Dean Kamen's pre-Segway invention, the Independence iBOT 3000 Mobility System, has just received approval from the FDA (official FDA press release).

The iBOT is a wheelchair that allows users to perform such functions as going up and down stairs, rolling over gravel and sand, and raising up on two wheels so as to be able to more easily interact with standing people. Apparently, the device will require a prescription from a doctor who has received appropriate training. Gothamist was unaware that there were so many regulations surrounding wheelchairs. But we guess it makes sense, since we learned from Seinfeld about the dangers of shoddy wheelchairs.

More of Gothamist's coverage of the Segway.