In 2002, a new type of vehicle appeared on the consumer market, it looked like nothing the average person had seen before in real life, the vehicle was a Segway. It was invented by Dean Kamen. The name Segway is derived from the word segue which means to move without interruption. A Segway allows people to move from walking to a motorized vehicle in a very smooth manner.
A Segway is a rather odd looking mode of transportation; it is a 2 wheeled vehicle with a platform, unlike a skate board the wheels are mounted left to right versus front to back. Under the platform are motors, computers and gyroscopic sensors. Under the platform is where the magic happens. The software for the computer is written so that it compensates for everything that the Segway users does and it allows the user to balance on the Segway while standing still. If the user shifts their weight forward, the Segway moves forward and conversely, if the user shifts their weight to the back, the segway goes backward. It steers by leaning on the handlebar, lean to the left and the Segway goes to the left, lean to the right and the segway goes to the right. The Segways are powered by electric motors and the average speed is about 12.5 miles per hour although some Segways can go as fast as 30 mile per hour. The Segway controls the speed of the vehicle using the software. If the user starts going too fast, the software starts the platform tilting backwards to slow it down.
The Segway is popular in warehouses, on military bases, in warehouses, in theme parks and tourist areas. At Disney Epcot, a potential Segway user can learn to use the Segway and take a tour of Epcot on the Segway in 2 hours, Disney employees can also be seen zipping around the grounds on Segways. Many cities including Washington D.C, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago and Boston, to name a few, offer Segway tours. A history buff can take a three hour battlefield tour of Gettysburg.
There are several Segway accessories you can get to go on your Segway. Handle bar bags are one of the must have Segway accessories. Segways can be equipped with a cargo frames. Because LED lighting is available to mount on Segways, they can be ridden 24 hours a day. Another item that is popular among Segway riders is the Segway hard case, which resembles the case you might see on a motorcycle.
Unfortunately, Segways are not designed for the elderly who have coordination problems. If you have problems with ambulation rollator walkers are just the thing to help you get around indoors and on the street. Rollator walkers have a built in seat that allows you to sit down when you need to. Many people walk with rollator walkers, and when they get tired they sit down and rest.
Rollator walkers are different than conventional walkers. Rollator walkers have tires that allow you to move about without lifting up on your walker. Rollator walkers are not like Segways, they are not powered. You move rollator walkers by holding onto the handle bars and walking along. Rollator walkers come in steel and aluminum. Aluminum rollator walkers are light and easy to handle. Steel rollator walkers aren't as light, but they are preferred if you weigh 250 pounds or more.
A Handcycle is the perfect vehicle that is perfect for the elderly and the disabled. A handcycle has a recumbent seat, and it is very much like a cross between a wheelchair and a tricycle. You can get a handcycle with an extra seat to carry a child. You don't use your legs to make the handcycle move, you power it with your hands. The handcycle has two wheels in the back that are just for coasting, the front wheel is for steering it.
Segways are allowed in some countries and not allowed in others for using on roads as it can lead to problems for pedestrians on narrow footpaths. For example it is considered illegal for the road in Australia according to their law. The handlebars on the Segway are designed to slow down the transporter if it senses a sudden bump on it. This improves safety in the event of a crash.
The legality of Segway use on roads with motorized vehicles varies with different jurisdictions since it is missing required items such as headlights. The Segway is emission free and could make a major dent in the environmental problems if it was adapted on a large scale. Even though Segways are safer than bicycles, mopeds, ATVs, motor scooters, mopeds and go-karts users should take safety precautions that include wearing a helmet and heed warnings that the user should be over 100 pounds.
The future of the Segway is yet to be determined. The Segway is not approved as a means of transportation by the American Disabilities Act like the mobility scooters. Enough Segways could ease urban congestion and are fuel efficient but the same thing can be said about bicycles and at a much lower cost. For people who may have mobility problems, the Segway could be a perfect short trip mode of transportation. If people are getting less exercise as a result of the Segway, maybe it is not such a good idea. While many people are criticizing the Segway, many people can't wait to try one out.
The company often gives pretty huge trials so more and more people buy their machines and their sales may increase. Segways are not allowed for people with disabilities in the United States but other countries have accepted it. It is a great way to stroll in the park on the broad paths available for jogging or on the grass. It can also travel up slopes but not those ones which may turn out too steep. For old people it is a lot better than wheelchair lifts because it is more fun to use. Segways have got 2 large wheels and they help along with the motor to keep the car stable when its' occupants move either forwards or backwards or at an angle that it may find difficult to stay upright.
In Switzerland, Segways have to be registered and have a registration number and lights and side pods before it can be ridden on the streets. A Segway is much better than a handcycle because no effort has to be added to it unlike a handcycle and people can thus move longer distances. It is also better than rollator walkers in the same respect because the handicapped people can move much faster in them as they do not have to slide the whole thing by themselves.
Thus the Segway is an amazing concept and it really serves its purpose to perfection. Other personal transportation systems are not even close to them as of yet and it looks like a lot of time will pass until some other device comes out which will improve on it's design and be more useful.There is something for everyone. Not everyone can have a Segway, not everyone needs rollator walkers, but the good thing is there is something for everyone. If you are disabled you might benefit from the rollator walker, and for fun you could ride a handcycle. Whether you are young or old there is a mobility device that is perfect for you.
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