Proper Procedure?

[inewman]

As a new member of the Segway community I was wondering about the proper protocol and procedure when Segging to a coffee shop (Starbucks), restaurant (casual, Dennys), Supermarket, Mall, etc.

Is it ok to bring my Seg inside? Do I/Should I ask permission and from whom? Is it OK to ride into a mall? Who do I ask if it is OK to enter, and to plug in?

Is it OK to use a marked bike path when it is used for walking, jogging and skating.

Does anyone know the regulation on taking a Segway on a bus or Metro?

How do I find out the city regulations in the various cities in my area?

I live in Los Angeles.

Thanks.

Ira

[Sal]

As a new member of the Segway community I was wondering about the proper protocol and procedure when Segging to a coffee shop (Starbucks), restaurant (casual, Dennys), Supermarket, Mall, etc.

Is it ok to bring my Seg inside? Do I/Should I ask permission and from whom? Is it OK to ride into a mall? Who do I ask if it is OK to enter, and to plug in?

Is it OK to use a marked bike path when it is used for walking, jogging and skating.

Does anyone know the regulation on taking a Segway on a bus or Metro?

How do I find out the city regulations in the various cities in my area?

I live in Los Angeles.

Thanks.

Ira

Ask permission first. And if you get push back offer to demonstrate the device, and have EPAMD laws for your state/community in hand as well. They go a long way to gaining acceptance on private property.

Good luck!

-Sal

[luckie]

So I think you kinda asked two different questions:

What is etiquette and then what is legal (in LA).

Regarding etiquette (proper procedure): I've been very cautious. I recommend you ask folks in advance about entering their place of business and if you can lean it against a wall while you're there. In general I don't ride my p133 indoors or ever plug into someone's power outlets (but others here who have done so, can talk about that stuff).

I do occassionally show up at a new place, smile, and say "Hi, can I lean this somewhere?" When I first bought the HT, I visited various local coffeehouses on foot and said "Hey I'm getting a little Segway to drive around instead of an SUV and I was curious if I could roll it in and lean it against the wall when I come to the coffeehouse?" (fun Q&A followed and folks said yes, and they couldn't wait to see it, "Awl, you don't have it now, bummer").


Regarding what's legal in LA (bike paths, metro etc):
Segway Chat used to have that information available via a map of the US but with the recent upgrade to new software and server I'm not sure where that went for now. I'm sure folks from LA will post relevant info.

To get started search Google for:
"electric personal assistive mobility device" california los angeles

Hope that helps.

[cmonkey]

I copied & highlighted the important stuff out of the CA SB1918 regs and turned it into a two sided laminated 5x7 card. Send me a mailing address (offline) and I'll mail you a copy.

David Sie

[Cube128]

It's my belief, though it may not be echoed by some here, that fortune favors the bold. When I go into a store, I just turn the segway off and roll it inside like I own the place. I've never been stopped anywhere, and when an employee or manager does comment on it, they've always said that it's very cool.

I've actually ridden it through malls before and I've never gotten so much as a dirty look, mostly statements of envy from overburdoned shoppers. I don't do this very often, though. Just play it by ear, I guess. I've never had to do so, but I'd be ready to say in an instant that if my Segway isn't allowed inside, then I won't be shopping there in the future.

[solotrek]

On a couple of occasions, I've been invited to bring my Segway in to the store. The first time, I was invited by the manager of the hardware store to bring my Seg inside. He saw me trying to lock it to one of his BBQ's. I guess he was a little concerned. The second time I was outside a Togo's restaurant explaining the fine points of the Segway to a lady outside. Turns out, she was the owner and invited me inside. Didn't get any free sandwiches though. Actually, I'm really surprised Segway's are allowed in some stores. You would think they would be concerned about liability issues.

[Desert_Seg]

It was great reading the various responses but the all seem to repeat the same theme...

1. Be brave, not timid
2. Be polite, not brash

If I know the place I ask, if I don't, I try to get in, have the unit against the wall before or while I'm asking. If I get that far I get approvlas almost 100%. of time. However, I find that demos are always a positive way to change anybody's mind.

I do, where possible, try to find an outlet within every coffeeshop I visit and always seek permission before I plug in.

I, like others, will not visit a known non-Segway friendly location and will make it known to all.

Regards,

Steven