Tips and Tricks

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A collection of advice from seasoned Segway Veterans

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What Segway Social is all about - and how to use it

Why it exists

Segway Social is the online gathering place for the worldwide Segway movement. A community-based forum, Segway Social provides users a means to communicate and connect with Segway enthusiasts around the world.

What you can do

Users can create and join Groups, and share Glides, Photos and Places of Interest using the Map feature. Message boards allow groups to communicate and share information. To add photos to Segway Social, you will need a basic Flickr® account to access the Segway Social photo pool, where all uploaded photos are stored. Segway Social also collects Segway-related news content from across the web.

What it's not for

Segway Social is not a discussion forum. While there is a message center within groups, that should be reserved for group-related discussions. Available forums include SegwayChat and SegwayOnline.

Rules of the road

Segway Social provides a place for Segway enthusiasts to share ideas, information and experiences. It is intended to foster a positive community environment for users to exchange personal opinions, thoughts and preferences in an open forum. Segway Inc. is dedicated to developing and maintaining a friendly online community where all members feel welcome. Please abide by some common rules and considerations when posting information to Segway Social. Be considerate of others, refrain from any type of harassment or ‘flaming’, the use of inappropriate language, content, images and behavior, copyrighted or trademarked materials without permission and the posting of advertisements or solicitations. Abuse of these standards may result in a member being barred from entry or participation in the social site. However, we obviously don't want to do that, so just follow the rules, okay?

Official Segway models - aka Personal Transporters (PTs)

The perfect synthesis of form, function and fun, the i2 lets you glide through your daily commute or zip from errand to errand without worrying about parking. The i2 can travel 24 miles/38km or up to 480 city blocks on a single charge.

The x2’s deeply-treaded, all-terrain tires can master intimidating patches of dirt, gravel, grass or sand. A wider track maximizes stability and higher ground clearance ensures steep hills, uneven trails and errant rocks won’t impede your ride.

The Commuter package equips the i2 with a handlebar bag for loose gear, comfort mats, a parking stand, Segway lock, and reflective labels for added visibility.

With a handlebar bag, accessory bar, a Segway 5W LED headlamp, universal cargo plates for gear, and a LeanSteer frame tool-less release for easy transport and storage, the x2 Adventure package is an off-road machine that’s ready to go.

Compared to a golf cart, this is a transportation hole-in-one. The x2 Golf packages includes low-pressure turf tires that barely disturb the turf, a scorecard holder, and a bag carrier that authomatically positions your clubs upright after you step off.

First Generation Segway Models - aka Human Transporters (HTs) these models are out of production

Previous versions of Segway instructions and guides are located here

Titanium color base. One of the first two Segway HTs released.

The same as the i167, but with the Electronic Kickstand (allowing the HT to stay balanced without a rider). The e167 also came standard with the upper and lower cargo structures.

Human Transporter - Smaller platform and wheels and less powerful motors than the i and e Series.

Midnight Blue color base. Otherwise, the same as the i167.

Available with Sport Red, Solar Yellow, and Midnight Blue colored fenders. Optional Saphion® Lithium-ion batteries

The first Segway HT designed specifically for recreation.

Golf Transporter

Others, You, and Your Segway PT - the social acceptance of a new transportation solution

Newness requires change. Change is hard for people. What are the reactions that you get from others when you ride your Segway PT and how has this changed over time?

....I live in Porto, Portugal, when I started 2 years ago, it was a bit different, people reacted to my segway as an expensive toy. With this global movement of climatic change, and the actual oil price, people are reacting differently, taking the Segway more seriously.

...I live in the midwest, a pretty conservative place for the most part. People aren't accustomed to something totally new and unique, and the Segway PT certainly fits that category. For a new owner, coming to grips with the attention you'll receive is key, as well as realizing that not all of it will be positive. Respond to positive comments with waves and smiles, maybe even an offer of a demo, and you'll have a great time. As for negative reactions, ignore them if at all possible. If you beome hostile and confrontational, you'll find that negetive reactions will only increase as word spreads about "how big a jerk the guy/girl on the Segway is". Remember, we are pioneering a new type of transportation here and going against years of negative imagery that some people delight in reinforcing. Just enjoy the glide, keep thinking forward :).

…I live in Clearwater, Florida, USA and have been gliding for almost four years. I've gotten mainly positive reactions from almost everyone I've met while out gliding. So many "thumbs up" and "That's so cool!"-type reactions. I take the responsibility to be a good ambassador and am constantly trying to observe good etiquette while gliding. The Florida statute stipulates to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. You meet such a broad variety of "awareness levels" across the whole gamut from "lights on, nobody home" to those who come up to you with intense interest, grilling you with questions. Take it all in stride, all the while realizing you're not that different than any other pedestrian. Don't abuse your speed and power so as to be impolite, to unduly startle, or to endanger the safety of anyone. Let them know that you're about to overtake them. Maintain a safe amount of separation. Match the speed of the crowd if you're surrounded, etc. Ask permission of the facility's management before gliding inside a private business or office. Always glide safely, obeying traffic signals at crosswalks, slowing enough to be able to stop instantly should you meet someone coming the other way around a blind corner. Assume the responsibilities of a pedestrian while in a crosswalk. Expect to be given the right-of-way if you have it, and then take it if so offered by vehicles. But be observant and don't attempt to take your right-of-way if the vehicle isn't offering it.

...I live in East Lansing Michigan, which is a college town (Michigan State U). I have found that if you glide with a smile on your face people tend to smile back. If you don't take yourself so seriously when gliding, you'll receive almost 100% positive reactions. Back in spring 2004, before I received my segway p133 I stopped by all the coffeehouses I frequented and spoke with the managers about the segway and about leaning it against the wall while I'm there, and universally everyone said yes and looked forward to seeing it. Now in spring 2008 when I'm places without my little PT, folks smile and ask about it. These days, a number of people consider it an excellent 'green' choice much like driving a Toyota Prius.

Segway PTs around the world - so many cool uses, all coming back to personal, green transportation

Individuals

Whether you’re using the i2 for commuting, errands, or other short-distance trips, you’re not limited to sidewalks and side streets. You can ride indoors, into elevators, right into your office, and back home at the end of the day.

In these days of heavier-than-ever traffic congestion and higher-than-ever fuel prices, you'll soon notice how often you zip along past stalled traffic and gas stations on your daily "glides." Though fossil fuels are still being burned in many central power plants to produce the electricity you use to charge your Segway PT, Segway has published a white paper on the subject of emissions reduction which discusses how Segway PT use yet results in a net reduction of emissions.

The i2 (as well as the x2) are great for recreational use as well, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with friends who accompany you--even on foot. It’s so quiet that you can carry on a conversation as you take to the trail. Ideally, though, everyone in the group will have their own Segway in order to enjoy the special thrill of group glides.

The state of Florida, among many other states in the USA, has enacted special legislation which both creates a general classification for the Segway PT: EPAMD (Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device) and outlines the requirements for its legal operation. Pinellas County, for one, in light of this state statute, officially allows Segway PTs to be operated in its many parks. This includes the famous Pinellas Trail. It's a great place to glide away from the normal hustle and bustle of regular thoroughfares. Given its central location and overall length, it can also form a major route component for many daily commutes.

As mentioned in the Golf section below, the sociability factor can also be enjoyed along with Segway PT gliding. Because of its unique maneuverability, you can stop instantly along your route to greet and converse with friends and acquaintances. Because, even after six years since its introduction, many have still never seen nor heard of the Segway PT, you will most likely strike up conversations with total strangers, as well! The sociability factor is important in the revitalization of urban living. With more Segway PT gliders around there will be that many fewer reasons not to get to know your neighbors!

Police

Officers in more than 300 municipal police departments worldwide, including major metropolitan areas such as Miami, Chicago and Florence, Italy, have discovered how they can reconnect with members of their communities and become more efficient in their daily patrols. Improved response time, visibility and mobility are just a few of the benefits the Segway PT brings to the police sector.

Security

Domestic and international airports and commercial security firms use the Segway PT to manage their multiple facilities. Battery-powered and emissions-free, the PT allows for travel indoors and out, increasing the speed, performance and maneuverability of personnel, while significantly lowering general maintenance costs.

Golf

The sociability factor is making the Segway x2 a familiar sight on many golf courses. Instead of breaking up a foursome into two golf carts, the x2 Golf allows four players to travel the length of a course side by side, and enjoy a ride that’s almost as much fun as the game itself. Gentler on turf, battery-powered and emissions-free, the x2 Golf is an environmentally-friendly choice on the fairway.

Keeping It Green - the Segway lifestyle

Segway was founded on a vision to provide eco-friendly, short-distance transportation alternatives. Our mission is simple: to give our customers clean, personal urban mobility while protecting our planet from excessive energy-use and emissions. We promise all Segway owners ease and efficiency, and they in turn integrate environmental sustainability into their daily routines. Imagine what impact you could have if you used a PT for all your short-distance transportation? Use Segway Social’s green calculator to find out. New content in light of rising fuel costs has been added to Segway Inc's website here that provides a more in-depth look at the ROI and environmental benefits of using a Segway PT.

Safety Tips

The Segway PT was designed as a means of personal short-distance transportation. As such, there are safety guidelines created to ensure the protection of our riders.

  • Always wear a helmet
  • Avoid obstacles and slippery surfaces that could result in loss of tire traction which would then result in loss of control and possible injury
  • Pay attention to all warnings and alerts from the Segway PT
  • Don’t submerge your Segway PT in water
  • Be familiar enough with the machine's operation so that you can be totally relaxed while gliding. Nervous tension or fighting the machine will inevitably result in loss of control or injury.
  • Refer to the user materials for other helpful tips

Laws Regarding Use of Segways

United States of America

Canada-Ontario

Modes of Transport that allow Segway PTs

Air Travel

Here's the start of a list of airlines that have addressed the Segway PT - usually in the context of a baggage policy - for travel purposes. Some airlines mention it as an assistive device as well.

For the following airlines, the Segway PT is specifically addressed through the links below. Note that because they are mentioned, does not mean they are allowed. For example, Hawaiian Airlines does not allow the Segway PT on board, but they have created official documentation stating their policy.

The following have been mentioned by other Segway sites as allowing them as assistive devices, but aren't supported by official company statements:

  • Alaska/Horizon
  • Delta
  • USAir
  • United
  • American

The following airline websites make no mention of the treatment of the Segway PT as baggage:

  • Capeair
  • Northwest
  • Airtran
  • Quantas
  • Lufthansa
  • Spirit
  • Midwest

Train Travel

  • AMTRAK - USA - Not allowed
  • CalTrain - Only if used as a mobility device, treated as a wheelchair
  • Santa Clara VTA Light Rail - Santa Clara County, California, USA - Treated as a bicycle
  • BART - San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA - Pilot program approved for Segway use on BART

Bus Travel

  • Santa Clara VTA Buses - Santa Clara County, California, USA - Allowed on board, stow as a mobility device, must be strapped down

Customer Solutions

PLEASE NOTE that these solutions are not endorsed by Segway Inc. in any way, shape, or form. Please refer to the User Materials for recommended servicing techniques. Approved accessories may be found at http://www.segway.com/individual/models/accessories.php and may be purchased from your local authorized Segway dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PLEASE NOTE that these FAQs are not endorsed by Segway Inc. in any way, shape, or form.

Products & Services Links

PLEASE NOTE that these products and services are not endorsed by Segway Inc. in any way shape or form. Approved accessories found at http://www.segway.com/individual/models/accessories.php and may be purchased from your local authorized Segway dealer.


  • Segway Junkyard is a great place for find custom segway parts.
  • Segway of the Desert has an interesting collection of custom made Segway accessories.
  • Segway of New Mexico is the supplier of choice for people looking to expand the carrying capabilities of the Segway.
  • Segway of Ohio has a complete line of shipping containers and gadgets.
  • Strictly Segway is a great resource for new and used Segways, Parts and Accessories.
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