on wheels. Were I a hardened criminal, I’d likely get caught as I was rolling on the ground, laughing myself to tears. Of course, that could be the idea, but I sort of doubt it.

I never warmed to the Segway, not that I have even seen one, and that holds true for this strange gizmo. Meet the Easy-Glider; it just won the ispo BrandNew Award. Vital specs: top speed of 12 mph,  it has a range of 9 to 16 miles, and needs six to eight hours to recharge.

Hardly seems worth it.

Long Beach copper Joe Miguez decided to use one of the two Segways the day he busted three teenage care thieves who failed to escape his Segway pursuit.

"Given that the Segway’s top speed is a non-white-knuckle 12.5mph, you might imagine the Merc could make a rapid getaway. … Miguez was able to keep the car in sight for two blocks until the Segway’s relentless progress evidently unnerved the car’s occupants, who "leaped out of the moving car to escape just moments before it jumped a curb and struck a utility pole".

Miguez quickly apprehended the 13-year-old driver, who named his two accomplices. Once the gang had been rounded up, the trio were "charged with juvenile delinquency." Slow and steady gets the job done.