Segway HT i2

We are the proud owners of one of the most remarkable transportation devices on the planet today. Our Segway Human Transporter is quiet, pollution free, highly manueverable, and fun to ride. Ok, expensive too.

Why do we have it. Well, I could say because I wanted to avoid pollution, (hydrocarbons, noise, space, etc), but we have it for fun, a way to get around quickly in RV camps and surroundings, and hopefully to help me get to interesting spots to photograph quickly and quietly. But, yes, it is an expensive toy for us. Not that the Segway is a toy, it is a very serious and dependable mode of transportation for the right set of circumstances. I'm also a sucker for new technology. I have been involved in buying the first one of pretty much every thing I saw as useful. I like the idea of testing new concepts and adapting them to new uses. Visit our Segway Photo Gallery.

Check out the Segway Chat page for a lot of great information from experienced users of the Segway.

What is IT?

It is a personal transportation device meant to get you around town or your RV park without using the family car, or depleting the world oil supply. It runs on two heavy duty tires, using built in computers, gyros batteries and other electronics to maintain the balance of the rider when used in a responsible manner. You can stand up straight and it will balance you. It will not protect you from tipping over sideways if you drop into a hole or of a curb. The method for navigation is intuitive and simple to learn. Lean forward to go forward, stand up or lean back to stop, then lean backwards to go backwards. Use the singlethandlebar control to turn by moving it right or left, or hold it either way to turn 360 degrees in place. It uses a wireless key that displays mph, miles per trip, total miles, time, and acts as an alarm.

For those of you not familiar with it, here's a quick run-down on it's specifications:

Range: 12-25 miles (13-19 km) on a single charge The range varies with terrain and riding style. Under normal riding conditions, you can expect to ride about 20 miles on a single charge.
Temperature When stored and charged at room temperature, the i Series can operate in environments ranging from 32ºF (0ºC) to 122ºF (50ºC). Actual performance is dependant on battery temperature, terrain and riding style.
Terrain: The i2 model will work best on smooth terrain, but when used slowly it will go over rocks, snow and other less stable roadways.
Payload: Rider: up to 250 lbs. For Rider& Optional Cargo: 260 lbs total.
Space: Platform height: 8.3 in Footprint: 19 x 25 in. It takes up no more space than the average person. About as wide as the average person's shoulders, it raises you 8 inches off the ground, providing a clear sight line of your surroundings.
Weight 105 lbs. The handle collapses and with a ramp it goes into the back of my Jeep Cherokee easily with one person. I use a specially sold carrier that fits onto the back of the Jeep's hitch to make it easier to carry.
Turning Radius: Zero. One characteristic of a pedestrian is the ability to turn in place without impacting any nearby person or object, something few vehicles can do. By balancing on a single axle, Segway HT users can also turn in place.
Power: Two lithium-ionBattery Packs. The batteries are designed with on-board electronics that automatically monitor both the condition and temperature of the batteries. Batteries can be recharged by utilizing any 120V outlet. A complete cycle charge will take four to six hours, which at 10 cents per KW-h, equates to less than 10 cents of electricity. NiMH batteries are designed for approximately 300-500 full charge/discharge cycles. Their lithium-ion chemistry provides superior performance, with no "memory effect". They can also operate at battery temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safety: Redundant electrical systems. Robust mechanical systems. Safety was a top priority in both design and operation. There is redundant balancing and electrical systems. If any system begins operating at diminished capacity, the other is programmed to assume responsibility. This allows the Segway HT to maintain balance and bring the rider to a safe stop.
Price: Well worth the money. between $3500 and $5500 for various models.

Visit our Segway Photo Gallery.

Read about the invention of the Segway Human Transporter. Get the book by Steve Kemper: "Reinventing the Wheel, A Story of Genius, Innovation, and Grand Ambition" or previously called "Code Name Ginger". You can get it at Amazon, new or used. I read it and it was a great story of inspiration and invention.

 

What have we done with it?

Where?WhenComments
Salt Lake CitySeptember 15, 2003Purchased The Segway at SLC Segway after trying it around the mall. Good guys to do business with. You can rent one and then buy it if you want.
Yosemite Natl ParkOctober 2003 Probably one of the first to glide through the Yosemite National Park. A lot of stares. Went up to the Happy Isles, where only busses were allowed. Great way to photograph the park when you have little time.
Clearlake, CA October 2003Brian, Lori, Damon and Nicole got a chance to try it. (Our children and in-law children).

Silent Valley, CA

 

November 2003Lots of riding around asphalt streets in RV Park. Cold weather (down to 26F at night), riding on dirt, inclines, etc. Put on new off-road tires. Lots of comments from campers.
everywhere all the time I ride it everyday and it is hard to keep this log up with interesting information.
   
Bedford, NH July, 2005 Attended Segfest 2005. Met Dean Kamen.
Island Park, ID Aug, 2007 My original Segway stopped working. I had driven all day from South Dakota with the Segway on the back of the Jeep (on it's carrier and covered) and it must have gotten wet inside through seals or the A/C port. Bought another similar (used) Segway that had the lithium batteries and was a 2005 version, only 2 years old. Got that one wet in Silent Valley after a heavy rain (it was covered) and it stopped working for 3 weeks until it dried out. As of Jan 2008, it's working!
near Atlanta, GA Mar 2009 My SECOND SEGWAY stopped working, and after having it "repaired" in Salt Lake City and it still not working, I traded it in on a new Segway. This one is really neat. You move the handlebars to steer and it has a wireless remote control as a key, alarm, speedometer, odometer, etc.

A list of Segway dealers in your area.

Visit our Segway Photo Gallery.