If you are unfamiliar with the Segway,
it is an electronic scooter with wheels on the sides instead of
in front and back. In the base of the Segway are gyroscopes,
motors, and a computer that keeps it balanced at all times.
To go forward, lean forward. To go backward, lean backward.
Segway will sense which way you want to go. To stop going
forward, lean back and it will stop within a few feet. To
turn left or right, twist the left handle grip and lean into the
turn for better balance. It's a lot of fun and addictive!
Betsi's cousin, Mark Allen, works for the company that designed
the gears for the Segway. He borrowed two from his company
to let us try them out. The Segway comes with three different
keys for three different speed limits - slow, medium, and fast.
The keys are color coded plastic and have a magnetic 64-bit encrypted
code at the tip. See Mark give a demo in this video
(3.89MB, requires Windows Media Player).
The current version of the Segway (left with the black
wheel rim) is larger than the newer version that is expected to be for
sale in November. The current model costs $4,500, weighs 83lbs,
reaches a top speed of 12.5mph, and can travel about 10 miles after a
full charge lasting 4-6 hours. The newer model is expected to cost
$3,500, weighs 70lbs, reaches a top speed of 10mph, and can travel about
8 miles on a full charge. The newer model has a narrower base and
smaller wheels. See Jeff zip along on both models and compare the
two in this video
(5.12MB, requires Windows Media Player).
Jeff hops on a Segway and chases Betsi in this video
(1.81MB, requires Windows Media Player). Betsi claims that she
is a pro! The background noise is a neighbor with a gas powered
edger and not the Segway.
Even Ryan enjoys a ride in this video
(3.54MB, requires Windows Media Player). It's a good thing Mike
has strong toes and the white van wasn't damaged.
Mark starts the Segway with the red "turbo"
key. The Segway displays a happy face when it's on and all is well.
The battery level is displayed as a full circle with 5 horizontal levels.
The circle starts disappearing and looks like a "U" as the battery
gets weaker and weaker. When the battery is too low, the screen
will turn red, the smiley face will turn into a frown face and it will
beep.
The Segway gets plugged in after a full workout.
The green battery indicator light (right) flashes while it's charging
and remains on when the charge is complete.
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