Wheel Chair Segway?

[Scotty]

With so many places restricting my Segway even though I use it as a handicap device I was wondering if I put on a Segseat on it would it qualify as a Wheel Chair? So instead of having four wheels I would have only two. I would think security would have a real problem expelling a device with a handicap sticker an sitting down on the Segway.

[Zorba9]

I would think they would have a problem expelling an HT with a legitimate handicapped placard. Sounds like a lawsuit!

KOG

[sholloway]

From Dictionary.com

wheel·chair also wheel chair Audio pronunciation of "wheelchair" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (hwlchâr, wl-)
n.
A chair mounted on large wheels for the use of a sick or disabled person.

I would love to do it myself but I currently have no physical disability and would be slaughtered in the media. I will be rooting for anyone that wants to take on Simon malls and see how they can pass a rule accepting wheelchairs with more than 2 wheels and denying those with two or less.

[KSagal]

It would seem to me, that because of ADA and the definitions within it, that adding a seat to a segway would have little legal value as a mobility device. If you have a legitimate handicap and have the machine marked as a mobility device, if you are denied access, you have a lawsuit. Winning the lawsuit is but only a part of the process...

I believe most of us are shooting more for acceptance than just access. I, for one, would rather not have to demand the captain of security and prove a point, just to go to a store...

For the most part, I choose to not shop where they choose to not want me.

I also have the advantage where I rarely use mine to compensate for my disabilities. Sometimes, but rarely.

An individual who uses it far more regularly as a mobility device may have a completely different perspective.

All the legal issues aside, we also have to win the battle of perception. I agree with the comment that a security guard would have a larger fink factor if they tried to remove a sitting handicapped person rather than a standing handicapped person, but that is only perception...

I was on the mall in Washington DC, when a double amputee was asked not to glide because of a park rule. So much for that. I suspect that a seat would have had no bearing there at all. (In that case, I volunteered to leave so that the veteran could stay, on the agreement that he would minimise his gliding as much as possible. Still, that park cop was breaking the rules to go that far)

We also must remember that often times the security guard that we are involved with rarely makes the rules. Of course, they selectively enforce all the other rules as well. Maybe the seat will be the one extra factor that makes the guard not want to deal with this at all, and makes it the one that has him walk away, not permission but endorsement by ommission...

If this idea makes the security look the other way, and we start to a build positive experience bank for others to look back at, there may indeed be a good outcome. I believe that many negative rules are made from a vaccuum of information and people are trying to err on the side of safety, rather than do the research and take the chance...

[sholloway]

I agree it probably won't make much difference but lots of places are using definitions to ban Segways. "scooter", "motor vehicle" , etc. I was liking the definition of Wheelchair because the Segseated Segway is by definition a wheelchair and I think it changes the argument a little. I also agree that the security guard has little to do with the rules other than which attitude he or she chooses to use when enforcing the rules they've been told to enforce. When I say I want to see someone take on Simon malls I am referring to the court room, not the security guard. I think the judge/jury might find it especially funny that the security guard that kicked out the wheelchair was standing on a Segway when they did so. I'd love to hear the logic.

[Tarkus]

ZORBA WAS CORRECT FROM THE START !

Seat. no seat. bar stool..... it matters not the HT is protected by ADA and other laws.

Visit www.DRAFT.cc and you will find the the FDOT has issued guidance on the Segway that in essence puts it in the common wheelchair category. Period.

And don't expect people to just let you in. Remember we had to fight for ADA pre 1990 and will have to do the same here.

Check my thread "civil disobedience" on the DRAFT site than pick your local Mall for "Black Friday"

If your waiting for someone to get it done for you it will be a loooooong wait.

It's seldom I don't get in someplace because I come ready for the "education" process.

[Scotty]

The FDOT document specifically addresses Amtrak and Transit. How can I apply this to, for example, a PGA tour I was told I could not use my Segway at?

[Tarkus]

The FDOT document specifically addresses Amtrak and Transit. How can I apply this to, for example, a PGA tour I was told I could not use my Segway at?

Scotty,

You must prepare yourself by reading up a little on the subject.

Here's a little help. The definition of the "common wheelchair" only exists in the FDOT and that is the standard that has been used for ADA since it's inception.

The DOJ was very careful not to name products as not to exclude future tech.

The new Guidance in essence moves the HT into the common wheelchair category.

Please visit www.DRAFT.cc and give it a hard read.

As far as the PGA Tour. If you had the DRAFT info with you and asked politely for the Head of Disabled Services you would have gained access.

I say this because I spent a week at The TPC at Sawgrass, home of the PGA tour for The Players and after a short talk with the disabled services chairperson I was allowed in, after first being denied by another person, and treated with great respect for the rest of the week.

Clubhouse, Tims dinner, the works.

But my Seg was marked and I was ready to ask nicely for the person in charge, info in hand but never need to show it.

Photo of me at the TPC to follow:


http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/segforlegs/DSCF0001_edited.jpg

PS-If you had followed your post on this at Draft I would have had you on the course that day. Go back and check out my response, I think it was Murfeild correct.

You will find photos there also.

If you chose the HT as a mobility device you will need to hep educate those in power that don't understand.

If I can do anything else for you on this feel free to PM me.

Regards,
Alan