Additionally, your arms are free which is a big win, and at least in the video, it didn't require wearing a helmet. I think they've made leaps and bounds over the smug issue.
It looks like this only targets indoor super smooth surfaces, but I think it could definitely find a niche.
i guess that's why such technologies take a while to get broadly adopted. i think in 10 or 20 years almost everybody might use those, and segway will look kinda old-school.
I think this has more practical use whereas Segway is like an expensive car. Show this to any caretaker looking after people with stroke, disabilities etc. I am sure they will find it useful. Think about how many falls this can prevent indoors? They probably need to cap the max speed for old people to their walking speed. A back rest will be nice.
[1]: http://www.paulgraham.com/segway.html