Segway Wheelchair (R&D in the Field)

[Robert-A]

This was the 1st time I 've use the Segway in public. The Ventura County Fair, CA. and these are my observations.

The good:), the bad:(, and the ugly:eek:.

First the ugly:eek:

I180 with a seat strapped on top of the lower cargo frames, a removable weight to switch on/off rear riderless sensors. feet tucked under for front sensors, front/back unbreakable kickstands(2) (segwayofoakland).

The bad:(.

The devil is in the detail: In order to transfer to the Segway Jose Mora is right on the money with design: must have fold down control shaft. most of my time and effort gettin on and off dealt with on/off of the control shaft. Overcoming the sensors is also an obstacle. Why? Well as I see it for me if I am going to be on the Segway for an extended period of time I should be able to turn it off and sit in one place such as dinner or Bingo (my wife's idea) to conserve battery power. Must be able to turn on sensors for speed limiter and off for tranfers on or off. Must have simple one handed lock/unlock of strong kickstands.

The Good:)
Wow! I've been using a manual wheelchair for 23 years but yet I experienced things yesterday that I have not yet found the words for. Like the feeling of controled forward movement while holding a drink in my hand. Like feeling "amongst them" glideing effortless thru large crowds of people without the fearful "parting of the Red Sea" and kids being yank violently out of my way. Which by the way was really weird to me considering the differences between a Segway and a wheelchair. I got on the Segway at 3p. Full charge. Didn't get much resistance from employees or security. This probably had to do with the fact that I was sitting and I had a handicapped placard on the front of the Segway. The other probable reasons brings to to my personal "Thank You" to all Seg trailblazers who came before me (and probably got kicked out!) many, many Thanks!. We went to eat but the ground was too unlevel to lock down and shut down so I ate in balance mode. A little tricky but no problem. Glided around and through dense crowds for a couple hours, played carnival games, Bingo (again my wife's idea) I was able to lock down and shut down for the 2 hours of Hell, er... I meant Bingo.
Typical Fair day eat, shop. Bingo, play games, repeat. Watched Fireworks at 10p. Went home with 2 bars of power left. Sucessful experiment. Now I am lookig to find a metal fabricator to help build prototype chair/kickstand/folding shaft. Thanks to everyone at segwaychat and DRAFT for all the insights and support.

-Robert

[KSagal]

Good for you Robert, great post. Good luck with your modifications.

[DarthSegVator]

Robert,

I am working with a group from DRAFT/Segs4Vets to address the all issues you mentioned. Solutions are being developed - hang in there!

[hellphish]

Just last night I called the Ventura County Fairgrounds to check on using my Segway as a mobility device. The woman I talked to on the phone said I shouldn't have any problems, but I didn't end up brining my Seg along anyway. A tight ace bandage and lots of strawberry ale were enough to get me through the walking.

[sBucko]

:D Any chance of a photo of your ride.

[Robert-A]

no pic yet of the ride without me in it. :D

[KSagal]

no pic yet of the ride without me in it. :D


That "Segway Grin" is hard to miss!

[sBucko]

:Dno pic yet of the ride without me in it. :D

That is Cool, don't pic's without you in it.

[flatbottom]

Hi gang,

My interests in SEG started when I was a wheelchair mechanic. Few people responded to my emails, and interest was nil. When I complained about the garbage wheelchair parts, I was sent to time-out.

Presently, I'm negotiating with my local SEG dealer to get involved and hopefully (through contacts) get some home so I can do surgery. Also, I got my wife on-board because of the cost. Interestingly, the loaded-up junk manual WC's cost more than a SEG.

Because of the narrow customer-base, I'm honing-in on a couple of ideas. I'll try to follow this thread and see what everyone is focusing on.

Sincerely,

Flatbottom

[Bru]

Robert, was glad to read yr new thread/post - was losing hope as it's been >6 mos since my 1st inquiry w/o much response. Still can't use my i180 until i can successfully modify it as demonstrated in the Josep Mora youtube video clip. A couple of young guys w/a passion for robotics have offered to give me a hand.

Could anyone on this forum help by sharing via post good sources for parts?
Need the hand lever, kickstands, the hinge on the steering column and the seat w/backrest, as well as electronic parts and hardware. I'd be much obliged (as would many others).

It had been my hope to have my Segway up & running by mid Oct., so I could enjoy the 2007 Solar Decathlon (sponsored by the US Dept of Energy). The 10 teams judged to have the best designs compete by building their energy efficient/renewable houses for public viewing on the Mall in Wash., DC. I don't think it will be ready in time for that but if I can get parts quickly anything's possible. Hope to hear from you dedicated mechanics...thanks,
Bru

[Tarkus]

Robert, was glad to read yr new thread/post - was losing hope as it's been >6 mos since my 1st inquiry w/o much response. Still can't use my i180 until i can successfully modify it as demonstrated in the Josep Mora youtube video clip. A couple of young guys w/a passion for robotics have offered to give me a hand.

Could anyone on this forum help by sharing via post good sources for parts?
Need the hand lever, kickstands, the hinge on the steering column and the seat w/backrest, as well as electronic parts and hardware. I'd be much obliged (as would many others).

It had been my hope to have my Segway up & running by mid Oct., so I could enjoy the 2007 Solar Decathlon (sponsored by the US Dept of Energy). The 10 teams judged to have the best designs compete by building their energy efficient/renewable houses for public viewing on the Mall in Wash., DC. I don't think it will be ready in time for that but if I can get parts quickly anything's possible. Hope to hear from you dedicated mechanics...thanks,
Bru

Hey Guys,

Most if not all Segway Mods for persons with disabilities are for the most part "one offs".
The Leenseat and Segseat are the only two avail. for sale to the general public.

The main reason for that is there is not much need for a Segway modified to the point of that you see on the Youtube Video.

Now about the Youtube video, Great Mods, cool design but I would bet the farm that it will never be for sale. It's impossible to even get a response.

SO my suggestion would be to "DIY". You'll need to create things that have never existed. A good machine shop and ideas could get it done.

The real hard part is this. The Segway was designed to be used standing. I have said many times thats when its at it;s best. Of course I am a big promoter of Mods for seating.

The complication is that every disability is different and I know Quads that can Segway and Reletivley healthy people who can't.

Each persons needs will vary greatly so one seat set-up may work for a few but not to enough people to make it profitable to mass produce.

Now if someone is willing to pay a "Premium" for a shop to make custom "one offs" thats would be different. I just don't see a large enough market. Look at the Segseat, nice product that just didn't sell, and price was one of the big complaints.

SO head for the hardware store and start "bending and welding".

I for one look forward to seeing what people come up with. Let it rip guys.
Just don't wait for someone to produce the parts listed, you'll need to DYI.

Give'm Hell.

Be Big,
Alan

[Robert-A]

Alan is right:
"The complication is that every disability is different and I know Quads that can Segway and Reletivley healthy people who can't.
Each persons needs will vary greatly so one seat set-up may work for a few but not to enough people to make it profitable to mass produce."

My design is based on my needs and abilities. T-7 complete with good transfer skills and a high acceptability of risk vs. rewards. Right now my ideas have turned into a homemade prototype that works for me, not easy or 100% safe, but then what is? still working on ease of use and safety issues. Here is video of my second field test at the LA County Fair and Las Vegas. I love the power assist mode of the Gen 1. (too cheap to use a Bellboy. :p)

-Robert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdL0PD6slM8

[Tarkus]

Robert,

Very nice and a cool video to boot. You have the right idea, make it work for your condition.

Congrats again !

Be Big,
Alan

[sBucko]

G’day Robert
That is so cool!

As Alan said above it’s always going to be one offs to build a unit like Robert’s. It’s a pity Segway won’t sell RMP’s or put the price appropriate, then maybe someone could put a kit together that would address most people’s needs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9fpsUjYqYQ I believe it maybe a licensing condition that Johnson & Johnson have over them.

Robert what do you do for a stand? I had an idea to just build a tray that could be slipped under the Segway when you wont to park for any length of time. Of cause somebody has to be with you. I would love to see a video of you doing a transfer, I understand it might not be the most graceful thing but it would give us all a clue to what’s required.

Cheers STEVE

[Robert-A]

Steve,

I use two unbreakable Kickstands from SegwayofOakland one front and one back. Not the most stable or safe situation yet (I'm working on a one handed kickstand system) but for now it works for me. no secret or anything, i just haven't put the transfer to tape yet. But since you asked I'll get you one soon. I use an inexpensive boat seat and swivel mounted on a wood platform on top of the seg. If I'm ever going to get the chance to share this with even the limited Seg user market I have to keep costs as low as possible. As always safety and independance is the goal.

Gotta say that gliding has got me 'grinning like a shot fox!' :D

Hooroo,

-Robert

[Tarkus]

Robert,

Can't beat the marine supply store for Seg mods !

Be Big,
Alan

[Robert-A]

Robert,

Can't beat the marine supply store for Seg mods !

Be Big,
Alan

yeah, waterproof, lightweight, ease to mod, inexpensive, you think they were designed with Segs in mind.

-Robert

[rwynn]

Robert

Very impressed with your outstanding video, so glad you are so generous with you ideas.
I intend to follow your lead like many others.
I'm from Australia like Steve and a t5 paraplegic with a fairly adventurous spirit.
Wonder if you can give me a clue about what to buy in the way of second hand Segways and maybe where to buy it.
Australia has barely seen the Segway.
Thanks for everything.

Bob

[sBucko]

buy in the way of second hand Segways and maybe where to buy it.


G’Day Bob,

I think depending where you live you should contact Southern Cross Segway & negotiate a deal given the Aussie Dollar is over 90centsUS. I’ve meet the guy from Brisbane & he’s ok. I’m hesitant to say, but grey imports are wraith with problems from a service point of view. But at $10,000.00AU that’s bloody expensive.

As for a seat, have a look at BCF or a marine supplier. You can mount it on an upside-down U of aluminium.

I don’t know much about hydraulics I wonder if you could use a hydraulic handbrake leaver to push down a couple of park stands?

Anyway Bob send me a PM with your email & I’ll send you all my info.

Cheers STEVE