Segway HT
The Segway, a self-balancing human transporter that looks like a scooter, but is really a breakthrough technology. It responds to your body in the same way that your own arms and legs respond to your mind. It’s not your daddy’s bicycle, for sure!
I was amazed to find that it only took a minute or two to learn how to ride the Segway. Lean ever so slightly forward and the Segway moves forward. Lean back and it moves back. Stand straight and the Segway stops. To turn left or right, you simply turn the handlebar. While I was only able to try the Segway in a structured, level area, it performed admirably. It is not only easy-to-use, it is fun.
The Segway is sturdy and obviously made to be durable. Solid state electrical systems, and state-of-the-art motors ensure longevity, and the modular design will make it easy to service when necessary. Two rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries power the Segway. Under ideal conditions, the Segway can travel up to 15 miles on one charge. The wheels have the ability to rotate in opposite directions enabling the machine to turn in place. Five gyroscopes and tilt sensors monitor the rider’s center of gravity about 100 times a second keeping the rider balanced at all times. I was a little afraid of falling off at first, but the balancing mechanism kept me comfortably stable. The Segway has three keys that the rider may choose depending on riding environment and level of experience. The Learning Mode maxes out at 6 mph., the Sidewalk Operation Mode at 9 Mph, and the Open Environment Mode reaches 12.5 mph.
This new transportation device will appear first in business environments. It is already being used in tests with the US Postal Service, the National Park Service, Michelin, GE Plastics, and others. While the current Amazon $5,000 price tag may keep the Segway out of your garage, it is poised to move into everyday use. When I think of the Segway, I think of all the "golf cart" communities that exist today where people use their golf cart for transportation within the neighborhood. With mass production and lower prices, the Segway could easily become the "golf cart transport" of future communities.
Specifications
Product: Segway Human Transporter
Company: Segway, LLC
URL: www.segway.com
Price: $4,950
Date of review: 11-29-2002
