Segway PT

The Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. It is produced by Segway Inc. of New Hampshire. The name Segway is derived from the word segue, meaning smooth transition. PT is an abbreviation for 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 detects, 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 detect the weight shift. To turn, the user presses the handlebar to the left or the right.

Segway PTs are driven by electric motors and can reach a speed of 12.5 miles per hour (20.1 km/h).

Early history and 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, in conjunction with BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products, 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 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 3 December 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 Segway PT's detachable wireless InfoKey

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 that run proprietary software, two tilt sensors, and five gyroscopic sensors developed by BAE Systems' Advanced Technology Centre.^[5] 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.^[6]

Uses

Segway demonstration video

Two tourists on a Segway tour in Florence, Italy

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.^[7] The special police forces trained to protect the public during the 2008 Summer Olympics used the Segway for mobility.^[8]

Though a Segway-focused organization, Disability Rights Advocates for Technology,^[9] 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.^[10]

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.^[11]

Use and regulation by country

Asia

• Bahrain: On Amwaj Islands, a group of artificial man-made islands off the coast of Muharraq, Segways are available for short term hire.
• China: Police have begun using Segways to patrol certain public areas, such as Tian'anmen square. Police also use them in Beijing International Airport.^[12]
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong International Airport are using many battery powered motorized vehicles in airport terminal indoor area. The security contractors are using Segway PT to patrol airport terminal indoor restricted areas. The cleaning contractors are using powered tricycles to patrol. The luggage trolley contractors are using two wheeled powered tractors to assist their pulling of about 30 trolleys tied together forming a trolley train.
• India: The Segway was introduced in 2010 and has sold around 250 units as of 2014. They are introduced at Ambience complexes in south Delhi and Gurgaon, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, at many golf courses and to promote tourism at places like Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad. Their growth is limited due to cost, high customs and a lack of infrastructure.^[13]
• Israel: In 2006, the Segway was approved for use on sidewalks and other pedestrian designated locations, and on roads without sidewalks, with obstructed sidewalks or sidewalks that lack curb cuts. The user must be over 16 years old. No license is required. The maximum allowed speed is 13.5 km/h (8.4 mph), enforced by electronic restriction put in place by the importer.^[14] Companies offering tours of Jerusalem use the second generation i2 model, equipped with Lean Steer Technology.^[15] In 2009 the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo was the first in the world to offer Segway guided tours in the zoo.^[16]
• Malaysia: On Penang island and in Malacca, Segways are available for short term hire.
• Japan: In a court, Segway was classified as a motorcycle, owing to the power output;^[17] however, there is no report of registration. Segway Japan, an authorized dealer, sells Segways only to corporations to use in facilities.^[18]
• Singapore: Segways were introduced to Changi Airport, initially for workers who collect baggage carts but are widely utilised by customer service and security employees. Sentosa island has a Segway rental allowing use around the island or in a small circuit.
• Bangladesh: As part of modernization drive that government initiated couple of years back, Bangladeshi Police has started to patrol the roads with Segway Electric Vehicles. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has already received the first batch of Segways and has showed off in Pahela Baishakh while providing security in Ramna. DMP’s modernization drive includes acquisition of indigenous drones, Mobile Command Center, portable sniping zone and now Segway electric vehicles.
• Philippines: Iloilo City's tourist destination, the riverside Iloilo Esplanade is patrolled by Philippine National Police with segways. Iloilo City Government financed the segways.

Europe

Segway in Germany. They are equipped with a red light and a license plate.

Ambulance Segway PT is used by the small private rescue service Trans Hospital from Řevnice, Czech Republic, since 2014. It is intended for use at festivals, concerts and similar events.

The Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic enforces the interpretation that Segway PTs fall under pedestrian status. This road sign forbids Segways but allows "normal" pedestrians.

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 restrictions. A few countries require vehicle insurance and a license plate.

• Åland islands: A law revision by the Government of Åland concerning "small electrically powered vehicles" means the Segway and all other mainly one person electrical vehicles have been classified as bicycles since March 14, 2012.

• Austria: The type i2 is (with 63 cm) narrower than 80 cm and slow enough to be legally an (electric) bicycle and therefore has to use cycle-lanes and -paths, otherwise street lanes. The type x2 reaches with its bigger wheels 84 cm width and is therefore an electric vehicle, that needs a license and insurance. Neither type may use sidewalks (lengthwise) or pedestrian zones (unless exemption stated). By 2015 one gets Segways for rent at least in Vienna (in the Prater amusement park and elsewhere), in Graz (since July 2013), Linz and Fiss.^[19] At least 2 Segways with one blue flashing light are used by police in Vienna (April 2015).

• Croatia: Use of a Segway is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrian and bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc. Segways can be rented for city tours in cities of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik.

• Czech Republic: Legal status of Segway is controversial and unclear. The Ministry of Transport enforces the interpretation that a rider on the Segway is considered as a pedestrian (with reference to the legal definition of a pedestrian which mentions "persons on skis, rollerskates or other similar sport equipment"). The device is quite ineligible to fulfil requirements for vehicles according to the ministry. The central Prague district Praha 1 and the city of Prague, supported by some of transport experts as Petr Moos, strongly oppose this interpretation. The ministry is preparing a legal change which would mention PT Segway and skateboards explicitly in the definition of a pedestrian (which should cover also unicycles and roller shoes implicitly). The city of Prague proposed to bring PT transporter to the act as a quite new and special category of road traffic vehicles/participants.
  Owners and operators of rental Segway transporters are associated in the "Asociace Segway ČR" which has 9 members in August 2014, all their rental shops are in the centre of Prague. In October 2012, this association prescribed rules for its members which contain a list of prohibited hazardous frequented localities.^[20] Some other operators are not associated and don't respect the rules. On 15 September 2014 Praha 1 placed to the Kampa park the first Czech road signs which prohibits entrance of Segways. The sign consists from the sign "No entrance for pedestrians" with an additional text sign "JEN ZAŘÍZENÍ SEGWAY" (only Segway devices). These signs were criticized by media and by the Ministry of Transport as confusing and incomprehensible. Segways are used by municipal police corps in several cities as Prague, Plzeň, Olomouc, Karlovy Vary, Znojmo and Slaný. Since 2014, ambulance Segway is used by the private rescue service Trans Hospital.

• Denmark: the Segway is classified as a moped (knallert). As such, vehicles must be fitted with lights, license plates and mechanical brakes, the Segway is effectively banned from public roads.^[21] A trial where the Segway would be classified as a bicycle has been announced running from June 1, 2010 to April 1, 2011. The trial was extended to December 1, 2011, and later to the end of 2014.^[22]

• Finland: Segways are classified as low-power mopeds and therefore require license plates, effectively banning the use on public roads. On March 31, 2015, The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland started progress to propose changes to law to allow Segways under 25 km/h on sidewalks and reclassifying them as bicycles. Like bicycles, Segways would be required to include safety reflectors and a bell to alarm pedestrians and the driver is required to wear a bicycle helmet.^[23]

• France: Segways, also named "gyropode", are equivalent to pedestrians and obey the same rules and laws. Tours of Paris, Nice, Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Strasbourg and many others are offered on a daily basis. Segway Tours in France

• Germany: Use of a Segway PT i2 is generally allowed on bicycle paths and public roads within city limits since July 25, 2009.^[24] 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 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. A Segway tour of the Phoenix Park is available. They are 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. In October 2012 the Garda Siochana began using two examples in the Grafton Street area, funded by the Dublin Business Community.

• Italy: Use of a Segway is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrians or bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc.^[25]

Lithuanian policeman on segway in Vilnius

• Lithuania: Policemen in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga use segways to patrol. Also segways are available to rent for tourists in Vilnius.

• Luxembourg: Segways are legal on bicycle trails and roads. They are the equivalent to electrical bikes and obey the same rules and laws. Tours of Luxembourg city, Remich, Rumelange and Schengen are offered on a daily basis. Segway Tours in Luxembourg

• 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.^[26]

• 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.^[27] Until recently, a tolerance policy was in place due to the inability of the authorities to classify the Segway as a vehicle.^[28] However, certain handicapped people, primarily heart and lung patients, are allowed to use the Segway, but only on the pavement (US: sidewalk). 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.^[29] Amsterdam police officers are testing the Segway. In Rotterdam the Segway is used regularly by police officers and city watches.

• Norway: Because of the top speed of 20 km/h, the Segway is classified as a moped in Norway. Prior to 2014, there were requirements for registration, insurance, age limit, drivers licenses and helmets to operate a Segway in the country. Therefore, Segways were not originally able to be used legally on public or private roads or on private property in Norway.^[30][31] Segways became legal in Norway on July 1, 2014 on all public roads for ages 16 and older without requiring registration or insurance.^[32]

• Poland: Has been on hire in some towns and cities such as Warsaw, Kraków and Krynica for use on public roads and pavements.

• Portugal: Segways are legal on public paths from age 18 (and below, when accompanied by adults) as an equivalent to pedestrian traffic^[33] and are used by many local police forces (Polícia Municipal),^[34] 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.

A Segway PT tour in Stockholm led by a guide.

• Sweden: It was unlawful to use a Segway on any public road or pavement in Sweden^[35] until 18 December 2008 when the Segway was re-classified as a cykel klass II (class 2 bicycle).^[36] Segways are popular in Stockholm where tours are led through the streets by Segway guides with modified PTs and courses are set out at sites such as the Royal Haga park. On 1 October 2010 the Segway and similar one person electrical vehicles were re-classified as bicycles.

• Switzerland: The Segway is classified as a light motorcycle.^[37] 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: Distributed in the UK by Segway-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 required safety standards, it is unlawful to use a Segway anywhere other than on private property with the owner's permission.^[38] 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.^[39] In July 2010, a man was charged under the Highway Act 1835 in Barnsley for riding his Segway on the pavement, and was prosecuted and fined £75 in January 2011.^[40][41][42] His conviction was upheld by the High Court on appeal.^[43]

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 on private land with the landowner's permission. (Some malls allow their use.) In British Columbia, Segways cannot legally be operated on B.C. roads or on sidewalks because they cannot be licensed or insured as a vehicle in B.C.^[44] In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation started a pilot program allowing Segways to be used by people 14 years or older with a disability, Canada Post door-to-door delivery personnel, and police officers. It was originally planned to end on October 19, 2011, but was extended by two years, and then extended again an additional five years (to October 19, 2018), due to limited participation. Prior to the end of the pilot program, the Ministry of Transportation will assess the data and information gathered from the pilot decide whether to allow Segways and how to legislate them.^[45]

Guided Segway tour in Washington, D.C.

United States

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 device used for medical purposes. Advocacy groups for pedestrians and the blind in the US have been critical of Segway PT use: America Walks^[46] and the American Council of the Blind oppose allowing people, even those with disabilities, to drive the Segway PT on sidewalks and have actively lobbied against any such legislation.^[47] Today, Segways are allowed on sidewalks in most states, though local municipalities may forbid them. Many states also allow them on bicycle lanes or on roads with speed limits of up to 25 mph.^[48]

In 2011, the U.S. government Department of Justice—amending regulations that implement title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—ruled that the Segway is an "other power-driven mobility device" and its use must be permitted unless the covered entity can demonstrate that users cannot operate the class of devices in accordance with legitimate safety requirements.^[49]

Segs4Vets is a nonprofit organization that provide Segway PTs to the men and women of the United States military whose service in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom resulted in permanent disability and difficulty walking.^[50]

San Francisco

In November 2002, before it was widely available, the city of San Francisco banned the Segway PT from sidewalks citing safety concerns.^[51] However, a number of Segway Tour operations use them in cycle lanes and designated trails.

Washington, D.C.

In September 2010, Dr. Mary Pat McKay, a professor of emergency medicine and public health at George Washington University, issued a statement that injuries from the transporters were becoming both more common and more serious. McKay's case review in the Annals of Emergency Medicine noted 41 Segway injuries between April 2005 and November 2008 among GWU emergency room patients.^[52] The District of Columbia categorizes Segways as a "personal mobility device" which means Segway users follow D.C.'s bicycle laws, which do not require Segway users to wear helmets and other protective gear. Users are unable to wear headphones with the exception of hearing aids or other devices that only require the use of one ear.^[53][54] Accidents have continued to occur in the District of Columbia, including a June 2012 incident involving a Dallas, Texas high school student who lost control of his Segway after fainting during a commercially operated Segway tour. Pursuant to the District's Code, Segways are prohibited on sidewalks within the Central Business District—bounded by 23rd Street NW to the west, Massachusetts Avenue to the north, Second Street NE to the east, and D Street to the south—unless operated by a person with a disability.^[55]

Disney

In February 2004, Disney banned Segway PTs from its theme parks, stating they had not been approved by the FDA as medical devices.^[56] In the same month,^[57] Disney began offering Segway tours of its Epcot theme park.^[58] In early August 2007, Disney began offering a similar guided tour in its Disney California Adventure Park park in California.^[59]

Mexico

In Mexico there is no regulation that limits Segway use in public spaces.^[60]

Dominican Republic

The devices are used on group ecotours in the area south of Punta Cana.

Oceania

In Australia laws are determined at the state & territory level, each differing in their adoption of the Australian Road Rules. It is generally illegal to use the two-wheeled electric transporters in public places and on roads throughout Australia.

In the Australian Capital Territory, use of Segways is illegal on roads and other public places, but, as of June 2012, was permitted around Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin and other tourist attractions, subject to training, safety equipment and speed limit requirements.^[61][62]

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."^[63] 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.

In Queensland, the use of the Segway became legal on the 1st of August 2013. Queensland transport Minister Scott Emerson noted that it makes sense for Segways to be allowed on public paths across Queensland, given users wear helmets.

In Western Australia, the law enables Electric Personal Transporters (EPT) (Segways) to be used as part of a supervised commercial tour, being run by an operator that holds the appropriate approvals. You may use an EPT on private property. Tour operators should approach the Local Authority where they wish to operate the tour. Local authorities have ultimate responsibility for approving tour operators within their respective areas.^[64][65]

In New Zealand the Segway PT is classed as a mobility device, in the same category as a mobility segway 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.^[66] This ruling might not be consistently applied: in 2011, police in Taupo in 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.^[67]

See also

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Segways.

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