| The Segway scooter is a fascinating piece of | | | | on 2 wheels like the transporter. |
| machinery that is revolutionary in thought and | | | | So, how does it balance itself? |
| mechanics. It is revolutionary in the fact that no one | | | | The motor and computer in the base of the unit |
| before the invention of the segway was able to build a | | | | balance the Segway PT upright when powered on |
| scooter that could balance itself on two wheels by | | | | with balancing enabled. The scooter moves forward |
| itself. So, lets start by defining the Segway scooter. | | | | by a users leaning forward and lean back to go |
| The Segway is a two wheeled scooter the is | | | | backwards. To turn left and right the user would only |
| propelled by an electric motor. But it is more than that. | | | | have to "Lean Steer" the handlebar, leaning it left or |
| The scooter has an sophisticated internal computer | | | | right. |
| system that allows the Segway unit to balance itself | | | | In terms of speed each Segway PT comes with two |
| on two wheels without falling down. This self-balancing | | | | operational settings, "beginner" and "standard". Beginner |
| electric scooter was invented by Dean Kamen. Dean | | | | setting is set to 6mph/13kph, and the standard setting |
| a visionary is an entrepreneur that holds more the 440 | | | | is set to 12.5mph/20kph. |
| U.S. and foreign patents. Back in college he used his | | | | Gyroscopic sensors are used to detect tilting of the |
| vast knowledge of physical sciences and physics to | | | | device which indicates a departure from perfect |
| come up with some very innovative medical devices. | | | | balance. Motors driving the wheels are commanded as |
| He rolled all of these medical devices into his first | | | | needed to bring the PT back into balance. |
| company AutoSyrige, Inc. The company was an | | | | Segway has found success in niche markets like |
| success and was eventually sold to Baxter | | | | police patrols, warehouses and corporate campuses. |
| International Corporation. Leading up to the Segway | | | | Classification as a motor vehicle has been choppy to |
| Dean developed the Independence 3000 IBOT | | | | say the least. In some states the segway is classified |
| Transporter. The transporter was developed for the | | | | as a motor vehicle but in some it is not. You would |
| disabled community. The mobility chair that was | | | | need to check you state to verify what classification |
| unveiled in 1999 could climb stairs, traverse sandy and | | | | the Segway would be in your state. |
| rocky terrain and raise itself and the occupant up to | | | | Depending on the model that you choose the segway |
| eye-level while sitting on two wheels. Then came the | | | | scooters cost between $5000 dollars to $7000 dollars. |
| segway. It was built on some of the same principals as | | | | Of course you can buy them used on sites like eBay |
| the 3000 IBOT Transporter. It ran on an electric motor | | | | for around $4000 dollars. |
| as the transporter and the segway could also balance | | | | |