Segway PT

Type	Electric vehicle
Wheels	Two
Inventor	Dean Kamen
Introduced	2001
Chief Engineer	Doug Field
Dynamics Engineers	David Robinson John Morrel Jon Stevens Jon Pompa
Programmers	Chuck Herscovici Gerry Rigdon Michael Kaufman Eric Pribyl Jim Dattalo
Electrical Engineers	Phil Lemay Mike Gansler JD Heinzmann Jason Sachs Larry Liberman Chris Kastel Zeta Electronics
Mechanical Engineers	Ron Reich Ray Debruin Mike Slate JR Holt
Industrial Designers	Scott Waters Tao Chang

The Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation machine invented by Dean Kamen. It is produced by Segway Inc. of New Hampshire, USA. The name "Segway" (/ˈsɛɡwej/) is a homophone of "segue" (/ˈsɛɡweɪ/) while "PT" denotes personal transporter.

Computers and motors in the base of the device keep the Segway PT upright when powered on with balancing enabled. A user commands the Segway to go forward by shifting their weight forward on the platform, and backward by shifting their weight backward. The Segway notices, as it balances, the change in its center of mass, and first establishes and then maintains a corresponding speed, forward or backward. Gyroscopic sensors and fluid-based leveling sensors are used to detect the shift of weight. To turn, the user manipulates the handlebar left or right.

Segway PTs are driven by electric motors and can go up to 12.5 miles per hour (20.1 km/h).

Contents 1 Pre-release marketing 2 Technology 3 Uses 4 Restrictions on use 4.1 North America 4.2 Asia 4.3 Middle East 4.4 Europe 4.5 Oceania 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

Pre-release marketing

The Segway PT was known by the names Ginger and IT before it was unveiled. Ginger came out of the first product that used Kamen's balancing technology, the iBOT wheelchair. During development at the University of Plymouth, the iBot was nicknamed Fred Upstairs (after Fred Astaire) because it can climb stairs: hence the name Ginger, after Astaire's regular film partner, Ginger Rogers, for a successor product.

The invention, development, and financing of the Segway was the subject of a narrative nonfiction book, Code Name Ginger (in paperback as Reinventing the Wheel), by journalist Steve Kemper. The leak of information from that book led to rampant and hyperbolic speculation about the "IT" device prior to release. The speculation created an unexpected advance buzz about the product that was, at times, hyperbolic. Steve Jobs was quoted as saying that, it was "as big a deal as the PC",^[1] though later sources quoted him as saying when first introduced to the product that its design "sucked".^[2] John Doerr speculated that it would be more important than the Internet.^[1] Articles were written in major publications speculating on it being a Stirling engine.^[3] South Park devoted an episode to making fun of the hype before the product was released.

The product was unveiled December 3, 2001, in Bryant Park, the privately managed public park located in the New York City borough of Manhattan, on the ABC News morning program Good Morning America.^[4]

Technology

The dynamics of the Segway PT are similar to a classic control problem, the inverted pendulum. The Segway PT (PT is an initialism for personal transporter while the old suffix HT was an initialism for human transporter) has electric motors powered by Valence Technology phosphate-based lithium-ion batteries which can be charged from household current. It balances with the help of dual computers running proprietary software, two tilt sensors, and five gyroscopic sensors. The servo drive motors rotate the wheels forwards or backwards as needed for balance or propulsion. The rider controls forward and backward movement by leaning the Segway relative to the combined center of mass of the rider and Segway, by holding the control bar closer to or farther from their body. The Segway detects the change in the balance point, and adjusts the speed at which it is balancing the rider accordingly. On older models, steering is controlled by a twist grip on the left handlebar, which simply varies the speeds between the two motors, rotating the Segway PT (a decrease in the speed of the left wheel would turn the Segway PT to the left). Newer models enable the use of tilting the handle bar to steer.^[5]

Uses

Segways perform best in areas with adequate sidewalks, curb cuts at intersections, and ramps. They are used in some theme parks by visitors and employees. Angel Island State Park, in San Francisco Bay in California, offers Segway tours, but prohibits personal Segways except as needed by disabled visitors.^[6] The special police forces trained to protect the public during the 2008 Summer Olympics used the Segway for mobility.^[7]

Though a Segway-focused organization, Disability Rights Advocates for Technology,^[8] advocates for Segway PT sidewalk and facility access as an ADA issue, Segways cannot be marketed in the US as medical devices: they have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a medical device and Johnson & Johnson claims exclusive rights to the medical uses of the balancing technology found in the iBOT and Segway. Dean Kamen sold the medical rights to the technology of the iBOT, a very stable and mobile powered wheelchair, to Johnson & Johnson.^[9]

A version of the Segway i2 is being marketed to the Emergency Medical Services community. Equipped with light bars and a variety of hard and soft cases, it is sealed against wet conditions, and rated for 24 miles (39 kilometres) per charge.^[10]

Restrictions on use

North America

• Canada: Restrictions on motorized vehicle use are set by provinces individually. In Alberta, Segways cannot be driven on Public Roads including sidewalks abutting public roads. Segways cannot be driven on city-owned bicycle paths in Calgary. Segways are allowed to be driven on private land with the landowner's permission. (Some malls allow their use.) In British Columbia, Segways can't legally be operated on B.C. roads or on sidewalks because they cannot be licensed or insured as a vehicle in B.C.^[11] In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation has started a pilot program where Segways may be used by people 14 years or older with disability, Canada Post door-to-door delivery personnel, and police officers. It was originally planned to end in October 2011, but has been extended until 2013 due to limited participation. After this, the government will decide whether to allow people to use it. Segways can still be used by others on private property.^[12]

• United States, in general: The company has challenged bans and sought exemption from sidewalk restrictions in over 30 states. The Segway PT has been banned from use on sidewalks and in public transportation in a few municipalities, often because it is not classified as a medical device. Advocacy groups for pedestrians and the blind in the US have been critical of Segway PT use: America Walks^[13] and the American Council of the Blind oppose allowing the PT to be driven on sidewalks, even for those with disabilities, and have actively lobbied against any such legislation.^[14] Today, Segways are allowed to be used on sidewalks in most states, although local municipalities may disallow their use. Many states also allow their use in bicycle lanes or on roads with speed limits of up to 25 mph.^[15]

• United States, San Francisco: In November 2002, before it was widely available, the city of San Francisco banned the Segway PT from sidewalks citing safety concerns.^[16] However, a number of Segway Tour operations use them in cycle lanes and designated trails.

• United States, Disney: In February 2004, Disney banned Segway PTs from its theme parks, stating they had not been approved by the FDA as medical devices.^[17] In the same month,^[18] Disney began offering Segway tours of its Epcot theme park.^[19] In early August 2007, Disney began offering a similar guided tour in its Disney California Adventure Park park in California.^[20]

• Mexico: In Mexico there is no regulation that limits Segway use in public spaces.^[21]

Asia

• Japan: In a court, Segway was classified as a motorcycle, owing to the power output;^[22] however, there is no report of registration. Segway Japan, an authorized dealer, sells Segways only to corporations to use in facilities.^[23]

In China, police have begun using a locally-made analogue of the Segway to patrol certain public areas, such as Tian'anmen square.

Middle East

• Israel: In 2006, the Segway was approved for use on sidewalks and other pedestrian designated locations, as well as on roads that have no sidewalks, obstructed sidewalks or sidewalks lacking curb cuts. The user must be over 16 years old. No license is required. The maximum allowed speed is 12 km/h (7.5 mph), enforced by electronic restriction put in place by the importer.^[24] Companies offering tours of Jerusalem use the second generation i2 model, equipped with Lean Steer Technology.^[25]

Europe

Segways are used in Europe, but mainly in niche markets (such as guided city tours); they are not commonly used as a means of transportation. Their use on public streets is allowed in most countries, but often with various restrictions. Most countries also require vehicle insurance and a license plate.

• Austria: In Vienna, Segways can be rented in the Prater amusement park; a Segway dealer in central Vienna also offers Segways for rent.

• Czech Republic: the use of a Segway is allowed wherever pedestrians and bicycles are allowed. Segways can be rented for city tours, for example on the Old Town Square, Prague.

• Denmark: the Segway is classified as a moped (knallert). As such vehicles are required to be fitted with lights, license plates and mechanical brakes, the Segway is effectively banned from public roads.^[26] Recently, a trial where the segway would be classified as a bicycle has been announced running from 1 June 2010 to 1 April 2011. The trial was extended to 1 December 2011.^[27]

• Germany: the use of a Segway PT i2 is generally allowed on bicycle paths and public roads within city limits since 25 July 2009.^[28] Outside city limits, the Segway may not be used on federal motorways, federal highways, state roads, and district roads. Bicycle lanes must be used if present. Riding a Segway on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones for city tours requires a special permit. The Segway is classified as an "electronic mobility aid", a new class of vehicle defined specifically for the Segway PT. Segways used on public roads must be equipped with front and rear lighting, reflectors, a bell, and an insurance indicator plate. The driver must have procured a vehicle insurance and hold at least an M type (moped) license.

• Ireland: Segways are permitted in most public places. There is a Segway tour available of the Phoenix Park. Their use is permitted in certain areas on bicycle paths around Dublin and Cork. The Airport Police Service stationed at Dublin Airport use the Segway i2 police patroller model. In 2011, a private tour operator started a City of Dublin Segway Tour.

• Italy: the use of the Segway is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrian and bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc.^[29]

• Malta: Policemen have started testing Segways on patrol in Valletta. Informed sources said the Malta Police are considering the purchase of a number of Segways fitted for police work, including a siren and space for radio and other equipment. Valletta^[30]

• Netherlands: In April 2008, the Dutch Government announced that it would ease the ban it had imposed in January 2007 that made it illegal to use a Segway on public roads in the Netherlands.^[31] Until recently, a tolerance policy was in place due to the inability of the authorities to classify the Segway as a vehicle.^[32] However, certain handicapped people, primarily heart and lung patients, are allowed to use the Segway, but only on the pavement. From 1 July 2008, anyone over the age of 16 is permitted to use a Segway on Dutch roads but users need to buy custom insurance.^[33] Amsterdam police officers are testing the Segway. In Rotterdam the Segway is used regularly by police officers and city watches.

• Portugal: Segways are legal on public paths from age 18 (and below, when accompanied by adults) as an equivalent to pedestrian traffic^[34] and are used by many local police forces (Polícia Municipal),^[35] and by Polícia Marítima (a Navy unit), for beach patrolling. They are also used (rented) by tour operators across the country, and by shopping security guards.

• Sweden: It was unlawful to use a Segway on any public road or pavement in Sweden^[36] until 18 December 2008 when the Segway was re-classified as a cykel klass II (class 2 bicycle).^[37] Segways are popular in Stockholm where tours are led through the streets by guides with modified PTs and courses are set out at sites such as the Royal Haga park.

• Switzerland: the Segway is classified as a light motorcycle.^[38] Only the PT i2 has been approved for use in Switzerland. The PT i2 may be used on roads provided that it is equipped with a Swiss Road Kit and a license plate. The Swiss Road Kit has front and back lighting, a battery source, and a license plate holder. Use on sidewalks and pedestrian zones is prohibited. An exception is made for handicapped individuals who must obtain in advance a special authorization from the Swiss Federal Roads Office. The Segway PT i180 may also be registered for use on specific request. However, the PT i180 must be equipped with a left/right turn indicator system before it may be admitted for road use.

• United Kingdom: in UK the Segway is classified as a powered vehicle and subject to Road Traffic law, with the effect that, because the Segway is deemed not to meet the required safety standards, it is unlawful to use a Segway anywhere other than on private property with the owner's permission.^[39] While in opposition in 2008, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats lobbied the Labour Government to change the law to allow Segways to use public cycle lanes.^[40] In July 2010, a man was charged under the Highway Act 1835 in Barnsley for riding his Segway on the pavement, which led to him being prosecuted and fined £75 in January 2011.^[41][42][43] His conviction was upheld by the High Court on appeal.^[44]

Oceania

• Australia: laws are determined at the state level, each differing in their adoption of the Australian Road Rules. In New South Wales, the Segway has been confirmed by the Roads and Traffic Authority as being illegal on both roads and footpaths. "In simple terms, riders are way too exposed to mix with general traffic on a road and too fast, heavy and consequently dangerous to other users on footpaths or cycle paths."^[45] Although this does not render them totally illegal (they may still, for example, be used on private property), their uses are limited enough that they are not sold to the general public.

• New Zealand: The Segway PT is classed as a mobility device, in the same category as a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. Mobility Devices must be ridden on footpaths where possible, at a speed that does not endanger others, and give way to pedestrians.^[46] This ruling might not be consistently applied: in 2011, police in Taupo on New Zealand's North Island had to stop using Segways because there is no separate vehicle classification that applies to them, requiring their registration as roadworthy in the same manner as cars.^[47]

See also

• Segway Inc., the manufacturer of Segway two wheeled transport for business, patrol, robotics and personal transportation
• Segs4Vets, provides Segways to United States wounded Veterans
• Segway Fest, an annual convention of Segway PT users and enthusiasts
• Segway polo, similar to polo, except that instead of playing on horseback, each player rides a Segway PT on the field
• Bay Area SEG, The Bay Area Segway Enthusiasts Group that founded Segway polo
• Toyota Winglet, a self-balancing two-wheeled scooter by Toyota
• Honda U3-X, a self-balancing one-wheeled electric vehicle by Honda
• HUBOWAY, a self-balancing two-wheeled scooter by KAIST

References

External links

• Official website
• Segway Glides as Gasoline Jumps at Wall Street Journal
• A Tribute to the Segway - slideshow by Life magazine