Hey, anybody know how to ride a Segway?

[DVS]

I just learned the other day. My job requires I sometimes get on it and boogie. Although I don't like wearing the helmet (not so much because of helmet hair, but more so because of what other's are putting on their hair...you know?), but it's kind of cool, once you get the balance thing figured out.

Don't know what the fuck a Segway is? Cllick here

 

[Lilith]

There are a few people using them downtown. I think they are couriers.

 

[DVS]

There are a few people using them downtown. I think they are couriers.

They probably were couriers. Like I said, once you get the balance thing down, it's pretty cool. They are electric so there is no sound at all. They are run by gyros inside, so your balance is what makes them go and stop. You lean forward and you go forward. You lean backwards and you stop, and then after you stop you go backwards. There are no breaks. Your body leaning to the back are the breaks.

If you have a tendency to not have good balance, this thing is not for you. Police, security, couriers, yuppies and maybe soon, lots of people (because of the gas thing) are riding these things. All you need is about $5,000 and an electrical outlet.

They do need a relatively flat surface to travel on, but you can use the assist mode to go up and down steps and over places that you shouldn't be riding on, etc. They aren't too heavy, but if you have to pick one up for some reason, they weigh about 50 pounds, I think. At least that is what it felt like, when I picked it up.

Anyway, just thought I'd see if anybody else had ridden one. If you ever get the chance, take it. It's different and kind of fun, too.

 

[Marquis]

I've wanted to ride one of these for a long time.

 

[DVS]

I've wanted to ride one of these for a long time.

On the Plaza, (with is our largest shopiing mall type of area, and the first of that type ever to be created in the U.S.), they rent them, I hear. I can't see how that's totally possible, as the first time I was on the thing, it was kind of scary and my balance was not the best. But, maybe they have you sign over your life, in case you hurt yourself. I don't know.

But, once you get the hang of it, which usually is only a few minutes or so, it's not that difficult to handle. But, still, I can see someone getting into a bad situation and not knowing how to get out of it, before something bad happens. It's truely a different form of travel and you just have to experience it to understand what I'm talking about.

Yes, you can get hurt. On the basic model, you do not attempt to go over curbs and large rock or large sticks. That can get you thrown off in a hurry. You don't want to move your body from side to side, unless you are turning. Then, you want to move your body into the turn, like riding a bke.

But, the gyros only respond to your going forward or backwards. And, getting on and off is a bit strange. That reminds me a little of getting onto a unicycle, because it's wanting to move forwards and backwards, as you try to get on or off. While it's in balance mode (the mode you travel in), and you lean that handle bar forward, it's going to go forward, even if you're not on it. Holding it as still as possible while you put first one foot on, then the other, is the key. It takes some getting used to, for sure.

The same is for getting off. You want to keep it as steady as you can, while you take first one foot off, then the other. If you pull the handle bar back, as you get off, it will roll back and bump into your ankles.

There are only two wheels, and that's the interesting part of this thing. I would sure like to see the insides of it, to see how it works. Truly a genious, the guy who thought this thing up.

 

[Marquis]

You would think it would have a start/stop switch so you can get on and off.

The guy who invented it is a famous inventor by the way, responsible for a bunch of other shit that makes your life easier. Can't remember who or what at the moment, but I'm sure someone will post a link eventually.

 

[DVS]

You would think it would have a start/stop switch so you can get on and off.

The guy who invented it is a famous inventor by the way, responsible for a bunch of other shit that makes your life easier. Can't remember who or what at the moment, but I'm sure someone will post a link eventually.

I guess, because it only has two wheels, you can't have a start and stop button, or you would just tip over. But, it would be nice to have some sort of lever you can put down or something to stablize it as you get on and off.

There is a kickstand of sorts, but it isn't much. It is just to keep it upright while you are not on it. It's a flimsy little metall bar that wouldn't hold a person's weight, I don't think.

I first saw this on the Tonight show, when the guy let Jay Leno ride on it. It really is a different kind of feel, when riding it. It almost becomes part of you, after you get the knack of it.

 

[FurryFury]

I totally want to do that! It costs too much anywhere I've been so far!

Then again I want to do everything.

Fury

 

[rosco rathbone]

They look gay as hell, but I've seen cops, postmen, and the guys in the park who pick up trash on pointy sticks jamming on them. Probably a pretty good way to get around if you don't mind looking like a circus act.

 

[h_i_s]

They sound a bit challenging, but also like a lot of fun, to me.
How fast can they go DVS? Can you get someone to take a photo of you riding?? -- a new av for you perhaps. heh

 

[Netzach]

anyone see the south park episode about "it?"

I can't help but think of that when I see 'em LOL.

 

[~hellbaby~]

Ask the president he's pretty good at it.

 

[canadiancutie]

Ask the president he's pretty good at it.

that was a teensy bit lame dear.

 

[~hellbaby~]

that was a teensy bit lame dear.

I thought it was pretty funny.

 

[Evil_Geoff]

And here I thought that riding a Segway involved bending it over, lots of lube, and a few minutes of rough riding after you asked her....

"Have you gained a few pounds?"

 

[DVS]

They sound a bit challenging, but also like a lot of fun, to me.
How fast can they go DVS? Can you get someone to take a photo of you riding?? -- a new av for you perhaps. heh

No pictures, sorry. There are three keys for it. Each one has its own power threshold. I've only been allowed to use the slow key, but it will allow me to go about five miles an hour or so. The other keys don't go much faster, but the torque of the wheels give more power so the advanced rider can go up and down steps, and things like that. Doing that can take LOTS of time to learn that skill, not to mention lots of balance.

Trust me, I'm not an advanced rider. I do OK on flat surfaces, but if I was to need to go up or down steps, I can walk the thning with it in the assist mode. It is safer and I have much less of a chance to skin my knees or elbows.

 

[DVS]

Well, I"m quickly becoming an expert at the slow speed key. See, there's three keys to the thing and each allows you to go a little faster. We are only allowed the slow key. It sucks, really.

I'm constantly trying to get it to go faster, and because of the governer it has, that won't happen. So, it's always speeding up and slowing down...speeding up and slowing down. Like I said...it sucks.

But, I've now aquired a new fun thing to do...jumping speed bumps. Oh, the faster speed would be much better, but even at the slow speed, it can be done. But, frustration does still set in rather quickly.

I'd say I'm going faster than someone could run, but I've ridden a bike much faster, when I was 12. I know, I've already said it. It sucks.