I just received my Segway HT (human transporter) two weeks ago. In response to the many queries I have had, yes, it does live up to all of the hype surrounding it. To understand it properly, one really has to glide around on it for a bit before appreciating its true worth.

What Is the Segway Anyway?

The Segway is a self-balancing, electric machine designed to carry one person from Point A to Point B with no nasty fuel emissions or pollution. It is quiet, responsive and a marvel of technology. The Segway's top speed is 12.5 mph, though there are models designed for industrial use (think the Police, Park Service and so on) which can go up to about 18 mph..

How Does It Work?

The Segway is essentially a platform with a motor underneath, a shaft and handlebars. One stands on the platform, leans forward and simply goes forward, using the natural balance and momentum of the human body. The motors are electric, and are powered with twin micro-computers, gyroscopes, magnets and other mechanisms which monitor one's center of gravity 100 times a second. It is a truly amazing piece of technology.

To start, one simply places a key (one of three) on the key port. The display will change to balance mode. Simply step on the platform with both feet and lean forward gently. Your speed will be dictated by the key you are using, and the angle and force with which you lean forward. To stop, simply ease back into a standing position. To go backward, lean back a bit more. It's really that simple. One turns with a knob on the left side of the handlebars. The operation of the Segway is really very intuitive.

It is important to remember that the unit balances itself forward and backward, and not side to side. Any potholes or impediments on the ground surface will not help you balance. Loose surfaces like gravel do not work well with the machines.

Three Keys

Your Segway will come with three keys. These keys are a bit strange in appearance. Each key is a hollow "pill" shaped disc holding a microchip. Place this on the key port and the machine will enter balance mode. It is necessary to stop the machine and power it down before changing keys.

The first key is the black key. This is really the key that you should use when learning to ride the Segway. The top speed on this key is only about 5 mph.. I used it for almost a week before progressing to the yellow key, or "sidewalk" key. This one can go up to about 8 mph., and is suitable for sidewalks. The red key is the fastest speed, and goes up to 12.5 mph.. One can use the faster keys on city sidewalks and still maintain a suitably slow speed. The faster keys actually give the rider more control of the unit and a faster turning response.

Charging the Segway

The Segway is electric, so all you have to do is plug it in to an outlet and charge it for 12 hours. Don't worry. This is only the initial charge. After this, one can keep it charging when not in use, and it should be ready for your next trip. A full charge will last from 12-15 miles on normal terrain. On rough terrain, you may get a bit less out of the machine, as it has to work harder.

There are currently experiments with a different kind of battery which may double the length of the charge. A model with Stirling engine is also said to be under development. As with anything, the technology will evolve over time.

Sidewalks? What If I Run Someone Over?

If you are using the Segway responsibly, you will not come close to hitting anyone or causing any damage to passersby or to street furniture. It is imperative to keep your eyes open and your mind on those around you. I am sure the day will come when there are some who will not use this machine responsibly, but that is merely a matter for proper legislation.

Riding At Night

One of the few design flaws of the Segway is that there is no light. Several owners have rigged up their own lights, but I have not done so as yet. I usually ride on lighted streets or sidewalks, so I have not really had a problem with this to date. It is likely that future models may have a light of some kind already built in.

Legislating the Segway

I am fortunate to live in downtown Washington, where Segway friendly legislation has been passed. Most who have seen the Segway in action would agree that it is as safe a form of transportation as any that has been invented to date. Before you make up your mind that the Segway is an impediment to pedestrians, do make an effort to at least see one in action before you make up your mind. If these machines are used responsibly, they will truly be a revolutionary mode of transport as inventor Dean Kamen has hailed them.

Who Is Dean Kamen?

Dean Kamen is an inventor of medical devices who lives in New Hampshire. To date, his inventions have included a wheelchair which can go up stairs and several heart stents and other medical devices. Kamen used some of the technology from the wheelchair device and began to study human balance. Twelve years of research and over $80,000,000.00 have gone into the research and development of this machine.

Is It Really Worth $5000.00?

Absolutely. When considering purchasing a Segway, consider that this is the first generation of a very new technology and that when DVD players and CD players were first introduced, they were very expensive items too. There are plans underway to introduce less expensive models, possibly as early as late 2003. Varous models are currently under development.

I have found it a great way to get around town. Of course, I live in Kalorama, just off Connecticut Avenue, in downtown Washington. I work in the West End, just below Dupont Circle. I can easily walk the twelve blocks, but the temptation is always there to take a taxi. This device eliminates the need for taxis. In about a year, I will have saved the purchase price in taxi fares alone.

What? No Walking? No Exercise?

Detractors of the device propound that we are becoming a feeble society and that these devices will eliminate walking and turn us into a soft, flabby populace, motoring about with vestigial legs as we are too lazy to even walk. To those cries, I respond that I take my Segway off to my Club, where I exercise and swim. The Segway merely lets us use our time more efficiently. What exercise is sitting in traffic in your car and drinking a latte anyway?

Those With Disabilities

People with disabilities have found the Segway to be a liberating device indeed. I am not suggesting that it is perfect for everyone, and I suspect that a sense of balance may be helpful for the device to work properly. Nonetheless, I am aware of a number of people with disabilities or limited mobility who have been freed by the Segway. If in doubt, I would call Segway and ask them any questions you may have about the device.

How Do I Get One?

Currently, the only way to purchase a Segway is through Amazon.com. This pilot program was introduced in January. Though there have been howls of complaint about the delivery taking forever, delivery times will likely be accelerated now that the Segway is in regular production. I ordered mine on 15 January and received it on 2 April.

Another test program has been started through a Lexus dealership in Fort Lauderdale (JM Lexus), though which one can have accelerated delivery.

What About Training?

Currently, all owners are required to undergo a training course before their unit is shipped. This is a good idea, designed as it is to ensure that riders will be responsible Segway ambassadors.

Each purchaser is sent a 15 minute training video and two handbooks. You really must watch the video and read through the information before you start to glide. After June, training classes will be offered in Los Angeles and in New Hampshire. There may be a charge for these classes. Currently, the training is free.

Do I Need One?

In the absolute scale of need, likely not. This, however, must not be dismissed as simply a rich man's toy. When the price goes down (as surely it will), the Segway should take its place as an integral part of our transportation system. Remember that it was designed to be used in cities, and to some extent in the suburbs. As most automobile trips are of 7 mile or less, the Segway can fill a niche here very well.



Segway Human Transporter

$4950.00 USD

Segway

Manchester, New Hampshire

http://www.segway.com

Tel. 866-4-SEGWAY

also available at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com









Recommended: Yes