No Friend of the Segway

You might imagine that after gliding around miles and miles of sidewalks and streets one would inevitably learn to spot and, ideally, avoid certain obstacles that would otherwise impair your glide. Well, here is the list of most offensive impediments for the Segway owner:

1. Low-Hanging Branches - because the Seg is much more susceptible to cracks in the sidewalk or any general pavement unevenness, the rider invariably finds himself diligently studying the path ahead only to be occasionally (and violently) reminded of the low-hanging tree branches that the unkind homeowner has neglected for far too long.
   
   
2. Loose Gravel - your balance is virtualy assured - as long as both wheels of the Segway are firmly connected to the earth. Loose gravel, while perhaps inviting to the daredevil in us, is no friend of the Segway. Nothing seems to delight onlookers more than to see an overpriced hunk of technology lose its grip in the gravel pit and throw its smug rider into like some possessed mechanical bull.
   
   
3. Lawn Sprinklers -this should go without saying but in 2006 have we really not figured out how to keep the sprinklers aimed squarely at the actual lawn instead of oscillating over the public sidewalk? The only saving grace is that wet clothes tend to dry quickly at 12mph.
   
   
4. Hard-core bicycle excercise freaks - these speed demons are simply a menace to all other well-wheeled enthusiasts. "On your left - ON YOUR LEFT! - Get OUT of the WAY LOSER!" Now, I ask you is that any way to address your fellow man? Perhaps if I wore more spandex, bought some $200 tinted sunglasses, rigged the Seg with at least five water bottles filled with various energy drinks, and wore fourteen Lance Armstrong bracelets, I would have more bike path cred.

Greatest Segway Moments

These are some high-points that are not otherwise captured in my ongoing TechLore thread Segway Spotting, which I encourage you to also read.

The day after I bought it, I rode down to the Village Hall and tracked down the Chief of Police. With a little persuasion, I got him

to try it out (one of my first demos) and I have had no problems with the local law enforcement since then. He said he was going to buy a few for the department but still haven't seen them around. I carry his card around with me just in case but I think I probably built up enough good karma for awhile.

One time, I got up the nerve to ride the Segway inside a store and through the aisles while I shopped. None of the employees seemed to be willing to challenge me on whether it violated any rules. I actually had alot of fun dodging panicked shoppers but ultimately decided it was just too weird to make into a regular habit. Since then, I have been told by many other proprietors that it wasn't allowed inside their establishment and I generally don't try to fight it. Despite the fact that the machine and tires were specifically designed for indoors use as well, there is just way too much unfamiliarity with the Segway for it to be appropriate in settings like these.

But the single best part of this past year, in all seriousness has been the interaction with the kids. Still untarnished by the inevitable cruelty of the adult social world, children are simply awestruck with wonder when they see the Segway in action. Like their grown-up counterparts, their brain cogs also spin as they try to understand how the Segway can balance and move the way it does but children are much better at getting past the physics and focusing (more appropriately I think) on how cool it must be to have one. My sincere hope is that it will have been their childhood encounter with a Segway that ultimately inspires these kids to grow up and build the Next Big Thing.

Final Thoughts

So that's it, the first year is in the books. I hope I was able to provide some insight into what its like to own a Segway but again I'm not advocating that everyone go out and buy one. Renting is probably your best option and most large cities now seem to offer convenient tours.

If it didn't come through here or in the Segway Spotting thread, I am very happy to own one. Most of the time, its a pure blast and I have no regrets other than having few travel companions to share the experience with.

I still can't get over how well it works each time I step on it, I hope that never goes away. Please share your comments here.

<< Return to page 1 | Comment on this article 

Page « Previous 1 2