By Alfred Hermida BBC News Online technology editor in Las Vegas

It took nine months to come up with the Segway clone

A US company has come up with an imitation of the invention that was supposed to revolutionise transport.

The Rad2Go Q electric scooter looks like a Segway, but has four wheels and costs a quarter of the price.

"The Segway is a marvellous invention," said Rad2Go President John Wang, "but for me it is too much technology for moving from point A to point B."

The company has been drawing the crowds at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which ended on Sunday.

Cheaper and simpler

Just a quick glance at the Q reveals that it is no Segway.

THE RAD2GO Twin 150 watt hub motors 24 volt battery 10 mph top speed 10-15 miles range Cost between $1,000-1,500

The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing scooter which sells for $4,495 on Amazon.

For its part, the Q stands on four wheels as there is no sophisticated built-in gyroscope.

The device is also significantly cheaper, costing between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on the model.

"When we saw the Segway, we thought it was not a bad idea," said Mr Wang, who decided there was room for a cheaper and simpler type of device.

"The more complication you have, the more problems you are likely to have," he told BBC News Online.

It took the California-based firm nine months to come up with the clone.

Show buzz

The Q has two 150 watt motors built into the wheels, powered by a 24 volt battery that lasts for between 10 and 15 miles.

It can reach a top speed of 10mph, which is comparable to the Segway.

The scooter also comes with a throttle controlled by the thumb, brakes, a headlamp and even indicator lights.

The Q caused a buzz at the CES, the world's largest consumer technology showcase, with dozens of people taking a break from traipsing through the show floor to ride the Q.

Mr Wang said they had sold thousands of units in just a few days, with people taking advantage of a discounted price of $800.

"It is a very secure feeling," said Carol Berman, as her husband ordered one of the $1,000 scooter.

The Q has just gone on sale in the US and the firm is negotiating with eight UK companies to bring the scooter across the Atlantic.