Characteristics of Emerging Road and Trail Users and Their Safety

Segway Human Transporter

The Segway Human Transporter (HT) is a self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device (figure 6). Its footprint is not much larger than the human body's and has a handlebar and platform similar to a scooter, but with two wheels side by side. The Segway uses gyroscopes and tilt sensors to monitor the body's movements and balance the device on the single axle. When a person leans forward, the Segway HT moves forward; leaning backward causes it to move back. The Segway has no brakes; to stop the device, users simply straighten up from their leaning position. Turning is accomplished with a twisting motion on the handlebar. Because both wheels are on one axle, it can turn in place with no turning radius.⁽¹⁹⁾

Figure 6. A Segway user.

The Segway HT easily can be governed to travel at various speeds up to a maximum of 12.5 mi/h (20 km/h).⁽¹⁹⁾ The manufacturer has been actively pursuing legislation throughout the United States to allow the Segway on sidewalks and paths. In some cases, requirements for different speeds on roads and sidewalks are being considered.

^19.  Segway, LLC home page. www.segway.com. Accessed May 2, 2002.