Segway in the rain

[IcanGlide]

I just finished college and start a new job in one week, but there is no parking garage. Here in the deep south, thunderstorms are as numerous as gnats at times. I've considered covering my Seg with a poncho of some sort just to get inside, so I am wondering, do any of you glide in the rain? Will it matter if my i180 gets wet?

Frank

[Cube128]

I've ridden through serious downpours a couple of times, no problems :). The Segway is pretty much waterproof. A good raincoat or poncho is all you need. Once you get the Segway out of the rain, just don't lay it down, you want to keep water from getting into the handlebar electronics, as that is the Gen 1's biggest weak point.

[SEGsby]

I've commuted to work in mild showers. The i2 seems fine, but I would wait out a really heavy downpour if I thought the center console and charging port would get drenched.

Not too much lightening here in LA, but that might be another consideration depending where you glide... You have no metal cage to protect you.

SEGsby

[IcanGlide]

While in school, I could wait out the rain. Won't necessarily be able to do that on the job. Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. Maybe add a Clint Eastwood cigar for good measure with the poncho............

Frank

[wwhopper]

Get one of the JUMBO trash bags and a bungie cord.

Key areas are the handlebar and the CSB to cover.

Plus sheading water off of the platform (no one likes to step on to a wet Segway) is not a bad idea.

A roll of the jumbo drum liner bags from Costco will be like 10 bucks - and you can always keep a couple in your bag.

If it is raining, I would not leave it plugged in while out in the rain, just in case it would short out.

[KSagal]

A couple items to consider...

Segways are pretty water resistant, but there are a few items that you could do to make it better...

While gliding...

You should cover the key port on the handlebar. I use a simple piece of clear packing tape, folded over and stuck to the handlebar, making a flap which can be lifted to use the key.

You should use a cord, or strap of velcro, to keep the charge port cover tightly closed. (Pinch it sideways to assist it in seating, as I have not had a problem since using that technique)

One point that can leak especially on well used machines, is that the control shaft itself can allow some water in at the adjustment rings. I have found water in this tube, which may be why you were advised not to allow the machine to be placed sideways or handlebar low, because the underside of the handlebar (Inside this tube) is not well protected. If there is water in the center tube, and that water is allowed to flow up the tube toward the handlebar, (as if the seg is on it's face, like in a car, with the front of the handlebar on the floor) there is a danger of water getting into the inside of the handlebar electronics.

I believe that he top of the control shaft base is sealed just because of the possibility of water getting into this shaft.

If wearing a poncho while gliding, be careful of it draping over the front of the handlebars while gliding. IF it gets snagged, it could prevent you from being able to lean back to stop. There was a thread about that several years ago.

While parked...

Will mentioned using large leaf plastic bags as covers, and segway sells a vinyl cover. I have found covers at some of the larger automotive stores and some home centers that are designed for regular lawn mowers, similar to those covers that are sold for bar-b-ques, that work very well and are cheaper.

I do not commute on a seg, and for the most part, have been smart enough to come in from out in the rain, but there have been several times that this did not happen till well after saturation...

I have also witnessed segs ridden thru fountains, and those water sculpture type fountains. Very little problems.

Just this last week, I was on a short glide from my car mechanic to a client about 3 or 4 miles away, on my e-167, I was hit with everything from driving snow, to wet snow, a pretty heavy rain, back to freezing rain, back to snow... I was impressed with the seg's ability. I decided it's glider maybe should have taken a cab...

I was not on my e instead of my i for any wet related reason other than I like my more aggressive tires on my e better at the moment than my i2 stock tires.

[Suzined]

The Pacific Northwest coast has been having extremely heavy mist, even some light rain which has persisted for several weeks now. My biggest problem is a lack of windshield wipers on my glasses. Being unable to clearly see the path ahead has led to some exciting excursions. The suggestions for protecting my Segway have really helped.

[IcanGlide]

Yes, same here. I rely on my Seg every day and I want it to last a long time. Killing it in the rain would really hurt my feelings.

Thanks for all of your suggestions,

Frank

[wwhopper]

My biggest problem is a lack of windshield wipers on my glasses. Being unable to clearly see the path ahead has led to some exciting excursions.

I have to think there is some kind of sport glasses for those conditions. I know that some of my car buddies swear by rainX for those light drizzle condtions, not sure if it would be something you would want to put on your good every day glasses, but maybe a pair of sport glasses for outdoor gliding with some rainx on them would give a clearer vision.

[pam]

I've always used a poncho in the rain - draped it over the handle bars, but was careful not to catch it in any way - in other words, the poncho must be loose and not one of the kinds where you have a loop that goes over a finger or wrist to keep the poncho "in place" - that way, when you lean back to stop, the poncho will not prevent you from being able to lean back.

I also use a clear piece of packing tape over the keyport on my 167, on those times when I don't have a poncho. It's good extra protection. I like Karl's idea about making it "tabbed" so it can be lifted and placed back down.
Pam

[Timezkware Tim]

It doesn't really rain here, but I take Ginger to the car wash occassionally (NO power spraying). Along with the keyport, be careful of the gap where the steering grip is attached. If your hand is near the gap, it could channel a heavy rain right into it.

Karl and Pam made an important point about poncho length. You might think it's short enough standing up in your garage, but if you lean forward while moving, the front might catch a wheel, and you will FP in the worst way; your hands will be constricted by the poncho and your teeth will hit the sidewalk first. Be careful.

Tim

[pam]

Personally - I use those cheap ponchos that you can get at the grocery or the drugstore. They come in a small pouch, and I keep a pouch with one in my "kit" - I've never had a problem with the length of one catching in the machine itself, however, since i use the cheap ones, it may be that they're just not very long. I have ridden with long skirts and long coats, though, and have never had a problem in that respect.
Pam