How much is you, and how much is the segway?

[KSagal]

I have been reading for a long time now, about how some people feel that being on a segway encourages a particular type of response...

I have recently read, how not being on a segway brings a totally different type of response, from the same people...

It started me thinking, just where does the person end, and their accessory begin? Maybe it should be where does the segway end, and the gliding person begin?

We all have certain things that we do, and some of us clearly feel defined by those things...

I try to speak of myself in these examples, so as to take effort to not have this person or that feel they have been singled out...

I wear black. It is just a thing that I do. While I am sure my wife notices, and my children, I really do not think anyone else really notices, even though it is fairly definitive. I went to a funeral recently, and I wore a black suit, a white shirt, and black tie. (Of course, the cowboy boots, overcoat, scarf, gloves, and Stetson were also black).

My daugher (5) was uncomfortable, and told me so because she has only ever seen me in black, that she could remember, so in my white shirt and black pants, as I was getting dressed, she felt that the black clothes were part of the dad she knows.

My sister who has not seen me in any clothes which are not black in at least 5 years (about 8) said nothing, I really do not think she noticed. I was dressed appropriate to the outdoor event, and no more thought was given to it.

I use this as an illistration. I define my wardrobe, it does not define me.

I used to bring my son to Soccer (about 4 miles from my house) via segway... Sometimes I would have both my son (9) and daughter (5) with me, going back a few years...

I was either a coach or assistant coach for the last 4 or 5 years, and everyone in town has pretty much seen me as the guy on the segway. It did not phase too many when I would arrive with a kid or two, sometimes with them on the platform with me, or in a tow behind trailer...

Last summer, my son was finally tall enough to sit on my tandem mountain bike, with the rear seat post all the way down. I went to soccer on the bike for two several times. When my daughter came along, I added a tag along bike, and we went on the bike for three. (a tag along bike attaches to the seat post, has a down tube of it's own, and it's own rear wheel... Kind of a one wheel trailer)

I had several comments from towns folk, all positive, many inquisitive, mostly the same as they would be for the segway, but I noticed a recurrent comment...

It seemed to me that many noticed the segway, and commented on it, but it was easily replaced in their minds with a long and unusual bicycle, with the largest person up front, a smaller person in the middle, and the smallest person on the rear... Not one single person had any difficulty with the transition from unusual self balancing two wheeled electric device, to unusual operator balancing two (or three tandem) wheeled pedal device....

More than one said that they were not surprised that I had an alternative mode of transportation, and that the two different modes seemed compatable to their concept of me. It seemed to me that finding a different way to do things was the 'me' they knew, and the tool I used to do it at that moment was incidental...

Again, I was the guy with a segway. It was not a segway with me on it. I was the guy with my kids on my unique bike. It was not a unique bike that I was on.

We can talk a bit about aura, or presence, or personalities that may be able to project. Some may buy into that kind of thing, some may not...

I believe that we can be ourselves, and use tools to do that which we are. I believe we can be true to who we are, even using different tools different days.

I also believe that some feel that the tools we choose are the things that define who we are, and choosing a different tool this day or that actually changes who we are that day...

I project this to going out and having a good time, or bad, or getting positive comments or negative... I am not saying that everyone listens to my Karma from a distance, but there is a way to be youself, even if you choose to be outside of the box at the moment, and a person does not need to be defined by simply being outside of the box.

[Tarkus]

Interesting.

For me there is no line to be drawn. My Segway takes the place of my legs so the machine and I are one.

I also find that the way I dress effects the response. I too like to wear black and when I do I don't hear much. When I travel in a suit and tie I tend to get positive feedback.

When I'm dressed down thats when I hear the most negative comments.

So I guess it's the clothes not the man......

Be Big,
Alan

[Gihgehls]

I used to wear black pants and a hoodie. Now that I wear black pants and a leather jacket, I get far fewer negative remarks. I haven't done scientific research on the matter, but my observations tend to indicate that how you look (besides the segway) have a lot to do with how people treat you. I could see how one could get lots of negative remarks if they were dressed like a dweeb for instance, or wore a helmet that matches one's PT.

[Bob.Kerns]

Karl, I had you pegged as a guy who wears black. Even from here, it's noticeable. Not particularly noteworthy, but noticeable.

There's a brand of organic Kettle Corn, and the guy on the picture stirring the corn always makes me think of you.

And we've never met in person.

There's no real point to be made, one way or the other by that. Your thoughtful post deserves more response than I can really muster.

I do think there's a detectable shift in perception as I've gone from the guy on roller blades who's always off ice skating, to the guy in a wheelchair, to the guy with the cane, to the guy with a Segway.

But there's a lot of different ways people identify me. I'm an older dad. In most cases, I'm the tallest person anyone I meet sees that day. I have a brown ponytail and a grey beard, and these days there's more of the beard than the ponytail. I'm different.

I have never fit in in a crowd. I really don't know what that would be like.

But what I hope people take away from seeing me use these different tools -- is that I am a tool user. (Also a tool builder). I use tools to overcome problems.

And while I'm different, the Segway Giant is friendly.

[buzzert]

Karl, you're like Steve Jobs! Always wears a black turtleneck and jeans. It's an insignia, recognizable, tasteful.

As for me, I have been called "The Segway Guy" by people at my college. I suppose it's pretty cool, it's certainly better than not being known at all! It does get annoying though when minor acquaintances of mine seem to only talk about the Segway with me...

[SEGsby]

One of the essential elements missing from this question, is the POV of the observer. Who are they? What do they do for a living? Are they rich, poor, well educated, or not? Are they shy, or gregarious? Are they drunk, high or stone sober? Are they actively trying to fit into a larger crowd, or are they passive loners, etc.. How do they react when confronted with new things in their environment?

I really think the owner/machine side is not the only aspect that needs investigated. Context is everything, and it's highly subjective, based on the filters & mindset of the Observer.

For example, I've actually lost an acquaintance when I tried to describe how people sometimes appeared mean spirited while I was gliding around in LA. To this person, even the idea of being on one-- was a complete breach of the unwritten social contract that everyone is supposed to abide by, when out in public. To them, I was breaking the unspoken rules that bind society together.

I was confused. "So, just riding the Segway itself, no matter the reason, is wrong?"

"Yeah, only lazy jerks ride them. They deserve what they get."

"But bikes damage my knees, and I don't want to drive my car for all these short trips since I live, work & shop, in essentially the same area. Besides, it's also a lot of fun..."

"Doesn't matter. I can see why everyone hates you when you're on it. No one needs to be riding one." They were dead serious.

So I really don't think what I wear, would make any significant difference to this individual. The very act of riding one, was enough for them to get angry. And there isn't anything rational that could be done to relieve this person's unhappiness, other than stop using Segways, or become a target for their emotions. He even admitted that doing bad things to segway users would make him feel better, if he saw one being used in public.

Needless to say, I don't communicate with this person anymore.

[KSagal]

That is indeed a scary story...

My first reaction is to say that I choose my friends and acquaintances far more carefully than that, but I suppose it is possible to not know something like this lurks in an acquaintance.

Upon consideration it may actually be a good thing that you found out this bit of intolerance on the part of this person whom you no longer associate, and that is an improvement in your life.

I personally would have no room for a person like that in my life, if I knew that kind of attitude were there...

As far as my perception of the attitude as expressed? That is a person who clearly needs a reality check. I don't care if he feels no value in the segway, he has no right to have such disrespect for any person whom makes a lifestyle or tool choice that is different than his...

At some point, mature people need to agree to disagree. That he simply cannot do it, much less that he feels compelled toward violence, is actually a crime. If he said such a thing on tape, it could be a hate crime, as stated. If he ever acted on what is expressed here, I would have him up on charges without any hesitation.

The world is a worse place each and every time we allow a neanderthal to wallow in this view... Again, he is welcome to his opinion, until he states he is motivated toward violence, then he is beyond tolerable. If he is just backward enough to not appreciate segways (he does not have to see they have a place in his life, nor does he have to appreciate an other's choice to use one) it is no big deal, to each their own. But that is as far as civilized society can allow...

[SEGsby]

*nods in thought* You bring up some really good points... And yes, it was good to have discovered that this individual was intellectually inflexible.

But I wonder what is so compelling when people see a Segway, and decide to stop what they're doing, and act out on whatever they feel-- be it positive or negative.

And I guess I'm actually MORE interested in why people decide to do the less helpful things they sometimes do...

What I find interesting, is that older people seem generally better able to deal with the novel, than many of the younger people I've met. And I would have expected the youth of today, to not cling so tightly to traditional ideas about mobility choices, than I've witnessed. I wonder perhaps, if they're more aware of what is and is not accepted by society (because they're still working that out for themselves), thus inadvertently reinforcing the status quo?

You see examples of this when people choose ways to "rebel", but they're all pretty much the same, "safe" way of expressing it-- which is really another form of conformity...

I dunno...

[DesertSeg]

Even though I've only been a Segway owner for a couple of months, I have quickly become known as "The Segway Guy" in my city. My office is on a really nice street in Palm Desert, CA called El Paseo. It's a slightly more humble version of the famous Rodeo Drive, but very scenic and a great place to glide. Our community is very electric vehicle friendly because there are a lot of golf courses and country clubs and many people use their golf carts for quick trips to the store and short errands.

Anyway, as Karl said in his opening post, I have noticed that people are much more likely to strike up a conversation with me when I'm on my Seg than if I'm walking. Literally everywhere I go people talk to me and ask questions about Segways. I think it must make me seem more approachable and/or interesting! Whatever the reason, I'm not complaining and welcome the attention. :)

[segsurfer]

Since my i2 is equipped with leanseats, a handicapped placard, and my leki staffs hanging off of the front of it, it's really pretty obvious to most that I use it as a mobility device; and apart from the terminally ignorant, the above things generally help to reduce the number of "lazy" comments. As for glider style affecting the number of comments, I tend to wear either a brown woolfelt fedora or outback hat, along with a waxed cotton outback jacket...I know it's weird, but it keeps me pretty well prepared for anything the winter might throw at me. Besides, people tend to leave me alone b/c they know not to mess with someone wearing outback garb b/c they generally are packing "a knife":D
As for the summer, I like shorts and tees...which allow my scars and braces to be visible, thus discouraging stupid comments.
-segsurfer

[Seglee]

I have to make an admission. As time and medical conditions have dictated, I am being forced into making some decisions about the best mobility device for my situation (a bad leg that I now use an AFO on). I have been reluctant to choose the best option for me due to fear, of what I'm not sure.

So, as I am rounding the final turn towards wheelchair/segway decision time, I will certainly keep all of these comments in mind. I need to make the best choice based on MY situation, not what I'm afraid someone else will say/think.

Timely thread for me!

[Bill Seright]

I have to make an admission. As time and medical conditions have dictated, I am being forced into making some decisions about the best mobility device for my situation (a bad leg that I now use an AFO on). I have been reluctant to choose the best option for me due to fear, of what I'm not sure.

So, as I am rounding the final turn towards wheelchair/segway decision time, I will certainly keep all of these comments in mind. I need to make the best choice based on MY situation, not what I'm afraid someone else will say/think.

Timely thread for me!

Eric has a statement I've heard him say to people like cashiers, store clerks, or just people on the street when they get rude about his using The Professor or make some snide comment. My spouse was born with a physical defect which people don't seem to think there's anything wrong with making fun of to his face so he learned a long time ago to just confront those people face to face, and it doesn't matter to him who the person is, how old they are, whatever.

If they say something about his using a Segway he just rolls right up to them and says:

You have a good heart? Tell you what, let's go to my doctor, he'll cut it out, put it in me, then he'll put my old one in you, and when we wake up, I'll give you the Segway, how's that?

They shut up.

Bill Seright

[KSagal]

I have to make an admission. As time and medical conditions have dictated, I am being forced into making some decisions about the best mobility device for my situation (a bad leg that I now use an AFO on). I have been reluctant to choose the best option for me due to fear, of what I'm not sure.

So, as I am rounding the final turn towards wheelchair/segway decision time, I will certainly keep all of these comments in mind. I need to make the best choice based on MY situation, not what I'm afraid someone else will say/think.

Timely thread for me!


Seglee has it exactly right, and used far fewer words to express it than I...

I use what fits my needs and wants. I do it because it fits my needs and wants...

I do not much (if at all) weigh in how others care about my choices...

However, several posts comment about how people comment, and other people react to a glider and some have said that is very important to them. I will not say it is better or worse than doing your own thing, regardless of others, because that is a decision that each has to make for themselves...

On this one, I agree with H.D. Thoureau, and will march to my own drummer.

[Bob.Kerns]

I have to make an admission. As time and medical conditions have dictated, I am being forced into making some decisions about the best mobility device for my situation (a bad leg that I now use an AFO on). I have been reluctant to choose the best option for me due to fear, of what I'm not sure.

So, as I am rounding the final turn towards wheelchair/segway decision time, I will certainly keep all of these comments in mind. I need to make the best choice based on MY situation, not what I'm afraid someone else will say/think.

Timely thread for me!

One thing to keep in mind is that people look at you differently, when you're in a wheelchair, or when you're on a Segway. It's not the same for the two -- you're more likely to be ignored in a wheelchair, or not seen and fallen over -- and you're more likely to be confronted or mocked on a Segway. But you get funny looks when you stand up out of your wheelchair -- people assume that all wheelchair users are 100% incapable of standing.

To my mind, since there are issues either way, it's best to focus on what's best for your mobility and your health. And the way I look at it, the Segway wins hands down on both fronts, for anyone who can use it.


Of course, if any aspect of the difference in how you're treated is particular important to you -- say, you can't stand to be pitied, or you can't stand confrontations, that may be important to your choice.

But mostly, I think it comes down to, "can you use a Segway?". If so, go for the Segway.

But "Can you..." sounds deceptively simple. There's a lot of different factors that make this very individual -- what hurts, how much pain can you tolerate? I find sitting in a wheelchair surprisingly painful after a while, and standing still on a Segway, likewise, but I can move around more on a Segway.

It can include "I can't stand to look like a geek" (vs. "I can't stand being labeled a 'cripple'), and a host of other factors.

But a Segway gives you MORE mobility, gives your legs load-bearing exercise (important to prevent osteoporosis, a major risk for me)., puts nearly everyone at a typical eye height or above (way above for me).

But you're also up higher, and if you ever fall, it's a bigger risk than from a wheelchair. A broken hip is a truly life-changing event. I don't know how likely a broken hip is, relative to other sources of falls. I broke mine ice skating, my dad broke his falling off a ladder.

(So what was I just doing up a 24' extension ladder? Being extremely slow, and extremely careful, and changing out CFL's over our stairway with LED lamps so I never have to go up there again!).

Anyway, I am sure there are some for whom the risk is too great -- indeed, some for whom a walker is a major risk. If your balance is too poor, or you are subject to syncope (fainting).

But long-term, not getting weight-bearing exercise carries major risks as well. And not being mobile is a major predictor of decline in health.

Anyway -- it all comes back to what you said, about making the best choice for YOU. Because we, and your doctors, and ignorant bystanders can all point out this or that factor, only YOU can judge how important that factor is to you.

Still, if I can venture a prediction -- if you try it, you'll like it, and wish you hadn't waited. At least, that was my experience.

Let us know how it all works out for you. Even if it turns out to be the wrong choice for you, we can all learn from that -- perhaps even more so!

And good luck with whatever choice you make.