Use of Segways

Touted as revolutionary green energy leader of transportation, the Segway is a two-wheeled, battery-operated vehicle that requires self-balancing for safe travel. The Segway name means, "Smooth transition."

To enable balancing, there are motors and computers in the base, which keeps the vehicle upright when the power is on. To manipulate the vehicle to go forward, the user shifts his weight forward. By shifting his weight backward, the machine will go backward. The vehicle detects the change in it centre mass and first establishes, then keeps a consistent speed. To spot the shift of weight, the gyroscopic sensor, as well as fluid-based levelling sensors, detectany weight shifting. To make a turn, the user simply presses the handlebar either to the right or to the left.

Because the Segway dynamics are similar to the inverted pendulum, the electric motor may be charged using household currents; making the purchase of gasoline unnecessary.

Even though the hype of the upcoming two-wheeled green energy vehicle had many excited, use of the vehicle has many restrictions. Because it has not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a medical device, Segways cannot be marketed as such, further restricting its use.

There are many states and countries utilize the Segway for police officers, workers in some malls, employees of zoos and other large area facilities. Many Asians are able to use it as individual travel on the sidewalks. In Japan, a court classified the Segway a motorcycle because of its power output. However there is not report of registration.

In Europe, Segways are mainly used in niche markets such as guided city tours. In Germany, the Segway is furnished with a red light and also a license plate and the users are allowed to ride in parts of the street. Tourists in Italy are allowed to use Segways on the roads next to the sidewalks. In Dublin, Ireland, a guide leads airport police office use the vehicle for patrolling and in a tour in Stockholm on a Segway. In Denmark, the Segway is categorized as a moped, which requires lights, licensing and brakes.

Because there was a ban on Segways in the UK, there is a campaign to legalise them. The vehicle was considered not able to meet required safety standards, and is against the law to use it except on private property. Organized campaigns are arguing for the use of these vehicles because of the many roads in their towns and city centres are getting more and more congested. They argue that the increase of cars is causing, jams, fumes, noise and road rage. Also, the price of diesel fuel is an incentive. They say that unless something is changed the problem will only get worse. They want the change to be the use of Segways.

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