Minneapolis, anyone?

[dsj123]

I'm in the Eden Prairie area. Anyone else in this neck of the woods?

David

[singman]

I live in St. Paul by Como Park. I was beginning to think fellow gliders didn't exist in this frozen tundra. I tried unsuccessfully for over a year to hook up with a group that was out of MPLS/St Paul but they didn't reply back to my emails sent to their website.

I have an I167 red button that has worked quite well for me. I would be interested in meeting up with someone to chat or for a glide as I appear to be the only one in my area, and it gets lonesome gliding alone. I have arthritis in my knees, but the Segway has given me a good opportunity to get out and get some fresh air, and exercise my knees a bit.

I did meet a handicapped gentleman who was riding with his I2 on the Hiawatha lightrail several weeks ago, and gave him some suggestions on where to park his machine so as not to be in the way, yet have the ability to ride it on and off the train. I have used mine on the train numerous times and, as long as it doesn't block the aisle no one complains.

[dsj123]

Singman --

Nice to hear there's someone else around!

We had a red i180 last summer purchased on eBay (from someone in St. Paul who had it as part of a rental business), but after one season it had major problems (either battery or logic board) so we got a demo black i2 just a month ago or so. Since then I've learned a lot about Li-ion batteries from links on this web site, and hopefully can keep this one alive a long time.

I've commuted to work a couple times, but have to admit that I'm a bit borderline on it -- I'm acutely aware of looking funny, and on those few days I don't need a car, why am I not biking? It does get quite a bit of use in the neighborhood (we have three kids) but for that expense, it should be more than a toy. :( Nevertheless, it is still a profoundly amazing piece of equipment to me, and it's hard staying off it, even tooling around the house.

Does your arthritis keep you off a bike? Why did you get a Segway, and where did you get it? I thought it was interesting to see on the Segway web site three or four dealerships in ND, but only one in MN! :)

David

[singman]

I have severe osteoarthritis in my knees and hips so the movement has been more of the issue for using of a bike. I do water therapy to keep the legs and arms strengthened.

Now they are talking about a total right knee replacement for next year. The doctor said she may even get me off of using a cane, and no more handicap parking sticker. That sounds good to me!!

I bought a used unit from Keith at Segway of Minnesota, now located in new Brighton. They are a good dealer but don't market as well as could be expected. There is a club that has a website linked from Segway of Minnesota, but they don't answer or reply, and it hasn't been updated, so I'm guessing it's defunct.

I have made the switch to the L-ion batteries and it really made a difference for distance wise. My wife has a 2 wheel HCF Cute scooter and I use the Segway to go riding together.

I've been fortunate in that I've never been told not to use it someplace. but I have a copy of my handicap sticker on the front, and when indoors go no faster than a slow walk. I may be the first contact people have with Segway, and leave a good impression.

Many shopping center security people have come and talked to me, and I have been happy to share with them how the Segs for Vets program has touched and changed lives. A smile and an open mind help to educate people. When I mention that canes and walkers aren't ADA certified their eyes go bright, and they realize the impications of really trying to enforce the law if going by the book 100%.

I used to have a 4 wheel scooter, but you get tired of having people step in front of you, stop suddenly, and then glare at you for daring to touch them. And looking at peoples rearends isn't a real thrill either, most aren't that attractive. I did donate my Shoprider to a disabled vet who is giving it lots of love and TLC.

With the Segway they can't miss you, and when I shop with the wife I can spot clothes racks further back in a department, thus saving her extra time and steps. Plus it makes a great "MULE' to haul new found treasures back to the car.

[dsj123]

Hmmm -- very interesting. I'm surprised there's that much of a difference in reactions to the 4 wheel scooter and the Segway. Tell me more about the canes/walkers and ADA certification -- are you saying that the Segway is certified? I recall hearing that Segway didn't want any part of getting certified as a medical device, but I guess ADA is different.

So what does your machine look like -- I take it you have an i180? Ours was red & silver, which made it a bit Star Wars like. The black i2, while still considered a toy by some in our neighborhood, looks a bit more serious.

I'm glad you and your wife can get out in the fresh air together on your machines! Does she ride the Segway at all?

David

[singman]

I have one of the early red button 167's. It came with the silver gray fenders, but I quickly updated to the newer red ones to give it a little color. Add to that the red and silver spinner hubcaps, and a pair of aluminum side carriers, and it looks a whole lot more colorful. It's had all the software updates, and I currently have the L-Ion batteries for more reliabilty, and ease of mind about running out of battery.

The question aout the ADA has come up on this forum before, and if one wanted to not allow Segways as a handicap assistive device, so would one have to ban walkers, and canes, as they aren't ADA cerified.

My wife and I enjoy our times together, and she has tried the Segway, but prefers her two wheels to be the seated version. There are people who have no respect for those with disabilities, and treat them just as rudely. At least with the Segway they can't say they didn't easily see you.

I have used mine at the Minnesota State Fair the last 2 years, and prefer the Segway for site seeing. For one you are up high enough to see more things, and secondly if you run into a crowded aisle it's easy to turn right around and go back the other way. Try that with a 3 or 4 wheel scooter. I've had that experience, and then people are irritated at you because you're blocking their way, when in reality you have no choice over the congestion.

I would like to upgrade to one of the newer I2's but deep down I have my doubts about Segway being around in 5 - 10 years for consumers. Their marketing program is basically nonexistent, and customer service record leaves some doubts.

If you want a marketing department, check out the owners who frequent this forum. they do more to promote Segway than Segway does. I have learned more, and gotten more education on this site, than from the corporate end. But then again that's an age old argument, that one will never win from either side of the coin.

[dsj123]

I agree; Segway's penetration in the non-warehouse/security world seems pretty scanty, but it sounds like they never planned to do any marketing. Check out "Reinventing the Wheel" at your library; it's an interesting history on the development, and on Kamen.

I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for you at the Fair. It sounds like it would be fun for us to do, but typically our family of 5 goes together, and we have one Segway.

I'm David Johnson, BTW, at davidsjohnson dot com, dsjohnson at mac dot com

[Bellabelial]

Minnepolis is the city the Segway was made for. Besides having lots of bike paths and parks it also maintains its sidewalks and I can even take my i2 on the bus. That being said...
The police never bother me and neither do the cars, oddly enough. They seem curious. It's the MN bikers! Bikers here seem to have an attitude about Segs anywhere near them. Bikers glare and ask about how much I paid for it. I have lights, a bell, two wheels and a helmet just like them but I can't get the courtesy. Two people on Huffy's asked me yesterday why I didn't buy a car or a scooter instead. On Washington some girl told me to get on the sidewalk. It's really frustrating, I always keep to the far right but no matter what I do they seem to see me as a hassle or a sideshow. I know some questions are for granted. They just don't need to be so rude when they ask them. I bike too, we all whined about how cars never give us respect on the road It the same old story...

[singman]

You will always run into a few jerks where ever you go. I find most of them are some what jealous, and have no idea what strength and stamina it takes to glide on a Segway.

For me it meant trips to the the therapy pool to strengthen my legs and knees for the endurance of going for a long glide (1 hour or longer). When I first started it was 15 - 20 minutes, and i needed a break. Now it's an hour or longer, before I think of stopping.

I enjoy the gentle breeze, and the scenery down by the Stone Arch Bridge. It's always worth the trip, and maybe it's the smile of relaxation on my face that put people at ease.

Perhaps one day this summer we Minnesotans could try to have a get together, and a glide together.

Do you use your Segway as a handicap device on the bus? I work for Metro Transit but have never tried it on the bus, but frequent the Light Rail a lot with mine.

[Bellabelial]

Well I wouldn't say I'm handicapped, no way! But I do take it on the bus sometimes. Always during non-rush hours and always only if the bus driver is okay with it. I still ask even though Metro Transit gave me the okay already. I put it out of the way by the wheelchair spots, secure it with a bungee, and attend it turned on in the upright balance position to make sure it can't fall on anyone. I don't want to be sued!
I actually found a perfect way to deal with rude bikers, drivers, or just untactful people: really, REALLY dark shades! Keeps out the bright sun while maintaining visibility and keeping me looking aloof. It's pretentious but, then again, I guess the Segway is a little bit too. Appearences can be everything in some situations.