21 Groundbreaking Ideas That Were Banned

New technology often bursts onto the scene, capturing the imagination of consumers and investors.
But these products face the ultimate test: the consumer marketplace. Some rise to the challenge, reshaping industries and becoming household names, while others struggle to gain traction and eventually fade into obscurity.
Let’s explore the tech that had potential but ultimately lost out to better innovations.
The Segway

Invented by Dean Kamen in 2001, the Segway was once hailed as the future of personal transportation. Despite its innovative design and self-balancing technology, it struggled to gain mainstream acceptance. The device’s steep price and impracticality for most users led it to be sidelined as a niche product.
Wireless Power

Nikola Tesla envisioned a world where electricity could be transmitted wirelessly over long distances. His Wardenclyffe Tower, built in 1901, aimed to prove this concept. However, due to financial challenges and skepticism, the project was never completed, leaving Tesla’s dream unrealized.
The Concorde

The Concorde was an engineering marvel capable of flying at twice the speed of sound. Despite its technological achievements, the aircraft was discontinued due to concerns over noise pollution caused by its sonic boom. Eventually, its high operating costs and environmental impact led to its retirement in 2003.
Project Plowshare

In the 1950s and 60s, the U.S. government proposed using nuclear explosions for large-scale civil engineering projects, known as Project Plowshare. While the idea promised rapid construction of canals and harbors, the environmental and health risks led to the project’s shutdown. The plan was abandoned after public awareness of radiation dangers.
The Apple Newton

Released in 1993, the Apple Newton was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs) and featured handwriting recognition. However, its high price, bulky design, and inaccurate handwriting recognition software resulted in poor sales. Apple discontinued the Newton in 1998.
The DeLorean

John DeLorean’s stainless steel car became iconic after its appearance in “Back to the Future.” Despite its futuristic design, the DeLorean faced production delays, mechanical issues, and legal troubles. The company went bankrupt in 1982.
Cold Fusion

In 1989, chemists Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons claimed to have achieved cold fusion, a process that could revolutionize energy production. Initial excitement quickly turned to skepticism as other scientists failed to replicate their results.
Google Glass

Launched in 2013, Google Glass was an augmented reality headset with a built-in camera. Despite its cutting-edge technology, privacy concerns and social discomfort led to public backlash. Google eventually discontinued the consumer version.
The XFL

The XFL, a football league launched by Vince McMahon in 2001, promised a more entertaining and extreme version of the sport. Despite initial fanfare, the league’s low-quality play and lack of viewer interest led to its cancellation after just one season.
Betamax

Introduced by Sony in 1975, Betamax was a revolutionary video tape format that offered superior picture quality. However, the competition from VHS, which had longer recording times and better market penetration, led to Betamax’s downfall. By the mid-1980s, Betamax was an obsolete technology.
The Edsel

In 1957, Ford launched the Edsel, a car designed to fill a gap between their mid-range and luxury models. Despite heavy marketing, the Edsel’s design was widely criticized, and it failed to attract buyers. Ford discontinued the Edsel in 1960, making it one of the biggest flops in automotive history.
The Osborne 1

The Osborne 1, released in 1981, was the first portable computer and sparked the laptop revolution. However, its bulky design, heavy weight, and limited battery life made it impractical for most users. The company went bankrupt by 1983.
The Sinclair C5

In 1985, Sir Clive Sinclair introduced the Sinclair C5, a one-person electric vehicle. The vehicle’s low speed, limited range, and lack of weather protection led to poor sales. The C5 was a commercial failure and became a symbol of misguided optimism in electric vehicles.
The Hoverboard

Hoverboards became a popular trend in 2015, with millions of units sold worldwide. However, reports of batteries catching fire and causing serious injuries led to widespread recalls and bans. The hoverboard was flagged by safety regulators, significantly curtailing its popularity.
Google Wave

Google Wave, launched in 2009, was an ambitious attempt to revolutionize online communication by combining email, instant messaging, and document sharing. Despite its innovative features, users found the platform confusing and difficult to navigate. Google discontinued the project in 2010.
Boeing Sonic Cruiser

In 2001, Boeing announced the Sonic Cruiser, a commercial airliner that would fly just below the speed of sound. The project promised faster travel times but was ultimately shelved due to rising fuel costs and the shift in demand toward more efficient aircraft.
LaserDisc

Released in 1978, LaserDisc offered superior video and audio quality compared to VHS. However, the high cost of players and discs, along with the bulky format, limited its adoption. By the mid-1990s, LaserDisc was a niche technology, overtaken by DVDs.
Roto-Rooter Drain Snake

The Roto-Rooter drain snake, invented in 1933, revolutionized plumbing by mechanically clearing clogged drains. However, the rise of chemical drain cleaners in the 1960s offered a cheaper and easier solution for consumers.
The Tandy 600

The Tandy 600, released in 1985, was a laptop designed for business professionals. Despite its portability, the device was quickly outdated by more powerful and affordable competitors. Tandy discontinued the 600.
The Boeing 747

The Boeing 747, introduced in 1969, was once the queen of the skies with its massive capacity and long-range capabilities. However, the rise of more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft in the 2000s led to its gradual retirement.
AT&T Picturephone

In 1964, AT&T introduced the Picturephone, a video calling device that was ahead of its time. Despite the futuristic appeal, the device’s high cost and the lack of infrastructure led to poor adoption.
Joe Frankel
Joe Frankel is a seasoned writer with a degree in Philosophy who enjoys covering entertainment and money topics. He's a coffee aficionado who enjoys roasting his own beans and making cold brew at home.