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For more
information on the Segway Human Transporter, please visit
the product homesite at: www.segway.com
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The Segway:
How will
it affect the bicyclist and the pedestrian?
Frequently
Asked Questions:
1. What is the Segway?
The Segway Human Transporter (SHT) is described as "the first
self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device."
The rider stands on a small platform supported 6 to 8 inches off
the ground by two parallel wheels; holds onto handlebars that
are used to steer the device; when the rider leans forward the
SHT moves forward and when the rider leans back the SHT moves
back or stops.
2. How big is the Segway?
The SHT comes in three models. The personal transport model is
16 inches long, 21 inches wide, and weighs 69 pounds. Slightly
larger models are available for commercial/industrial use; they
are 19 inches long, 25 inches wide and weigh up to 95 pounds.
3. How fast is the Segway?
The Segway is capable of speeds up to 20 miles per hour. A speed-governing
key is used to limit the speed of the personal transport model
to 10 miles per hour, or "three times faster than the average
walker." The commercial/industrial models are set with a
top speed of 12.5 miles per hour.
4. How far can the Segway go?
The personal transport model will go between 9 and 14 miles on
single charge; the commercial/industrial model will go up to 17
miles per charge.
5. How much weight can the Segway
carry?
The SHT is designed to carry a person up to 250 pounds. The cargo
version has an additional capacity to carry 75 pounds and a trailer
is under development that will have a further capacity of 300
pounds or more.
6. When will the SHT be available?
Demonstration models are currently being tested and used at trade
shows and other venues. The personal transport model is expected
to be available in late 2002.
7. Where can I get more information?
www.segway.com has a lot of
additional promotional and technical information.
8. Why has the Segway become a legislative/public
policy issue?
The manufacturers of the Segway have launched an aggressive lobbying
campaign to amend state and Federal law to ensure that the device
is not regulated as a motorized vehicle and that it is able to
operate on sidewalks and trails rather than the road. Legislation
to achieve these goals has been introduced in the US Senate and
most states.
9. What is being proposed at the Federal level?
Senate Bill 2024, introduced by Senator Bob Smith (R-NH), would
allow the use of the Segway on federally funded sidewalks and
trails, when state or local regulations permit.
10. What is being proposed at the state level?
While the specific legislative proposals are slightly different
in every state, the general goal of the legislative campaign is
to classify the Segway as a pedestrian and permit use of the sidewalk
unless a local jurisdiction specifically bans them. The bills
also typically restrict the Segway to streets with a speed limit
of 25 miles per hour or less if a sidewalk is not available.
The March 8 issue of Urban Transportation Monitor reported that
"the [Segway] company has provided model bills and testified
before 45 state legislatures
Of those 45, 21 states have
legislation pending and 5 states (NH, NJ, NM, NC, and SD) have
passed legislation regarding how and where the EPAMD can be used."
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