Personal transporter. (Innovation and Impact).

It's faster than walking and more maneuverable than driving: It's Segway, personal transportation system recently introduced in a glow of publicity. Segway's makers hope it will reach the consumer market in time for the 2002 Christmas shopping season. Expected retail price: $3,000-$4,000.

Innovation: Segway Human Transporter (a.k.a. "Ginger") is an electric-powered variation on a scooter, allowing the rider to stand with feet in a normal position rather than with one foot in front of the other. The key breakthrough is a dynamic stabilization system using gyroscopes and tilt sensors that continuously monitor the rider's center of gravity to maintain balance. Leaning …