November 8, 2004
SEGWAY SIGHTING IN INDIANAPOLIS
 This past weekend was a beautiful one here in Indianapolis. After a leisurely Saturday morning around the apartment, I headed over to my property management company's office to sign a 6-month extension on my lease. While walking thru the lobby of the Harness Factory (that's where my leasing office is located) I ran across this guy. For the uninitiated, he's standing on a Segway Human Transporter--a self-balancing, electric-powered, personal transportation device that moves forwards and backwards with the aid of gyroscopes and tilt sensors that monitor its rider's center of gravity at about 100 times a second.
Much has been written about the Segway since it was first unveiled on Good Morning America back in December of 2001. I remember watching Diane Sawyer and Charlie Gibson tooling around on these far-out toys, and I thought to myself, "Mikal, you've 'got' to get yourself one of these things, big time!" (that was, until I saw the astronomical price tag). Today, the Segway HT retails for between $3,995.00 and $4,500.00, depending on which model you choose to buy.
Despite the fact that this is the first Segway I've ever seen in person, more than 35 states have passed laws allowing these 'human transporters' to operate on sidewalks, and over 3,400 users have affiliated with a SEG America--a membership-based club created as a way for Segway owners to share ideas and experiences. Heck, even as I post this message, Segway fever is moving across the country, literally. That's right... sooner or later you knew someone would do this sort of thing... five people riding Segway HTs are currently making their way from Seattle to Boston, 10 miles per hour, 80 miles per day. The group was somewhere outside of Philadelphia this past weekend, and is hoping to make it to Boston in time for Thanksgiving. For information on their progress and experiences, visit the 10mph Blog by clicking here.
So, what do you think... if you had the money (meaning, all your debts were paid and you had ample savings in the bank) would you buy a Segway Human Transporter? I would, in a jiffy.
Posted by Mikal at November 8, 2004 5:28 AM
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I wouldn't. I prefer that my leg muscles not atrophy from disuse. I'd rather walk. Plus, I think they're kind of dangerous. They take up a lot of room on the sidewalk. I was almost mowed down by one of these at the Indy 500 this year. Better for the environment than a gasoline-powered car, though, if you're headed somewhere that's not within reasonable walking distance.
I saw a security guard riding one of these things around at the Edinburg outlet mall this weekend.
Sams Club has them for
$2488.00
What a steal!
It's interesting that the first reaction to those who are obviously uninformed about the Segway HT comment that they would rather get exercise by walking rather than use another mode of transport.
I think standing on the Segway instead of sitting in traffic in a cage, errÖ car is a much healthier way to get to where youíre going. Speaking the health effects of standing: (http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9277)
Little do they know WHY the rider of the Segway chooses to use it, is he going to or coming from work, has he ridden his device 5 miles to get to where he is going? How about the most subtle one of all: Is the rider disabled? (http://draft.cc)
I am an HT owner who takes his personal transporter to and from work in almost any weather condition. I have owned a Segway for over a year and a half, and yes, I paid $4500 for mine, and it has been worth every penny. I have made friends, and smelled the fresh air, and the HT is as fun a machine as it is useful.
I own the larger of the 2 models, and no, it doesnít take up a lot of space on the sidewalk. If you look at the picture posted on the Beli-Blog, the wheelbase is about as wide as the shoulder width of the man standing there. The smaller ìPî series (Sams Club $2500) is even smaller.
As for Melody being almost mowed down by one of those at the Indy 500. I am sorry for that incident, and I would not condemn the device, but rather user error, and irresponsible operators.
The Segway is an inherently safe machine, the way it is designed, it mimics human balance, so even if you were to encounter a Segway which made physical contact with you, it has no accelerator, the physical contact would force the Segway to slow down (unlike a car, if you keep depressing on the accelerator, the car doesnít know to stop for a brick wall, it will keep trying to plow through it).
There are thousands of motorist deaths involving cars and motorcycles, but no one seems to attribute blame on the cars and motorcycles, but the Segway is seen as something different.
Like the horseless carriage which brought out derision and apathy from walkers, and horse and buggies way back when. The Segway seems to bring out the worst and the best in different people. Give the device a chance. And if you see me or any other Segway HT rider in your town, wave, smile, and ask questions. Weíd be more than happy to educate you.
It looks like a fun! But I don't think I'd ever get one. I'm used to my car...and the roads I drive to work are too dangerous for Segway use. I think it's probably good to have in a city like New York or Boston (or Indy). :o)
The Segway can be ridden on roads in certain municipalities whose speed limit is set to 25 MPH or lower. Although it is truly meant to be on the sidewalk. It is classified as an EPAMD (Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Device) in 41 States. Therefore it is an empowered pedestrian. The Sidewalks is where it belongs, and that's what separates it from other forms of personal transportation.
I'd furthermore like to add (and add on to what has been said earlier), that this device is virtually silent, emits no pollution, and can stand perfectly still, as well as having a zero degree turning capability, which essentially means, it's mobility is that of a human being.
I think that in the future, infrastructure will have to adapt to changing modes of transport. Whether the Segway will be one of them remains to be seen. For now, though, the Segway is as advanced as it is misunderstood.
Cheers!
So what kind of performance does the smaller version get when compared to the larger one?
I'd hate to give up the ABILITY to go fast if NEEDED to.
If a dog is chasing me I'd hate to have to jump off the HT and run! :)
The smaller version of the Segway, called the "P" series (P for Personal) runs about 10 miles on a single charge, with a top speed of about 10 miles per hour. Which is pretty fast if you think about it. The larger version runs about 14 miles on a single charge with a top speed of about 12.5 miles per hour. I doubt anyone on foot, or on a Segway can outpace a dog at full speed (depending on the dog). But I must state again, that when on a Segway, you're still a pedestrian, nothing more, nothing less, therefore you still have to contend with the hazards of being a pedestrian, dogs and people alike.
ONe thing I have noticed after being a Segway owner for about 2 years now is how inattentive people on foot really are. I am extra cautious on my machine so as not to come too close or startle anyone, slowing down at corners and alleys, etc. I am shocked at how many folks don't look where they're walking.
Hundreds of times, I have pulled over to the side and stood perfectly still when I come upon a group to let them pass by, and invariably one or two of the group members in front of me realizes I'm there right as they're about to touch my handlebars. People walking talking on cell phones not concentrating on the path ahead of them, and the all time favorite, walking 4 or more side by side, blocking pedestrian traffic behind them.
When on the Sidewalk, I never go faster than a brisk walker's pace, NEVER. It's proper Segway etiquette. The person on foot always has the right of way.
Again, this device is so new, it's current users have to be good ambassadors for the technology.
Regards.
Hey Mikal,
Check this out: http://htmlfixit.com/news/index.php?p=495
Segway is going color/style, options! 2005 might be your year to get one. Pitch the used car.
Don
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