3. The Sinclair C5, Golden Eagle Skyrunner, and the Segway i2 & X2

Why do some technologies fail where others, as absurd as they may be, soar in sales and popularity?  Let's examine the successes and downfalls of the Sinclair C5, Golden Eagle Skyrunner, and the Segway i2 & X2 as an example.

The Sinclair C5
Immediately, the idea of having the handlebars underneath the driver's seat appears awkward to access for operational use, and appears unnatural also.  Here are some simple reasons why the Sinclair C5 failed according to http://www.ourhometools.com/why-the-sinclair-c5-failed:

• Zero climate protection - In very cold British conditions, not many people were rushing out to purchase one of these tricycles. The conditions sucked all the energy away from the battery life too.
• Safety - The tricycle is so small, the risk of other vehicles not seeing you is relatively high.
• Size - Because it is so small, not everyone can fit into one of these machines.
• Power - Flat surfaces, and down hill runs pose no problems, however uphill rides may see users having to push the vehicle or searching for a tow to get to the top of the hill.
• Poor promotion - Unfortunately Sir Clive launched the vehicle on 10th January 1985.  This was the day that the Viennese zither player, Anton Karas, died. In Britain, a zither is much more powerful than the launch of a Sinclair C5. 

Golden Eagle Skyrunner

Imagine spring loaded pogo sticks strapped onto your legs that enable you to leap tall buildings, and run faster than a Sinclair C5.   Well not exactly leap tall buildings but maybe run faster than a Sinclair C5.  As appealing, fun, and exciting these may appear, amateurs must kit up with safety gear, and so to speak, 'tread lightly.'  While it looks an attractive sport, allowing users to feel like super hero's and all, its induction into the sport is difficult, and dangerous.  Basic rules apply:
1. Practice first on a grassed area.
2. Ensure you have safety gear on at all times. 
3. Never ever stand still.
4. Remember the speed, velocity and height in which you are travelling.  
5. Technical issues lie in the weight of the user and that they are wearing the correct skyrunner to suit. 

The last point, highlights the main reason why the skyrunner hasn't quite taken off in some countries.  

• The risk of putting the end of the skyrunner into a crevice, crack in the road, or snagging them on something is highly likely, resulting in major damage.  
• It is amazing that the product hasn't been banned due to the high risks involved; people actually believe and behave that they are superhuman in them, and perform unbelievable feats while wearing them.  
• The construction and durability of them is much pertinent to the weight of the user.

Take a look at the following videos to give you an idea of how difficult it is to become skilled in the sport, and how easy it is to fail:

Segway

Like the Sinclair C5, the Segway was unpopular at first. However, this was due to different reasons.

1. Its inventor Dean Kamen claimed his new invention was amazing, and would change the world.  It had received blessings from moguls like Steve Jobs, John Dooer, and Steve Bezzos, but noone knew what it actually was. 
2. The Segway proved too costly for the average household. 
3. People looked 'dorky' riding these machines.....  (retrieved July 15, 2012 from http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090730/1958335722.shtml

Since its first inception, the Segway has become more popular featuring cross terrain versions capable of semi-extreme sports activities. 

Clearly, promotion, timing, and hype determine the success of a technology, but also practical functions must also be considered. For instance, the cool look factor influences popularity. No one wants to look like a 'dork' standing upright on a riding machine, no one wants to look like a hippopotamus squashed up in a tricycle either. Safety issues are vital to survival, and travelling in a speed machine unprotected from the conditions, or environment is a factor that ascertains technological success. What are your perspectives?