newbie

[new2seg]

I have been reading this forum for about a week now wow so much info!
I have also been waiting for my used I 170 HT to arrive. I expected it today, but DHL said it will be here in the morning, I don't know if I'll sleep at all tonight. I have never glided on a HT before. I have been riding skateboards and other fun stuff for 35 of the last 42 years. I know I will love it. Other then watching the safety video what are some things I should do before plug in the black key and get on and glide? Is the video long? Don't know how long I can wait. I been looking for safety video online to get a headstart but can't seem to find it.
Thanks


new2seg

[bystander]

new2seg,

Welcome.

There's lots of information at the segway.com website too.

If you've got some time, you may want to read some of the manuals on this page:

http://www.segway.com/support/docs/

The safety video isn't too long, since you're so anxious you might want to view it twice, in case you can't keep your mind on it.

Keep in mind the early HT adopoters had to wait for their order to be filled (weeks and months for some), sign up for training and wait until the event, then take the training before they could glide. So you have a relatively short wait.

Perhaps someone will come along with non-inactive link to the safety video.

[Sal]

As bystander said, the Safety video isn't long. I know being the geek that I am, I watched it several times to at least quenchmy thirst for the HT as it sat there for 12 H charging.

You mentioned that you're getting a used HT, do you know if the batteries were conditioned, peoperly maintained prior to shipping? If so, you might not even have to wait to charge (although it would be the safer, and more conservative thing to do).

But you have it right about the black key first. Even though you have been riding skateboards, etc for years, don't take the power and simplicity of the HT for granted. I have demoed many BMX bikers and skateboarders, and many didn't "get it." Take it slow and easy at first on the black key of course, in an open area. And master it before moving on to yellow, and only when you're very comfortable, move on to red. (the above is for the SAFEST experience)

you're going to LOVE it!

Congratulations!

-Sal

___________
I considered atheism, but there were too few holidays

Segway Chat Member since July 2003
Segway Owner since August 2003

[SegwayDan]

Do what the safety video says: get a friend to hold the handle while you step up. The main trouble new people have is handling that first few seconds of standing on the machine.

You will learn quickly that the most difficult thing to do is relax. Force yourself to relax and get the coordination of leaning. If you're rolling forward, that means you're leaning forward. To stop, you simply lean back a little. If you're rolling back, simply lean forward a little to stop.

For steering, twist the ring very slightly and slowly to experience its special characteristics.

Then just do a lot of practicing. Take baby steps. Get your coordination and confidence up. When you start making turns at speed, lean into the turns sideways, just like you do on your skateboard. Start leaning BEFORE you start twisting the steering ring.

There's a groove and a rhythm to the Segway take the time to find them.

Then get out and about and learn how the machine responds to bumps and cracks and other unevennesses and obstacles. One thing to watch for are raised sidewalk cracks parallel to your direction of travel. If a tire comes up against it, the HT will veer to follow the crack, and you need to be able to steer out of it without losing your sideways balance.

quote:Originally posted by new2seg

I have been reading this forum for about a week now wow so much info!
I have also been waiting for my used I 170 HT to arrive. I expected it today, but DHL said it will be here in the morning, I don't know if I'll sleep at all tonight. I have never glided on a HT before. I have been riding skateboards and other fun stuff for 35 of the last 42 years. I know I will love it. Other then watching the safety video what are some things I should do before plug in the black key and get on and glide? Is the video long? Don't know how long I can wait. I been looking for safety video online to get a headstart but can't seem to find it.
Thanks


new2seg


Dan Swanson

[BruceWright]

Dan's got some great tips.

Either get someone to hold the segway when you first step on, like he said, or I'd also recommend putting the Seg against a wall while you stand up on it. That way, you've got the wall as a spotter.

It's all about trusting the machine. There's no way you're going to fall off of it just by standing on it, but it's hard to trust it.

Make sure you have plenty of open uncluttered flat space when you're learning.

And like Dan said, learn how the Segway treats bumps and cracks.

Believe it or not, some cracks are better fast than slow. It's a learning process.

And when you get confident, THEN is when you need to watch out. Almost all the accidents have been just when someone got too confident. So keep your ego in check, and think safety first, and you'll do great!

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[terryp]

Don't do like I did and try to ride it through a doorway right away. I was a little too far to one side, and the machine showed me who was stronger ;)

Segway - What's holding you up?

[new2seg]

AAAAAAAAAAggggggggghhhhhhhhh
Dhl lost my HT I can't stand it. i been waiting a week, it was 2nd day shipping. Looks like I have to wait longer. Anyone else ever had this problem with Dhl shipping. Oh and thanks for all the info I guess
I'll just keep looking online and waiting.

new2seg

[jake4700]

You can view the safety video at www.supersegway.com. I watched it about 25 times the day before picked up my i180! (just kidding)

You should get a friend to help the first time you ride.

=-+-=-+-=-+-=-+-=
Jennifer

[Brooster]

quote:Originally posted by BruceWright

And when you get confident, THEN is when you need to watch out. Almost all the accidents have been just when someone got too confident. So keep your ego in check, and think safety first, and you'll do great!


Well said, and definitely the case when I got banged up a year and a half ago (which I can still feel in my face today). Welcome new2seg, and welcome back Bruce.

Brooster

[Robbie]

Heya, New2Seg....I just realized you're in Birmingham...about 100 miles from me. We are an exclusive group here in Alabama!

You should add yourself to the Frappr Segway map.....I'm tired of being the only one. :-)

Robbie

I don't even butter my bread.
I consider that cooking.

[Florida Ever-Glides]

new2seg,

You are about to have a 'life altering' experience with your new HT. Well, maybe two if the new HT dosen't arrive. Good luck. Be safe. Have fun...

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[william collins]

DHL has got to be the worst ..They (SHE) delivered my parts from INC to Rutherford, Prospect Place and not to my address in East Rutherford, Prospect Terrace..Close but no Cigar..Had to call INC to see if they sent them and was told YES ..Two weeks back ..Saw the Truck in town and asked the driver what happen and asked her "Did you happen to deliver to Rutherford" Yep she remembered she did..Day later brings me two packages ,one a replacement from INC and the one the folks in Rutherford were holding, Knowing she made a mistake..

-- live with love and care, upon the level and by the square

[new2seg]

Yea It got here early this afternoon, I guess calling and demanding a refund of the shipping helped find it pretty fast. Man I love my HT. It was a little rainy here today so I stayed in the driveway most of the time. WOW this thing is great. Iam takeing it to Seaside Fl. this weekend I hope its nice outside cause there are miles of sidewalks alone the beach. Thanks for all the good info.

new2seg