Paul Graham makes an intriguing observation about the Segway and offers an explanation:
When he rides the Eunicycle, people smile at him. But when he rides the Segwell, they shout abuse from their cars: “Too lazy to walk, ya fuckin homo?”
Why do Segways provoke this reaction? The reason you look like a dork riding a Segway is that you look smug. You don’t seem to be working hard enough.
Someone riding a motorcycle isn’t working any harder. But because he’s sitting astride it, he seems to be making an effort. When you’re riding a Segway you’re just standing there. And someone who’s being whisked along while seeming to do no work—someone in a sedan chair, for example—can’t help but look smug.