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The Segway PT (formerly HT) is a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation device invented by Dean Kamen and unveiled in December 2001. It is available in various models and form factors produced by the company Segway Inc. of New Hampshire. The name "Segway PT" stands for "Segway Personal Transporter", while the older acronym, HT, stood for "Human Transporter".

Computers and motors in the base keep the Segway upright at all times. Users lean forward to go forward, and back to move backwards. In new models turning is also done by leaning left and right while in older/discontinued models via twisting a hand grip on the left handlebar. Segway PTs are driven by electric motors at up to 5.6 m/s (12.5 mph/20 km/h) (4.5 m/s in the small discontinued p-Series), about the speed an average person can run. Gyroscopes are used to detect departures from perfect balance. In laws that regulate it, the applicable category is sometimes called "electric personal assistive mobility device" (EPAMD).

The Segway is designed to replace larger forms of transportations like cars, vans, SUVs etc, much like other scooters or motorcycles do, yet be even lower impact (much cleaner, quieter, smaller and safer). Kamen's Vision: The EPA states that 500 million car trips per day in the US are less than 5 miles and contain only one person in the vehicle. If only a percentage of those used a tiny electric "car" instead, the positive effects could be considerable.

Second generation design

In August 2006, Segway discontinued all previous models and announced new second generation designs that upgraded many elements of the previous transporters. New materials, new industrial designs and new functionalities that affected nearly every part of the Personal Transporter were revealed. The new Gen II PT, marketed under the two product lines, i2 and x2, has a distinct new capability to allow users to steer by leaning to the right or left, which matched the intuitive nature of moving forward and backward. Other features were also announced, including numerous tech functions available on the machine as well as by wireless InfoKey access. The changes are substantial and allow the transportation device to become even more intuitive and a greater natural extension of the rider. The industrial design changes appear to appeal more to the motorcycle enthusiast with brushed aluminum and smoothed solder points on metal. The pricing structure remains the same for the most part. Much like the PC during its first 20 years, the PT appears to have a price point that sales and profits meet in an equilibrium that the manufacturers are happy with.

Although the company has faced disappointments, its sales have increased 50% year-over-year since its consumer sales began in March 2003 and totalled 23,500 by mid 2006 (when revealed by a voluntary recall for a software patch). Segway Inc is reported to be focused on expanding their presence in industry as well as consumer markets with the new models. The device's relatively high price for a scooter/small motorcycle (new units for sale between US$4000 and US$5500, depending upon the model) is believed to be the main factor responsible for consumer demand being lower than expected, yet also the reason the company is still making a profit. Segway Inc. has established independent dealerships (not franchises) throughout the United States where people can examine and test-drive the Segway PTs. Segway Inc. has signed distribution agreements in several foreign markets, including Italy and South Korea. The company currently has more than 100 dealers and distributors internationally.

Uses

The Segway PT is designed to be used on sidewalks, other pedestrian areas, as well as bicycle lanes and city streets depending on local laws. Its footprint is not much bigger than that of a human being, approximately half a meter (twenty inches) square.

Though its creators believe the new Segway PT is ideal for dense urban areas, some Americans believe that US cities (such as Atlanta, Houston, or Los Angeles) were designed to be navigated primarily by automobiles alone through use of freeways and the Interstate Highway system and that there is little room for alternative forms of transportation. Communities in which the Segway PT would be most successful would be those that are pedestrian-friendly, that is, in walkable communities. In professional planning, "smart growth" encourages communities with shorter distances between home, work, stores, and recreational areas. Therefore, the success of the Segway PT in the market of personal transportation (as opposed to as a recreational device) depends largely on both urban development trends toward "smart growth" rather than toward "urban sprawl," as well as the availability of future more affordable Segway models. Its acceptance may also depend on something less complex: the price of gasoline in the United States. If the price of gas passes $4/gallon, alternative forms of transportation may quickly gain respect (as they have for years in Europe).

If the distance to travel is short, a Segway PT can be used for personal transportation between home and office, for getting around the city center, shopping, outdoor trips, etc. It is already used in some theme parks by both visitors and employees. Numerous companies organize guided group tours on Segway HTs in the USA, France, Thailand and other countries. Several organizations have run pilot tests on Segway business use, among them police departments, post offices, warehouses, and utility companies. Some of these pilot programs have demonstrated that Segway PTs can often significantly reduce cost and quickly repay the investment; however, the massive fleet sales which Kamen and others predicted have not yet been forthcoming. New second-generation models and new lithium ion batteries that double range may alter this dynamic. Change is hard, for example, during a trial by United States Post Office to deliver mail on foot, some mail carriers noted that they could not sort mail or hold an umbrella while operating a Segway PT and thus would rather drive large trucks.

The Segway PT was developed after the iBOT wheelchair and was intended to be used primarily by able-bodied users. Still, an increasing number of disabled people (4000-7000, according to a group called Disability Rights Advocates for Technology) use Segways to enhance their limited mobility. Among these users are people with multiple sclerosis or arthritis, COPD and even amputees in particular a growing group of war veterans. Using a Segway PT instead of a traditional wheelchair or an expensive iBOT (that costs four to five times as much as a Segway PT) allows them to easily travel around the city, while easing social interactions. This has also been supported by a product called the SegSeat that adds a seat to the Segway PT for users with limited capacity to stand for long periods. However, Segways cannot be marketed as medical devices, because Segways have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a medical device and because Johnson & Johnson has exclusive rights to the medical uses of the balancing technology found within the iBOT and Segway PT.

Most of the Segway PT technology is concentrated in its base with the handle being only useful for the human rider. Stripped of the handle, the Segway PT becomes a universal robotic platform that is still capable of balancing whatever is installed and of moving around as easily as with a human. The Segway robotic platform is widely used by robotics developers in universities and private companies.

Technology

The Segway PT has electric motors powered by batteries which can be charged from household current. It balances with the help of dual computers with proprietary software, two tilt sensors, and five gyroscopes. (The gyroscopes do not affect the balance; they are merely used as sensors, see detail below.) The servo motors rotate the wheels forwards or backwards as needed for balance or propulsion. The rider accelerates or decelerates by leaning forward or backwards in the direction he or she wishes to travel. 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.

The Segway PT is built simply to stay balanced in one place. Designed to mirror the process of human walking, if the rider standing on an initially balanced Segway PT leans forward, therefore offsetting the balance, the PT moves forward to regain balance just as in walking a leg moves forward to retain balance. With the Segway PT, changes from a balanced status are first detected by the gyroscopes, and signals are passed on to the onboard computers which then direct motors to regain balance. This process occurs about 100 times per second, so small adjustments to maintain balance occur almost immediately after the balance is offset by the rider.

The side effect of this balancing system is that as the Segway PT balances itself the entire unit changes position in the direction it has moved to restore balance. (For example, if the rider leans forward, the entire Segway PT will move forward from its original position, until the rider restores an upright position on the unit.) This is precisely how the Segway PT is controlled -- the balancing and movement is essentially one combined system. Designed much like the physiology of human walking, the Segway system is a balancing system that leads to intuitive motion.

Riders who have had experience with the Segway PT have undoubtedly felt its governor (speed limiting) mechanism. When the Segway PT approaches the maximum speed allowed by the software, it intentionally begins to tilt slightly backwards. This moves the platform out in front, and leans the handlebars backwards towards the rider, eventually nudging the rider to lean back slightly and slow the Segway PT down. If not for the governor, riders would be able to lean farther than the motor could even compensate for, like running faster than your legs can keep up with. The Segway PT also slows or stops immediately if the handlebar of the unit (or forward bag) nudges into any obstacle in front of it.

The technology used in the Segway PT is licensed as Segway Smart Motion. Wow Wee, a toy company, is the first licensee, and will make use of it in products (the P.E.A. Bot) debuting in the Spring of 2007.

Models and price

In 2006, new series, i2 and x2, were released, replacing the older lineup.

• i2: Comes in Black and White, uses the new LeanSteer and InfoKey technologies.
• x2: The new XT model, same upgrades, with its own special software for offroad. Can be equipped with a golf bag carrier, replacing the GT model.

Previous i-Series and p-Series versions included:

• Segway HT i180 — Human Transporter
• Segway HT p133 — Human Transporter
• Segway GT — Golf Transporter
• Segway XT — Cross-Terrain Transporter

The price of a Segway HT or PT is between $4,000 and $5,500, depending on the model.

The Segway's i-Series model's maximum speed is 12.5 mph (approximately 20 km/h). Maximum power is 2 horsepower (1500 watt) per servo motor. The i-Series is capable of covering 15-24 miles (24-38 km) on a fully charged lithium ion battery, depending on terrain, riding style, and the condition of the batteries. It takes 8-10 hours to complete a full balancing and recharging cycle. For each 15 minutes of time re-charging, the batteries regain a mile of charge. The batteries also recharge while riding downhill. The p-Series is capable of covering 6-10 miles (10-16 km) on a fully charged nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, depending on terrain. It takes 4-6 hours to recharge (and regains 1 mile for every 30 minutes charging).

Various models weigh from approximately 65 to 100 pounds or 30 to 45 Kg.

Operation

Although bicycles and traditional scooters must be "at speed" to balance, the Segway PT can balance while standing still. Yet, a Segway PT must be turned on before it is usable. While it is off, the Segway PT is unable to balance, and the kickstand will not hold a person's weight. The original Segway models were activated using one of three keys:

• Black Key — for beginners. Slowest speed (electronically limited to no more than 6 mph); slower turning rate.
• Yellow Key — for intermediate users and/or sidewalks. Faster speed-up to 8 mph; faster turning rate.
• Red Key — for more advanced users in open areas. Maximum speed-up to 10 mph on p-Series and 12.5mph on i-Series; and max turning rate.

For the new i2 and x2, you use an InfoKey instead to control settings. The Infokey can turn on the PT from up to 15 feet away, as well as turn on beginner mode (the equivalent of the old Black Key) or advanced mode (the equivalent of the Red Key), show mileage and a trip odometer, as well as put the Segway into Security mode, which locks the wheels and will set off an alarm if moved, to prevent theft.

Once it is turned on, the original Segways enter a "Power-Assist" mode (for help pulling it up steps and ramps) and the new Gen II models enter a "Riderless Balance" mode. In the older models in Power-Assist mode twisting the left handlebar grip like a motorcycle throttle moves it forward and backward. In power-assist mode it is still not balancing and is not safe to ride. Once powered on and in Power-Assist mode, "Balance mode" is entered by holding the Segway level and pressing down its mode button (red or blue in newer models). In Balance mode, the rider mounts and rides. While riding, there is no traditional throttle. Leaning forward accelerates; leaning back decelerates and goes in reverse. Twisting the left handlebar grip now turns the HT to the right or left.

The dashboard indicator window on the handlebar indicates battery charge level by a ring of black bars around a green smiling face icon. The face smiles and is backlit in green during standard operation. If the battery runs too low or a subsystem is not functioning well, the Segway face will frown and backlight turn red. If it's unsure of the rider's safety it will perform a "safety shutdown" and will vibrate and beep for seven seconds (to warn the rider to dismount) before shutting off.

The Segway is turned off by stepping off the platform and then pressing and holding the red or blue-colored mode button until shutdown tones and the face icon's sleeping appearance indicate the shutdown process is engaged. When complete (takes 3 seconds to shutdown all CPUs and subsystems) the Segway and its display turns off.

Recalls

In September of 2003 the Segway HT was recalled to patch its software to version 12.0, which negated the risk that a rider may completely drain the battery.

In September of 2006, all 23,500 of the vehicles were voluntarily recalled. A bug in the software was revealed that in a very rare sequence of events (including the rider jumping in the air at full speed) could cause the segway to get confused and try to stop. Segway released a patch to its software (version 14.2) to resolve the problem.

Segway in popular culture

• In the movie The Benchwarmers, Mel is seen riding a Segway while he welcomes Gus, Clark, and Richie to his home.
• The entire episode of South Park called "The Entity" parodied the lead-up to the launch of the Segway, during which it was referred to as "It" and was claimed to be able to revolutionize the world's transportation systems. In it, Mr. Garrison invents a gyroscopic two-wheeled personal vehicle which travels faster than an airplane, but can only be operated via sex toy-esque controls inserted into the mouth and anus. Eventually the government bans production of the vehicle so the airlines will not go out of business.
• In an episode of The Simpsons, Kent Brockman is finishing a story saying "... making this the latest Segway scooter crash to claim over one thousand lives." In another episode, "The Seven-Beer Snitch", Homer Simpson flees a prison mob on a Segway, proclaiming, "Fly, Segway, fly!" only to fall off the edge of the balcony. Also in the episode "Fraudcast News", Homer is run off the road by a man on a Segway.
• The Segway and its iBOT ancestor were both preceded in concept by the two-wheeled fire engine of the comic strip character Smokey Stover.
• In the Frasier episode "The Love You Fake," Niles is a Segway tester and is seen riding one throughout the show.
• In Arrested Development, G.O.B. owns a Segway HT and is often seen riding it.
• Shaquille O'Neal owns (or has owned) a Segway, as evinced by a tour of his home on MTV Cribs.
• Peter Gabriel and his daughter used two Segways during his Growing Up Live/Still Growing Up Live tours, particularly during performances of the song "Games Without Frontiers".
• On the Reise Reise tour, Flake Lorenz, the keyboardist from the German rock band Rammstein, rode a Segway HT during the song "Amerika" in a show in Gothenburg, Sweden. He accidentally ran into the band's lead singer, Till Lindemann, giving him a bad knee injury; consequently, Rammstein's Asian tour had to be cancelled.
• World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) professional wrestler Simon Dean routinely drives a Segway look-alike to ringside before his matches. He has named his Segway look-alike "The Dean Machine".
• The main event match at Atlantic Wrestling Club Coast To Coast featured Garbage Bag Johnny riding a Segway in order to escape from Pierce Lavelle and Adam Dick. Garbage Bag Johnny went on to win the match.
• Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, was the first consumer to purchase a Segway.
• In the Family Guy episode "Petergeist" (aired May 7, 2006), the Griffin family is shown Rocky VI at the Swanson household. Rocky Balboa's (animated) manager rides a Segway through Rocky's bedroom and crashes it into a wall. The Segway was also featured in the episode "8 Simple Rules For Buying My Teenage Daughter" when Neil rides one to a fake X-Men convention at a motel and comments that "These things usually have Segway parking."
• At the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competition (founded by Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway), Segway HTs are commonly ridden by competition judges and referees.
• During the last episode of season five of Futurama, Fry and Bender ride Segways to Fry's holophone recital and crash into each other.
• In June 2003, President Bush "failed the Segway test" by falling off, though he "managed to leap to safety, landing on his feet.". Bush fell off the Segway because it was not turned on.
• Segways were used to provide cameramen with transport and stability during the 2006 British Open Golf championship. They proved popular amongst audience and the competitors alike, Phil Mickelson being notably amused.
• Segways are often used as park transport for Cast Members of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Epcot even offers sessions to guests on how to use Segways, offering them the opportunity to take individual rides around World Showcase.
• The lyrics of the parody song "White & Nerdy" by "Weird Al" Yankovic refer to a nerd riding a Segway: "They see me roll on... my Segway/I know in my heart they think I'm white & nerdy". Al is also seen riding a Segway in the song's music video and during his "Tonight Show" appearance in November, 2006, performing the song live with his band.
• In the opening credits for Hogan Knows Best, Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan) is seen on a Segway.
• On the television show Eureka, Segways are sometimes visible in the background.
• In an episode of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, when Bloo has to pay back Madam Foster for destroying her roof, she later appears with a crown on her head and riding a Segway.
• In the Sky One television series Brainiac: Science Abuse, as part of the continuing project to build a CO2-powered vehicle in the guise of a wheelchair, the Brainiac-made wheelchair, powered by two fire extinguishers, faced a Sinclair C5 and a Segway in a short sprint race. The wheelchair took the victory.
• The Segway was publicly mocked by Maddox on his website, claiming a third wheel with a shock absorber would render most of the technology keeping the Segway vertical moot.
• Jack Black's character in the film Envy rides a Segway—presumably a commentary on his newly inheirited wealth making him a yuppie.
• In the Skatetopia level in Tony Hawk's Underground 2, Jesse James rides a motorized segway.
• In one episode of The Colbert Report before talking with Dean Kamen, he rides around on a Segway having people give him high-fives. He later tells Dean that "I'm riding around like a professional"
• Satirical newspaper The Onion published a list of "Segway features" that included "built-in dork-deflector" and "sign on rear that reads 'Keep Back 100 Feet From Gay Little Scooter.'"
• In The Simpsons episode, "Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass", guest star Tom Brady performs an endzone celebration which includes him riding a Segway with a banner that says "Everyone Sucks But Me".

Trivia

• The Segway has been known by the names Ginger and IT in the past. The name Ginger followed the name of the project the Segway branched from, which was to develop a wheelchair able to climb stairs. It was called Fred Upstairs, after Fred Astaire — hence Ginger.
• The invention and development of the Segway HT is the subject of Code Name Ginger (the paperback edition is titled Reinventing the Wheel), a book by journalist Steve Kemper.
• Residents in Segway-friendly communities eschew "going for a walk" in favor of "going for a glide".
• The name "Segway" is a homophone of "segue" (a smooth transition); PT is an initialism for personal transporter while the old acronym HT was an initialism for human transporter.
• The inspiration behind the Segway HT came from the balancing technology of Kamen's innovative wheelchair, the iBOT, which can climb stairs, and prop itself up onto two wheels, to raise the user into a nearly-upright position. The first iterations of balancing technology were done in early Segway models.
• The Segway resembles the motorized, gyroscopically stabilized unicycles in the science fiction short story by Robert A. Heinlein titled "The Roads Must Roll."
• The chemist and inventor David E. H. Jones ("Daedalus") described a similar kind of servo-stabilized unicycle, called "the unisphere" in a column in New Scientist magazine on 18 May, 1978.
• The author of an opinion piece in salon.com suggests that Kamen holds that "walking is a remnant of the Dark Ages, an unpleasant time-waster that technology need eradicate" ; this point is often noted by critics of the Segway, who feel that walking is a natural human exercise that should be encouraged, not made obsolete, to offset declining health figures.
• President George W. Bush gave a Segway as a gift to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in December 2005.

See also

• Dean Kamen
• Segway Polo
• Bay Area SEG
• Sinclair C5

References

External links

• Official Site
• Segway Enthusiast News in French
• Segway Of Ohio
• Segway of Milwaukee
• Segway New Mexico
• Segway of Ontario
• Segway Gallery
• Gallery of Segway photos with technical specs
• Disabilities Rights Advocates For Technology (DRAFT)

• Vehicles