The Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. It is produced by Segway Inc. of New Hampshire, USA. The name "Segway" is a homophone of "segue" (a smooth transition, literally Italian for "follows") 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 his weight forward on the platform, and backward by shifting his 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 shifting 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).
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 or farther from his 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 "leaning" to steer as well as move forwards or backwards.
Prior to its demonstration on December 3, 2001, various reports and rumours of a revolutionary invention could be found in the media, but no details were available. Initial reception was enthusiastic; Apple CEO Steve Jobs suggested that cities will be built around this new method of transportation, venture capitalist John Doerr predicted $1 billion in sales faster than after any other product launch. To cope with the expected demand, the factory in Bedford, New Hampshire was designed to build up to 40 thousand units per month.
Shortly after the demonstration three Segways were sold on auctions at Amazon.com for more than 100,000 dollars each. After several months Amazon and then the official site started regular sales.
The company had expected to sell 50-100 thousand units in the first year, but after 21 months only 6000 units had been sold. The figure was revealed during the voluntary recall of all Segways in September 2003; a software glitch had caused some riders to fall off their Segways under low battery conditions while attempting to proceed even though the warning signal was on red.
Although the company has faced many disappointments, as of 2004, Segway is working to increase its market share to help recoup the investments in R&D and production. Although some publications are sometimes skeptical in tone, it is possible that the Segway will still be a commercial success once the investment is written off (as happened with Iridium). It is also worth noting that by its nature the idea was approached by the investors as high-risk, high-return venture project. Today, after the hype had died down, Segway continues to expand its efforts in distribution and research and development. Segway currently boasts over 70 national dealers, partnerships with over 100 Brookstone stores, and new models coming out every year.
The unit's high price is most likely one of the factors responsible for the underwhelming demand. Another factor is the revolutionary nature of the product - potential customers are unfamiliar with the product and unaware of the potential benefits. To combat this problem Segway LLC had opened dealerships throughout the United States where people can check out and test-drive the Segways.
By autumn 2004 Segway has signed distribution agreements in some foreign markets, including Italy and South Korea. It has created a separate international division. The company has received positive feedback from regulators in France and Italy regarding the legal status of Segway riders.
Segway is well-suited for denser and more populated cities, such as in Europe and Asia. American suburbs and many modern cities (such as Los Angeles) were designed to be navigated by cars only. Shorter distances between work, home and shopping areas make getting around on Segways more possible. It remains to be seen, however, if Segways will be more successful in these markets.
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. The special police forces trained to protect the public during the 2008 Summer Olympics used the Segway for mobility.
Though a Segway-focused organization, Disability Rights Advocates for Technology, 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.
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 (38.6 km) per charge.
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.
United States, general: The company has challenged bans and sought exemption from pavement 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 the PT to be driven on sidewalks, even for those with disabilities, and have actively lobbied against any such legislation. 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.
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. 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. In the same month, Disney began offering Segway tours of its Epcot theme park. In early August 2007, Disney began offering a similar guided tour in its Disney's California Adventure park in California.
Mexico: In Mexico there is no regulation that limits Segway use in public spaces.
Japan: the Segway is treated as a motorcycle with an engine displacement between 50 cc and 125 cc. As such, the vehicle must be equipped with brakes and signal lights, and must register for a license plate, making it virtually impossible to use a Segway lawfully on public roads.
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 13 km/h (8.1 mph), enforced by electronic restriction put in place by the importer. Companies offering tours of Jerusalem use the second generation i2 model, equipped with Lean Steer Technology that facilitates ski-like steering.
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. Recently, a trial where the segway would be classified as a bicycle has been announced running from 1 June 2010 to 1 April 2011.
Germany: the use of a Segway PT i2 is generally allowed on bicycle paths and public roads within city limits since 25 July 2009. 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 places around Phoenix Park, and in certain areas on Bicycle paths around Dublin
Italy: the use of the Segway is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrian and bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc.
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. Until recently, a tolerance policy was in place due to the inability of the authorities to classify the Segway as a vehicle. 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. 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 and are used by many local police forces (Polícia Municipal), and by Polícia Marítima (a Navy unit), for beach patrolling. They are also used (rented) by tour operators across the country.
Sweden: It was unlawful to use a Segway on any public road or pavement in Sweden until 18 December 2008 when the Segway was re-classified as a cykel klass II (class 2 bicycle).
Switzerland: the Segway is classified as a light motorcycle. 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. While in opposition, the political parties forming the current coalition government, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, lobbied the then Government to change the law to allow Segways to use public cycle lanes. 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.
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." 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. 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.
