Segway PT (Personal Transporter)

See the latest news at the end of the definition of Segway from Wikipedia. ***

Definition: Segway PT From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

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, USA. The name Segway is a homophone of 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 go up to 12.5 miles per hour (20.1 km/h).

Technology

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

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. 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 control led 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

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 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. 
• 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.

United States

Guided Segway tour in Washington, D.C.

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 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. 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.

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 devices" 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.


SSTattler: See the section about Restrictions On Use in Canada (by province), USA (by state), ... Right now it is very fluid and many changes... Your opinion, especially like stroke survivors, can effect the law and politics - speak up!

• Segway legal in Edmonton Alberta?
• Letter to Premier about legalizing Segway's in Alberta.
• Province May Ease Segway Ban.

See the full article Segway PT From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

*** SSTattler: Myself (i.e. John), Monty, and Gary went to meet Chris Szydlowski owner/authorized Segway in Edmonton at around noon Friday Feb/8th.  He told us about the mechanical and the software of the Segway and then he asked us to ride the device.  It was so simple, especially we had a stroke, to ride it. Maybe it took 1 minute, max 1 minute 30 seconds, to ride it comfortable for us.  I think will formulate an article next week to tell more details about our experience. Cheers / John A.

Introduction - Personal Mobility Segway

The Segway Personal Transporter (PT) is the easiest way to get around any city throughout the world. http://www.segway.com


Standard YouTube License @ SegwayVideos

Segway Scooters for Disabled Veterans

Standard YouTube License @ VA Watchdog dot Org

How do Segways work?

Have you ever wondered how a Segway PT works? In this short informational video, we'll learn about the history of the Segway, how to ride a Segway, and the science and technology behind a Segway.


Standard YouTube License @ bvsidney's channel

Learning How To ride a Segway

Jim Heldberg of Silicon Segway demonstrates the Segway.

Aldieb Meowchaussen The first 30 seconds of training of this video; amazing. 

Premium Rater Swag with 1 hand! 

David Vaknineilat Segway for beginners. How pathetic... It took me 1 minutes to get use to it... 

Kayon Mangement OMG I want one!

Standard YouTube License @ GABA TV

Segway PT Development Video

Video with Segway engineers and designers discussing enhancements in the redesigned Segway Personal Transporter


Standard YouTube License @ SegwayVideos

Potomac Segway

A quick look at the new segway models in action at Potomac Segway.


Standard YouTube License @ AreaCable.com Videos

Police Love Segway 

(2 videos)

Segway Patroller: Improve Visibility, Mobility and Productivity

Today more than 1,200 police departments and public safety organizations across the globe use the Segway Personal Transporter (PT) to monitor all sorts of environments. It's a versatile tool that many law enforcement agencies have added to their arsenal to improve mobility, visibility and community policing programs — all while reducing costs. For more information on the Segway Patroller model, please visit: http://www.segway.com/patrol/.


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Patrolling on a Segway

Duke Police are able to patrol campus in a unique way by hoping on Segways - two-wheeled vehicles. In addition to being emission-free, officers say it helps them meet and greet members of the Duke community.


Standard YouTube License @ WorkingAtDuke's channel

Segway Official Safety Video

This video is the official safety instructional program from Segway Inc. Review this carefully prior to riding for the first time on your own.

You will receive this in DVD format to take home with you when you buy your new i2 or X2 Segway Personal Transporter.


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Segway i2 Unboxing

Segway i2 is assembled and tested.


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Segway Stairs - DO NOT DO IT !

Trying out new stunts on Segway...this one, going down a set of stairs.


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Tour Around the World with Segway

(4 videos)

Riding a Segway up the World's Steepest Street (New Zealand)

Kevin Hey from Segway on Queenstown makes a trip to Dunedin to try out his Segway on Baldwin St - the World's Steepest Street. You can here one of the locals saying "We know what gets up and what doesn't!"


Standard YouTube License @ segwayonqueenstown

Segway Distillery Tour (Toronto, Ontario)

Uploaded on Jan 6, 2010

Segway of Ontario, located in Toronto's Historic Distillery District, is the only Segway Tour operator in Toronto. Come experience the unique history, architecture, galleries and restaurants as you are transported through time on your very own Segway.

Call 416-642-0008 to book a tour today or visit our website at www.segwayofontario.com for more info.

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Smithsonian Tours By Segway

We are the only Segway® PT Tour to partner with the Smithsonian® Institution. Our excursion departs directly from the National Mall and we can show you DC in a way that no other tour.


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Segway Experience of Memphis

Tour the Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll on a Segway Personal Transporter (PT)!


Standard YouTube License @ SegwayVideos