What is the Segway™ Human Transporter (HT)?
How does the Segway HT work?
Does the Segway HT work indoors?
Can I use the Segway HT in varying environments with different climates and terrains?
What does the Segway HT allow people to do?
How will the Segway HT transform the way people live?
How fast can the Segway HT travel?
How long will a Segway HT last?
Is the Segway HT for me?
Where did the "Segway" name originate?
What is the background of Segway?
What other companies were involved in the development of the Segway HT?
Where is the Segway HT manufactured?
How does the Segway HT safely integrate into pedestrian environments?
How safe is the Segway HT?
Who can ride the Segway HT?
What does the red/blue button do?
How does a Federal Government Agency place an order for Segway HTs?
How can I insure my Segway HT?
Where can I find my Segway HT's serial number?
Can I charge my Segway HT from my car or boat?

What is the Segway™ Human Transporter (HT)?
The Segway™ Human Transporter (HT) is the first self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device. With dimensions no larger than the average adult body and the ability to emulate human balance, the Segway HT uses the same space as a pedestrian, and can go wherever a person can walk. The Segway HT allows people at home and at work to go farther, move more quickly, and increase the amount they can carry anywhere they currently walk.


How does the Segway HT work?
Our team developed a breakthrough technology we termed "dynamic stabilization," which is the essence of the Segway HT. Dynamic stabilization enables the Segway HT to work seamlessly with the body's movements. Gyroscopes and tilt sensors in the unit monitor a rider's center of gravity at about 100 times a second. When the rider leans slightly forward, the Segway HT moves forward. When the rider leans slightly back, the Segway HT moves backward. For more about how the Segway HT functions, please see How It Works.


Does the Segway HT work indoors?
Yes. Every Segway HT is designed to work anywhere people walk. In order to support indoor operation, Michelin created a special tire that is non-marring. The Segway HT is narrower than a standard doorway and is clean and quiet. There are zero emissions.


Can I use the Segway HT in varying environments with different climates and terrains?
Yes. Like a person walking, all that a Segway Human Transporter requires is traction to operate in any environment. The device is completely sealed to allow it to operate in wet weather. Our standard tires were optimized for a range of terrain and environmental conditions. We also offer enhanced traction tires for better performance on a wide variety of surfaces.


What does the Segway HT allow people to do?
Simply put, the Segway HT allows you to travel farther, move quicker and carry more. The Segway HT is used in a multitude of consumer and commercial settings. For personal use, the Segway HT can be used to commute to work, run errands, visit family and friends, explore your community, and have lots of fun doing everyday things. For commercial settings, the Segway HT is ideally suited for large scale manufacturing plants and warehousing operations, travel and tourism, public safety, corporate and campus transportation, as well as mail, package and product delivery.

Segway HTs are in some of the world's leading corporations and service organizations including the U.S. Postal Service, National Park Service, the City of Atlanta's Ambassador program, Michelin, GE Plastics, and Delphi Automotive Systems.


How will the Segway HT transform the way people live?
The benefits of widespread usage of the Segway HT are far-reaching, including the creation of more livable communities. We believe that, in time, the Segway HT will lead to a reconfiguration of the way communities are built by significantly extending people's walking zones, thereby enabling better use of space and the transportation infrastructure. The Segway HT will enable people to make better use of their time, interact within their community and contribute to eliminating traffic congestion and pollution.


How fast can the Segway HT travel?
Every Segway HT has three different keys that riders may choose from depending on riding environment and level of experience. The Beginner Key (maximum speed of 6 mph and slowest turning rate), allows riders to gain confidence using the machine. The Sidewalk Key (maximum speed of 8 mph and a medium turning rate), allows riders to adapt well in pedestrian environments. The Open Environment Key (maximum speed of 12.5 mph and the most responsive turning rate), allows riders to comfortably cover open spaces. Riders are responsible for riding their Segway HT at appropriate speeds.


How long will a Segway HT last?
The Segway HT has been designed to be extremely durable. In order to deliver a durable productivity tool, we pursued two design avenues. First, we built durable mechanical and electrical systems to be in solid state, so even the moving parts were designed for longevity. For example, the motors are brushless servomotors, so there are no parts that could wear out. We then submitted the systems to extensive, rigorous testing to ensure we met our goals. Second, we created a modular design whereby if any part were to wear out or break, it could easily be replaced, ensuring a long product life.



Is the Segway HT for me?
We recommend that each potential owner consider some basic operator abilities before they purchase a Segway HT. Segway recommends that riders be 16 years old or older, weigh no more than 250 pounds (for the i Series, no more than 200 pounds for the p Series) and no less than 100 pounds. Each rider must be able to step up and down an 8-inch platform without assistance of a handrail or another person. They must also have full use of their left hand.

The Segway HT isn't a medical device. If you are considering purchasing it as an assistive technology, we urge you to try it out first. Please feel free to contact Segway at 1-866-4SEGWAY to determine if there is a location in your area where you can experience a free demonstration. Keep in mind that Segway's Return Policy does not allow customers to return a Segway HT if it has been used, so if you question whether the Segway HT is right for you, please try one out before ordering.

Please also note that, in accordance with Segway's Return Policy, customers are subject to a 10% re-stocking fee if an unused machine is returned.


Where did the "Segway" name originate?
Our inspiration came from the word segue, which is defined as, "to transition smoothly from one state to another." A Segway Human Transporter (HT) transforms a person into an empowered pedestrian, allowing him/her to go farther, move more quickly and carry more than could ever be achievable walking.


What is the background of Segway?
Segway LLC, based in Bedford NH, was founded by inventor and entrepreneur, Dean Kamen, to transform the way people work and live. The Segway Human Transporter (HT) is the result of years of research and development led by Kamen with the goal of building something that would make a unique and lasting contribution to society. Segway LLC received funding from Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity, Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers and a number of individual investors.

You can learn more about the Company here.


What other companies were involved in the development of the Segway HT?
Segway brought together a vital group of industry leading suppliers. You may find a list of Segway's development partners helpful.


Where is the Segway HT manufactured?
Segway HTs are assembled in our own facility in Bedford, NH.



How safe is the Segway HT?
The utmost care and research has gone into ensuring that the Segway HT is safe. The Segway HT's balancing technology is truly revolutionary and provides an exceptional riding experience. The Segway HT has redundant systems and sophisticated alerts built into its design, and many thousands of hours of use have demonstrated that the Segway HT is safe when used appropriately. It is important that Segway HT riders understand their responsibility to ride safely. Proper skill level and understanding of the Segway HT prevents injuries caused by loss of control or misuse. Keep in mind that the Segway HT has not been designed, tested, or approved as a medical device.

Who can ride the Segway HT?
The Segway HT is designed to be operated by a wide range of people after receiving orientation—no special skills are required. The rider must be able to do the following:

Step on and off the Segway HT without assistance, which requires physical abilities similar to climbing and descending stairs without assistance or use of a handrail
Rider must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds (for the i Series) or 100 and 200 pounds (for the p Series)
Rider must be able to operate the steering control with his or her left hand
Segway recommends that riders be 16 years or older. It is important to note that the Segway HT has not been designed, tested, or approved as a medical device.
Where can I safely and legally ride the Segway HT?
The Segway HT is designed to operate in any place that you can safely walk. It will transport you over any surface where the wheels can gain traction, such as roads, sidewalks, grass, and dirt. In many cities you'll be able to take the Segway HT any place that you are allowed to walk. Some areas, however, have restrictions on where you can take the Segway HT, and some areas require that you wear protective gear. Please consult our regulatory page for a list of state laws. You should also check with local authorities regarding any local regulations that may be applicable.

What does the red/blue button do?
The red/blue button is referred to as the mode button and allows a user to change the mode of the Segway HT, from balance to power-assist mode (more information about the modes is available). When held for more than two seconds, it also powers down the Segway HT. The mode button only works when a rider is not standing on the Segway HT. It has no other functions. The color of the button was changed in early 2004 from red to blue.


How does a Federal Government Agency place an order for Segway HTs?
Segway now has a GSA contract (Contract # GS-07F-0182N Sch. 539). Please visit the GSA Advantage Web site for more details.


How can I insure my Segway HT?
There are a number of options available should you wish to insure your Segway HT. Segway recommends you contact your insurance company or local agent to find out the type of coverage they offer.

It may be helpful to know that Progressive now provides personal use coverage for Segway HTs in most states (excluding MA, NJ, NC and Washington D.C.). To get more information or buy a policy, call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, contact a local Progressive agent or broker, or visit Progressive's Web site.

Many insurance companies, including Progressive, may ask that you provide your Segway HT serial number in order to obtain insurance coverage. Please wait for delivery of your Segway HT in order to obtain your serial number. (The serial number is located under the mat on the rear edge of the platform.)


Where can I find my Segway HT's serial number?

The serial number is located under the mat on the rear edge of the platform. Segway cannot provide you with your serial number until you have taken delivery of your Segway HT. Therefore, please wait for delivery of your Segway HT in order to obtain your serial number.




Can I charge my Segway HT from my car or boat?
Yes, a Segway HT can be charged while driving in your car or boat by using a suitable DC-to-AC power inverter. Each Segway HT typically consumes approximately 140 Watts of power while charging. However, due to charger startup requirements, we recommend that inverters have power capacity of at least 350 Watts for each Segway HT being charged. Power inverters that produce either square or sinusoid waveform output are suitable for charging the Segway HT.
 

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