What is a Segway? The Segway® is an electronically balanced, battery powered personal transporter that can turn in place and carry one person between approximately 100 and 250 pounds up to 12½ mph, which is under five minutes per mile, with up to a 24 mile range. The handle controls turning, but all other movements are controlled by basically leaning slightly in the direction you want to travel. It relies on an array of sophisticated electronics to remain balanced. Remarkably intuitive and amazingly easy to learn. Not only is it incredibly useful, but more fun than you can imagine! The only way you could even begin to fully appreciate the wonder of the Segway is to try it for yourself.▲
Can I buy a Segway tour as a gift? Yes! A Segway tour makes an excellent gift for all occasions. Just mail us a check for $89 per person (two person minimum) and notate in the memo area on the check the name of the person who would likely be calling to schedule the tour. The gift has no expiration and additional riders, who may later decide to join, can usually be accommodated.▲
Why doesn't the Segway fall over? Five gyroscopes and two tilt sensors plus an array of electronics monitor balance 100 times a second. Adjustments happen faster than your brain can think, making it self-balancing, although it relies on you to control its direction and speed. Feels like magic, but it is technology in action.▲
What is it like to be on a Segway? You will experience a floating feeling, as if you are gliding around on your own personal magic carpet. It feels so good that it almost becomes addictive. People find it to be so much fun they often don't want to get off once they've stepped onto it.▲
Is it difficult to learn how to ride? It will be among the fastest activities you've ever learned. Within moments of first stepping on a Segway, you will have a basic feel for its intuitive operation. With proper training and practice, more advanced riding ability will quickly develop and you'll soon be moving around effortlessly.▲
Can I fall while riding a Segway? Yes. While the Segway balances for you, it is still under your control. Just as you can accidentally steer your car into something unintended, you can do the same while on a Segway. As amazing as the Segway is, if it is driven into a stationary object, it can't pass through it! Unpredictable surface conditions and environment can also pose risks. You must ride with care and always as an observant operator, keeping in mind you will likely be moving along at a faster pace than foot travel. You also must practice your skills and know the limitations of your riding ability and the Segway.▲
Wasn't there a Segway recall? Yes, there have been two: The first in 2003 and a second in 2006, so the operating software could be updated. A software upload taking just a few minutes is the remedy and can be done for free at Segway dealer locations around the world; Segway may cover shipping costs. All new Segways have the latest operating system. If you have a Segway that has not yet been updated, please contact your nearest dealer for upgrade details.▲
Does it have enough power to climb hills? The power is impressive and will easily take you up steep hills. The Segway is generally limited by the amount of traction available.▲
What happens when I'm going down a steep hill? The Segway has a speed regulator, so you will not speed out of control. Not only can it glide down comfortably, but it will remain level, and you will avoid the excessive impact typically associated with moving downhill on foot.▲
What happens when the power runs out? Only after numerous warnings will the battery be completely depleted. The rider should monitor the battery power by occasionally glancing down at the display. If the rider ignores the repeated low battery indicators including an easily audible warning, red flashing display, and handle vibration, the Segway will eventually power down and stop balancing.▲
How can I carry things while on a Segway? A backpack or bag can be hung from the handlebars. If it isn't too heavy and doesn't swing around erratically, it shouldn't interfere with the ride or balance. Keep in mind if there is weight on the handles, the Segway has a tendency to roll forward when you step off, easily solved by removing the item(s) beforehand. Segway also makes several different carrying options, some for the front, two larger options for the side.▲
Where can I use a Segway? Virtually anywhere you can walk and even places you don't really want to walk (grass, dirt, gravel, rough terrain), a Segway will take you there. It can easily be brought indoors as well. Stairs are really the only obstacle, but are just an inconvenience and can still be negotiated.▲
Can a Segway go up or down stairs? Yes and no. Yes, if you're not riding the Segway, it can easily be walked up or down stairs or curbs under power and only requires a small amount of lift from you. When on the Segway, no, it cannot go up stairs (although Segway's technology is being used in their IBOT Mobility System that can go up stairs). Although a Segway can easily hop off of a curb or go down a stair or two when you're on it, it's not recommended, not because it will do the Segway damage, but because it creates unnecessary risk.▲
What would happen if a Segway ran over my foot? Your shoe may get dirty, but not necessarily as the tires are non-marking. Doubtful that it would result in an injury, with the low pressure tires and weight distribution. The risk of injury is greater from someone stepping on your foot as more pounds per square inch are being delivered from a heel or front of a shoe than from a Segway tire.▲
Will the Segway contribute to inactivity? Not at all. Actually, quite the contrary. Operating a Segway properly means flexing your knees when moving over uneven terrain and coming to a stop, also leaning your body into turns when changing direction, and constantly adjusting your center of gravity by making shifts in body positioning, all of which requires some degree of physical energy. Riders frequently compare Segway maneuvering to snow skiing, when riding the Segway at more advanced levels, particularly with the new LeanSteer models. The amount to which you will benefit really depends on what type of rider you are, similar to variances possible with other activities. Consider this scenario: You need to go somewhere three miles away, and let's assume you don't plan to walk or ride a bike. Alternative number one--take the car, park as close as possible, walk the remaining short distance. Or, the Segway alternative--ride a Segway round-trip and leave the car at home. You are likely to get considerably more exercise riding a Segway six miles than you will driving a car the same distance. You also will be outdoors, and undoubtedly will come in contact with people who will want to talk with you about your Segway. You will find yourself more active and interactive than you ever could be driving a car. The notion that riding a Segway is strictly passive couldn't be more wrong. Without the continuous physical participation of the rider, a Segway would not operate.▲
Do I ride the Segway on the sidewalk or in the street? The Segway is sidewalk legal in most U.S. states, but if there is no sidewalk it may be ridden on the street in most states as well. Check these two sources for details: the Governors Highway Association Segway page and Segway's Regulatory Information page. The Segway is an "electric personal assistive mobility device" (or an EPAMD) and in most states you are considered a pedestrian while on a Segway. Laws outside the U.S. vary.▲
Is registration, licensing, insurance, or a helmet required? There is no registration, licensing, or insurance required, and wearing a helmet is usually voluntary for adults. The two links in the paragraph above have details for your state.▲
What are the operating and maintenance costs? A full charge consumes 1.04 kWh of electricity, which costs around 10¢. A full charge can take eight to 10 hours, less time for a partial charge. The batteries have an estimated life span of 1000 charge/discharge cycles. The tires have a 5000 mile range, and cost $129 each (the whole wheel is replaced, not just the tire). A flat tire, which is quite unusual, can often be repaired by a tire shop or motorcycle shop for a nominal fee. Otherwise, there really is no servicing or maintenance.▲
What's to stop someone from taking my Segway? An electronically coded key is required to start it, so it wouldn't be of any use to someone without the key. There is a tamper deterrent mode on the i2 and x2. Insurance is also available for $150 to $300 a year if the Segway is for personal use. Locking it is an option, with a specially made cable lock by Segway.▲
Will I stand out while using my Segway? Definitely! People will want to ask you about the Segway everywhere you go. You will be a pioneer of new technology, much like at one time such now commonly accepted things as cars, television, the personal computer and cell phones. In their time, all these things were unbelievable and faced a period of adjustment and acceptance. The Segway is as revolutionary.▲
If it's raining, what do I do? Put on your raincoat and take your Segway, keeping in mind you may experience reduced traction, as in most wet surface conditions. The Segway has a sealed, water resistant design. Water, mud, dirt, and sand will not do it harm. A fringe benefit to using a Segway is that your shoes will take considerably less of a beating. Have you ever been stuck having to walk through terrain that would be better traveled if you were floating just above it? With the Segway, that wish is granted.▲
Who makes the Segway? Segway, Inc. of New Hampshire, where it is manufactured, invented by Dean Kamen, who holds numerous patents. It became widely available in March 2003. Segway is a trademark of Segway, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. Developed at a cost of $100 million over 10 years, and further developed for another several years following its initial release, the Segway is an amazing piece of technology.▲
Who is SEGWOW? We are an independent Segway business. We work with area dealers and Segway, Inc. regularly and have an ongoing relationship. Our name was created because the most frequent immediate response to someone first seeing a Segway is, "Wow!" Our services have been mentioned or featured in such publications as: the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, LA Daily News, American Way, Condé Nast, AAA TourBook 2007, Westways Magazine, Los Angeles Business Journal, LA Downtown News, Century City View, Beverly Hills Magazine, City Beat, Philadelphia Inquirer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and AirTran Magazine, among others.▲
Can I buy or rent a Segway from SEGWOW? We are an authorized outside seller and can sell you a new Segway, but we do not rent them outside of our normal services. You may download the current Segway catalog here to configure a new Segway.▲
How do I get the Segway into my vehicle? The Segway can be lifted into your vehicle, but it's much easier to use a ramp. Segway sells a ramp kit, a pair of ramps that fold in half. A Segway can power itself up a ramp, even at a steep angle, and will usually fit into the back of an SUV, many hatchbacks, some trunks entirely, or on the front or rear seat, depending on the size of your vehicle's interior.▲
How can I transport a Segway if I don't have enough space inside my vehicle? Segway did offer a hauler that fits in a towing receiver hitch, but it might not be available currently. Third party manufacturers may be able to custom make a powered rack to your specifications.▲
Can I fly commercially with a Segway? No, not with Lithium-Ion batteries and it will have to be shipped by a company that can handle cargo designated as hazardous material. Yes, if you have the older NiMH batteries, but airline rules vary: Southwest, last we heard, charges $50 to check in an NiMH unit, but there's no charge if the Segway is required for your mobility. You may be permitted to ride a Segway through the airport and to the plane door and gate check it, but that depends on the airline and airport policies. Check with your airline prior to travel for regulation details.▲
Did President Bush fall off a Segway? Yes, however, he remained on his feet as he moved forward, quickly regaining his footing. As a security and safety measure, a key is required to operate a Segway. The sophisticated balancing electronics will not benefit the rider until the machine is turned on. There was an article in USA Today theorizing that Bush may have done it on purpose. An interesting conspiracy theory, but we believe it was just an honest mistake from not knowing basic procedure, easily remedied by learning it needs to be activated with a key before stepping onto it. Since then, Bush has been spotted riding around with his father and on his own. As one might expect, it is a lot easier to find pictures and coverage of his first attempt, as opposed to his subsequent rides. Bush is so enthused about the Segway that he gave a pair to his father and mother, and on November 16, 2005 brought one with him to Japan and gave it as a gift to Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi. Bush immediately had him try it and Koizumi exclaimed, "Oh, very good!" after his brief test ride. About a month later, the Prime Minister was spotted riding his Segway from his official residence to his office because, "the weather was nice," also later remarking to reporters, "it's pretty comfortable." Bringing the Bush family ridership across three generations, more recently, on August 24, 2006, President Bush's daughter Jenna has been pictured riding around on the brand new Segway i2 at their compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. On July 2, 2007, President Bush gave yet another Segway away, this time to Russian President Putin. ▲ |
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Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi takes his Segway, a gift from President Bush, for a ride from his official residence to the office on December 16, 2005. |
What are some of the advantages to using a Segway? If you are in a situation where a Segway can be used to commute, in addition to adding more fun and activity to your life, leaving your car at home can save you money, including insurance and parking fees, with daily rates that can be prohibitive. A Segway can also save you time, allowing you faster access to some areas that may be heavily congested by traffic. Even if you can't take the Segway all the way from home, you can have it in your car and use the Segway to travel the last mile or two, allowing you to leave your car in a less expensive (or free) parking location and avoid the hassle of bringing a motor vehicle into an overcrowded city center. If when shopping locally you find yourself parking from one store to another, skip all that and use the Segway to travel all around a neighborhood, faster and more easily than car-hopping from one parking lot to the next. You won't get ticketed or towed, and no parking woes. Standing on a Segway adds about 8" of height--you'll not only get a better view, but you will be seen better. The environment will benefit from the emission-free operation, with you either leaving your car at home or driving it less, which will also help reduce traffic.▲
Why not just walk or drive? The average walking speed is approximately three miles an hour, taking 20 minutes to travel a mile–a Segway can cover the same mile in under five minutes, less than one quarter the time. Walking isn't always the best way to travel moderate distances, especially if time is a factor, the terrain is uneven, or when carrying cargo. Traffic in congested urban areas commonly brings average speeds down to 10 miles per hour–a Segway can move faster. We don't need 4000 pound behemoths to move our typically sub-250 pound bodies along at speeds that can be easily matched by a Segway. The Segway can replace or supplement current transportation choices in countless circumstances. A Segway won't work for all people in all situations, but for many it can provide a means to get around faster, more economically and efficiently, both as a necessity and for recreation, and with a marvelous way of intertwining the two. As Segway says, "Move more intelligently." A Segway is an incredible option for personal transportation. If you have not yet tried a Segway, you probably can't fully appreciate its potential. Try it before deciding--it may surprise you!▲
What about taking a taxicab? A recent survey reported that an average trip of just under three miles in a taxi costs $10.85 in San Francisco (most expensive in the country), $10.08 in Boston, $9.60 in Las Vegas, $9.19 in Los Angeles, and $6.85 in New York. The same ride on a Segway will cost 2¢ in electricity. At its top speed, a Segway can travel three miles in under 15 minutes and is less affected by traffic conditions.▲
Source: Schaller Consulting
How about riding a bike? A bicycle excels as a form of exercise, however, as a utility mobility device or transportation, especially when cargo is being carried, visibility is an issue, the rider needs the use of one hand, or for indoor use, a Segway excels. Setting aside the fact that not everyone is capable of riding a bike, many do not want to possibly arrive at their destination tired and sweaty, wearing biking attire. Bicycles are generally not sidewalk legal, posing a serious additional risk when riding them on the street and merging with traffic. Bicycles are also not indoor or very pedestrian friendly and their wide turning radius makes them awkward in tight places. Peddling uphill can require an inordinate amount of effort, and riding downhill can cause a bike to reach unsafe speeds. Carrying something on a bike is difficult, usually requiring it be worn, bringing about added strain and instability. Bicycles can put the rider in uncomfortable riding positions, unlike the relaxed, two-footed positioning on a Segway. A bicycle will generally position a rider in a seated or crouched position, dramatically reducing the rider's line of sight, particularly among people or cars (someone who normally stands at five feet eight inches will shrink to perhaps four feet four inches). A Segway, however, will actually improve a rider's vantage point, by making them a head taller than usual (someone who normally stands at five feet eight inches will suddenly become six feet four inches). Comparing the two heights, a Segway rider can be two feet taller than a biker, which is enough height to see over most people and cars! A bicyclist cannot free up a hand for very long and continue to ride aggressively, while a Segway rider can ride at full speed with one hand free to use. A key is required to turn on a Segway, so it can be left unattended without someone riding away with it; an unlocked bicycle can be easily put to use.▲
I have an injury or a disability--can I use the Segway? What about the ADA? The Segway has been designed and tested for use by able-bodied consumers. The Segway is not a medical device and it has never been marketed by Segway as a medical device. Segway has not sought, nor will they seek, medical device status or ADA approval of the Segway. It is entirely up to an individual to decide if a Segway can be useful in their particular circumstance and fit into their lifestyle, but with the understanding that a Segway has not been tested, nor is there any data for any specific injury or disability. We are not legal experts and cannot dispense legal advice and do not know how the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) applies. While state law makes the Segway legal in most areas, local governments and private property owners can restrict their usage.▲
Who is using the Segway? Both private individuals and businesses own and use the Segway. Individuals use them to commute and move around locally, or bring them along while traveling. More than 600 police and security agencies around the world are using them, such as the New York Police Department. They benefit from the many advantages over traditional vehicles, with better access, community relations, cost effectiveness, and getting into areas where other vehicles simply can't go. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has a Segway detail, as does the Los Angeles Metro Transit Authority. Half of the major U.S. airports are policed with the Segway. Chicago's O'Hare airport, among the busiest airports in the world with 69 million passengers annually, use them to cover the premises. Companies with large facilities, such as Google, use them. Disney has many for their employees and for park and cruise ship guests. There are tour and rental businesses around the world, which combine function with recreation and help reduce the number of cars and tour vehicles necessary, bringing people where traditional transportation cannot. Postal workers in some areas are delivering the mail with them. Hotels use them to cover the grounds, some with roving Segway concierges to assist guests. Other Nevada hotels are putting them to use for casino security, with reportedly fewer incidents of cheating, with the greater visibility of the personnel while on a Segway. Emergency medical services, including paramedics, can get to locations more quickly, and with their equipment, than with other alternatives, in large but confined pedestrian spaces, such as a stadium or a shopping mall. On sprawling college campuses, there are Segway owners--faculty, students, or administrators, and some are offering campus tours. A small segment of the disabled population, with either a temporary or permanent disability, sometimes find the Segway to be invaluable. These are just some examples of the many useful applications that are each being uniquely fulfilled by the Segway.▲
What do you think about possible Segway bans? In a word: unnecessary. With tens of thousands of Segways in operation, millions of rides, there simply has been no indication a Segway poses any unusual danger, which may explain why bans are quite rare. Segway riders appear to be more than capable of safely regulating their own riding style to suit the environment and creating restrictive legislation would seem unwarranted at this point.▲
Is the Segway dangerous? Every precaution and technological advancement possible has been included to make the Segway safe to operate. It remains in the control of humans and human error, yours or someone else's, and other unforeseen conditions, could conceivably create danger, but it would not be any more "dangerous" than the many things we accept as being "safe." The reality is that every form of movement has the potential to be dangerous, it's just a question of acceptable risk. Here is a sampling of some numbers involving other modes of ground transportation--▲
In the United States, on any given day, on average approximately:
- 44 people are killed while in a car
- 16 people are killed as a pedestrian
- 11 people are killed in pick-up trucks and vans
- 8 people are killed as a motorcyclist
- 3 people fall down the stairs and die
- 2 bicyclists are killed
- 1 person slips, trips or stumbles and dies
Despite these numbers, few would consider
any of these activities to be an unacceptable risk. Are we to outlaw driving,
walking, biking and stair climbing? With no data or indication a Segway creates unusual risk, it would appear a Segway is not any less safe than most forms of transportation.
Source: National Safety Council http://www.nsc.org/lrs/statinfo/odds.htm
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