Hello

[Clark in Michigan]

Hi, I just joined the forum. I am engineer working in Michigan. I don't have a Segway yet. Maybe someday. For now I prefer bicycling but I think Segways have huge advantages for many purposes. I haven's actually ridden one, but hope to soon.

I am interested in the human interface aspects of Segways, specifically the sounds.

Clark

[Moebius]

to the forum. If you want to know anything, let us know and we'll be happy to answer. I have had mine just over a month now and love it. There are plenty of people here that know lots about them.

[jryan]

Hi, I just joined the forum. I am engineer working in Michigan. I don't have a Segway yet. Maybe someday. For now I prefer bicycling but I think Segways have huge advantages for many purposes. I haven's actually ridden one, but hope to soon.

I am interested in the human interface aspects of Segways, specifically the sounds.

Clark

Welcome Clark! I am another non-owner (as of now), don't worry, you won't be pushed under the bus! Maybe you should look into going to Segwayfest! Indianapolis can't be too far from MI! You can (if supplies exist) rent a Segway and it would be a great way to learn more about it and meet other entusiasts!

Jeremy Ryan

[jgbackes]

I also am very interested in how sounds effect the man/machine interface. I have worked with software developers in the past to include sounds that tell the user what is going on without having to read a visual indicator.

My findings are that a user can tell "out of band" that something good or bad has happened without having to look away from what they are currently concentrating on.

When we play polo and you hear a "Shutdown Sound" on a machine, you know that something bad has happened.

[bentbiker]

Hi, I just joined the forum. I am engineer working in Michigan. I don't have a Segway yet. Maybe someday. For now I prefer bicycling but I think Segways have huge advantages for many purposes. I haven's actually ridden one, but hope to soon.
Clark,
Welcome. Note that many people on here are avid cyclists as well. The Segway is more a substitute for an automobile than for a bike. Most serious cyclists won't take the time to throw on the proper bike attire and jump on a road bike to run an errand on a bike, but the Segway is always eager.

[mark1qhorsey]

I am engineer working in Michigan. I don't have a Segway yet. Maybe someday. I am interested in the human interface aspects of Segways, specifically the sounds.

Clark

Clark,
Here is a brief list of pluses and minuses to consider:
Pluses:
1. A revolutionary new way of getting around.
2. Efficient for short-medium commuting trips – 1 to12 miles ea. way regardless of hills.
3. Socializes electric vehicle (EV) travel as a way of life.
4. Quite secure for short stops
5. Gliding is a real Kick! Like snow skiing on a gentle slope
6. PT may last up to 10 years, AND pay for itself in car savings.
7. Extends your car’s functional life too.
8. A lot safer than other EVs; very highly maneuverable.
9. A real Green Machine, rechargeable from renewable E sources
10. Virtually No carbon emission
11. Nearly capable of all weather travel (x2).

Minues:
1. Up front cost and maintenance costs may total ~ $8 K in 10 years.
2. A dorky way to go? Is it too slow? Is it too fast? Whatever…
3. A Dealer may not be close by…
4. Doesn’t replace your car (or bike).
5. PT ergonomics may be an issue for some.
6. You will have accidents, although not usually serious.
7. PT travel is weather limited depending on your tolerance for it.
8. Lower tech, lower cost EV solutions are available – but less elegant
9. Employer must agree to you parking, charging it at your work

You’ll notice there are many different pluses and minues, some
are more important than others for one’s personal situation.

And Go Glide before you Buy!

[LibertySegway]

By all means come to SegwayFest August 8-10. Although this will be my first I am certain you'll get a chance to ride as plenty of Seggers let others "try it out". Plis there will be a wealth of informed individuals on hand. And you'll get to watch those crazy polo players too! Loads of fun for everyone.

Go GoldRush!!! :D

[wwhopper]

By all means come to SegwayFest August 8-10. Although this will be my first I am certain you'll get a chance to ride as plenty of Seggers let others "try it out". Plis there will be a wealth of informed individuals on hand. And you'll get to watch those crazy polo players too! Loads of fun for everyone.

Go GoldRush!!! :D

If you want to meet real users and talk to them, FesT is the place to do it.

Come on down, and I know that there will be a number of Segways for sale there, as dealers often bring machines and I know that Nora will have some as well!