Disney and the Segway [Archive]

Burke

06-08-2003, 02:42 AM

How many of us first saw a real Segway at a Disney facility? We saw ours at Epcot in April last year. A real cool gadget. They were so proud to be the ones showing it off. Don't you dare try to touch it, though, and no, of course you can't try it. But it's the Future of Transportation! It will revolutionize how pedestrians move! Partly on the strength of their hype, we bought one and quickly another.

So who thinks it's ironic that Disney's the one touting it as the future of pedestrian transportation, but don't you DARE try to actually bring one onto Disney property?

That's what happened to us today. We took ours to Downtown Disney in Anaheim. We had barely gotten there and were creeping very slowly when a security guard came up to tell us "you can't ride those here. They're considered a scooter, and it's a liability/insurance issue, blah, blah, blah."

We have annual two-park Disney passes and would not consider trying to actually take them into a park, but since Lohja had mentioned meeting friends at Downtown Disney (Florida) for lunch without problems, and Bruce talked about how positively gushing their recent newsletter was and how cast members use them ALL OVER the Disneyland Resort, we figured we could take them to our D. Disney. NOPE!! We said we were not going to argue and that indeed we would leave, but that we believed they were in the motorized wheelchair category, not scooters. His co-hort chimed in with this: "They took ours away because one of our managers got hurt on one. When the batteries give out, they fall over and you can get hurt!" Well DUH! Did someone forget to train the manager to keep his eye on the battery indicator, and that when it turns red, the light blinks, and it beeps, it's time to GET OFF???

What didn't help was that earlier in the day, we were kicked off the sidewalk outside the Orange (Calif.) Mall. We glided around the perimeter of the lot and over to a fire dept. demo. area in the parking lot. There was no action going on there at the time, so several of the firefighters were happy to try out the Segway and loved it, of course. We're just trying to do our little PR bit--see how easy and safe it is? On the way back to the car, we crossed the construction area and up onto the sidewalk and immediately a security guard showed up out of nowhere. Us with big smiles: "Have you seen these?" Guard: "Yeah. You have to get 'em off the sidewalk." In all fairness, they don't allow bikes on the sidewalk either. So off the nice empty safe sidewalk into the very skinny roadway with the cars.

So not a good day, and I'm starting to wonder how much good a Segway is going to be if it's not allowed anywhere. When someone tells me I have to leave the virtually empty bike trail I take 7 miles to work 2-3 times a week, that will be the end of me and my Segway.

So shall I just cool it and never try to take it anywhere near anyone's private property, or do I have a right to be a little ticked at two-faced Disney?

Janice B.

06-08-2003, 02:55 AM

private property is private property, i would cool it as you said.

cheers,
pt

======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

god1138

06-08-2003, 03:04 AM

The whole Disney thing DOES seem awfully hypocritical. That's a HUGE place to get through, and I think it'd be a GREAT place to have a Segway. You'd definitely get to see more attractions in a day!

-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

Burke

06-08-2003, 04:57 AM

Though it would be nice to get around, taking it inside a theme park would be an exercise in futility. Too many people, wheelchairs and strollers everywhere you turn, and I wouldn't want to leave it unattended.

But "Downtown Disney" is OUTSIDE the park--their "pedestrian friendly" entertainment and shopping complex meant to be like a "Town Center," which is otherwise sadly lacking in Southern California. I guess they don't REALLY want the community gathering there.

So does anyone know what Segway's relationship is with Disney, and might it be cooling off if they've really taken Segways away from their security people? Our ex-daughter-in-law works at Calif. Adventure (in entertainment, out among the people) and had never seen or heard of the Segway until she tried ours, so that leads me to think they were never used to any extent in there anyway.

06-08-2003, 05:06 AM

in cali...i think all owners are best served making sure we have sidewalk access for getting to point a to point b. making sure we can get to places on sidewalks and then parking our units is the most important (all my opinion of course).

cheers,
pt

======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

PoloAk

06-08-2003, 05:30 AM

I think the real issue here is not who will or won't allow the segway (see god's fry thread) but the rights of pedestrians. SF and all the cities that are banning Segway use seem to be trying to protect "walkers." I understand this, especially considering all the terribly rude and inconsiderate persons on bike/scooter/skateboard that are just downright menacing. But we don't fit into a category. We are our OWN category and its going to take a hell of a long time for people to figure that out. Someplaces we can go through the drive through, some stores are open to us gliding right in. But then parks and sidewalks and entertainment organizations don't allow them. I wouldnt take anything too personally, indeed most of the negative actions/feedback we're receiving stems, most likely, from poor personal experience with other -similar-devices.

So take heart! Be patient but firm and always optimistic!

Kelsey

whistler

06-08-2003, 06:56 AM

Hmmmm...
I wonder what would happen if:

You're riding your Segway towards a Disney Park and you get stopped by security. And they
tell you, "you can't ride that THING in here!" So you say, "OK". and you step off as you

turn the segway off and immediatly fall on the ground. When they ask what's wrong, "you say,

'you told me to get off, so I did, without it I fall down. Maybe you should get me a

wheelchair'."

Just wondering what they would do... They might be afraid of being sued. They might say,

"aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... ok........ you can ride it then."

And... yes, Disney Parks are on "private property", but they should be willing to give

permission to ride there. One day when more than half the population have Segways, they

might have to allow them.

Is there really anywhere besides your own "private property" that isn't someone else's

"private property"? All businesses... are "private property". And the sidewalks are "private

property" of the city. That's why they can ban you there if they want. Is there really any

"public property"? I would have thought parks were "public property" and you could ride

there if nowhere else. Guess they are really "private property" too.

Sounds like if you aren't given "permission" to ride somewhere, there really will be no

place where you really have a "right" to ride it. If that's the case, then Segway is doomed

to go out of business soon. When people realize that the HT really has no real purpose, and

there is no place to use it, sales will drop even lower than they have been.

mzokc

06-08-2003, 01:30 PM

quote:Originally posted by whistler
...you step off as you turn the segway off and immediatly fall on the ground...This would indicate using the Segway as a cane or walker. The problem is, you would never be able to leave the Segway unless you had your cane(s) with you.

Disney offers the sit down electric scooters for use by the guests inside the park. If you really want to ride through a Disney park, that is the Disney approved solution. But you cannot take them outside the park!

I agree with earlier posts that Downtown Disney is a major walk from the Disneyland Hotel to the Main Gate. I called the hotel. They can provide only a wheelchair to get to the main gate.

In the '70's I worked at Disneyland. There was one lady who wrote a letter that changed the entire operation of the park. Her son was in a wheelchair and was not allowed in the Haunted Mansion, the one ride he really wanted to ride. Since they were on vacation from Northern California, this broke his heart that he couldn't ride. That one letter was so heartfelt, that Disney management ran copies, showed it to us and explained that attractions would modified where ever possible. Now the park does everything it can to assist those in need so they can ride the attractions.

Whoever has a physical and heartfelt need to use a Segway from the hotel to the main gate and cannot use a wheelchair by themselves, start writing.

Mark

Lohja

06-08-2003, 03:25 PM

Burke,

You are correct, I did take my Segway to Downtown Disney in Florida; but it was in its box in the back of my van parked in their parking lot. I did not try to ride it on Disney property. It was very crowded in the Downtown Disney area and I believe I was able to move quicker on foot than I could have on the Segway. The only place I saw the Segway in operation on Disney property was at Epcot. I would not even think of riding my Segway inside any building. I'd walk it indide the front door and lock it out of the way off to one side---charging it there if I could.

Visit my Segway Blog page at http://galsegway01.blogspot.com

Burke

06-08-2003, 05:09 PM

Lohja, thanks for the explanation.

Everyone, please bear in mind we have not even considered riding ours inside anyone's building (except I do at work so I can charge it, and they're cool with it). But no stores, malls or anything. I am quite envious of those of you in different environments where you are so well accepted. If we ever felt any absolute need to take them inside, we'd certainly try to park them safely out of the way inside the entrance, or hitch 'em to a bike rack outside if possible.

Whistler, someone's probably going to come down on you as being too negative, but I am coming to exactly the same conclusions you are. There's nowhere but the streets and city sidewalks that isn't someone's private property, and permission to use those sidewalks is certainly not guaranteed. Grocery stores, dry cleaners, fast food--all in shopping centers that are someone's private property.

When people ask me how I like it, I'll tell them it's a blast, but you might want to hold off getting one until you find out if you can actually go anywhere with it. Brooster, you're absolutely right about it being too far ahead of the curve for most folks. Early adoption started out as a blast, but it certainly has its drawbacks.

segwayowner

06-08-2003, 05:52 PM

if THEY are using segs why cant you? they also have them on their cruises.

DES: Segway owner

06-08-2003, 05:56 PM

folks-

i think we're all best served with efforts to gain or keep sidewalk access. not theme parks, not malls, not fast-food drive-throughs. any time there is private property you're likely to face lots of opposition and gain little.

just some stuff to think about.

cheers,
pt

======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

BruceWright

06-08-2003, 08:01 PM

I don't speak for Disney, but I do know some people there and here's the deal.

Disney has a sponsorship deal with Segway. Segway sponsors the Segway exhibit at Disneyland's Innoventions. Disneyland Resort also uses Segways backstage and onstage, for transportation in areas where it doesn't clash with theme. That includes California Adventure, Tomorrowland and Downtown Disney.

They don't allow them to be ridden by guests in the parks, and I'm guessing not in Downtown Disney either. If you have a physical disability need that isn't solved by the motorized scooters that Disneyland provides for guests, you should contact guest services. I can get you the phone number.

Disneyland has a large number of sponsors. General Motors, for example. They let their cast-members drive cars onstage, or busses and antique motorcars. But they will not let you drive your car in the park. Sometimes you'll see Lagniappe the Mime riding a unicycle in New Orleans Square. Don't think for an instant that they'd let you ride a unicycle in Disneyland.

It's not about "Segway bigotry". Disney is one of the most Segway-friendly companies out there. But ANY wheeled conveyance is not allowed to be used by guests, except strollers and Disability aids.

However, rules may be different at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Last time I heard, Segways were permitted anywhere bicycles were permitted. So lots of places to Segway in Florida. (Bicycles aren't permitted either in these areas of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.)

Sorry you found this out the hard way, and had to be turned around, or park and lock your Seg. But they would have done the same to you if you showed up on a bike or skateboard, so fair's fair, imho.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

Sid Viscous

06-08-2003, 09:55 PM

The problem with riding them in Disney is they fear loads of them riding around. That can be an issue. Consider this. A park full of Segways. If two segways tires touch both riders perform an instantanous, spectacular less than perfect dismount.

They are very familiar with them and understand the problems. But will probably start allowing people with walking difficulties to use them eventually.

Having said that I've spent a few days riding around Disney on a Segway. Including the underground tunnels :)

whistler

06-09-2003, 02:14 AM

When you are riding a Segway HT you are to be considered a "pedestrian". Most states have

passed this into law. You have the right to stay on the HT anywhere you might be going if

you were walking. ANYWHERE. Nobody should be able to infringe on this.

What if you were walking through the door of a store or shopping mall and a security guard

said, "Stop you can't wear those in here!". And he points to your shoes. "You must lock

those to the bike rack or leave them in your car. This is private property and we have a

policy against shoes."

This is exactly what is happening to people when they are told to leave the HT outside.
Maybe we should consider that we are "wearing" the HT. Not riding it. Then if anyone tells

you to leave it outside, you can say, "You want me to take off my Segway HT?!?!?! I don't

see you telling others to take off their shoes or their pants to come inside!!!! Why are you

discriminating against me?!!?!?!

This may sound outragious, but there HAS to be a way to convince everyone that the HT goes

where you go. It's not a device to be left outside or somewhere else. It's part of you as a

pedestrian, like the state law says.

There haven't been any cases of dangerous situations inside large stores and malls. Why

should people on Segways be automatically disallowed? It might be easier to understand

something like this if there had been many cases of problems from Segways. But there haven't

been.

In my opinion, the worst thing to do is to consider the HT as a vehicle that's only for

getting from one place to another. It was designed to be used outdoors, on sidewalks, and

indoors wherever a person would normally walk. It was NOT designed to be ridden in streets

with automobiles, except to cross a street. It should be allowed in streets if there is no

sidewalk available, but not forced into the street.

And parks, even theme parks are the best of all places where an HT would be the most
benefit to people. Malls, shopping centers, convention centers and many other large venues

where there are large areas to cover on foot, are where the HT should be used the most.

It's becoming obvious that the bans in stores and parks are not really about safety, because

the HT is extremely safe, safer than most any other thing available, the bans are really all

about jealousy. People who don't have an HT are jealous of people who do and if they are in

a position to stop you, they will, just because you have one and they don't. And that is

pathetic, but only human nature, I guess.

BruceWright

06-09-2003, 04:26 AM

Segways are considered a pedestrian only as it pertains to traffic code. It's not a Constitutional right. It's a set of responsibilities for travel on our public roadways. It is a set of rules RESTRICTING how we can use our Segways, not GRANTING us rights.

Whistler, you seem to have your understanding of the law in REVERSE. The law is there to RESTRICT Segway users on the road to certain traffic responsibilities.

The burden is on US to act responsibly. It is not the burden of SOCIETY to allow Segways.

Roller skates, skateboards, kick-scooters are also considered pedestrians in the State of California. Those aren't allowed in the Disneyland Resort Parks either. Private property owners can and SHOULD exercize their right to protect their property any legal way they wish.

We are guests on our Segways on Private Property. Best not to kick down the door, as we may find ourselves looking like very unwelcome guests, indeed.

Acceptance of Segways in public spaces will occur at its own pace. Claming spaces as our own will only create enemies. We will need all the friends we can get to protect our access to the public roadways. What will we have gained if we lose that?

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

GlideMaster

06-09-2003, 10:08 AM

I believe that a lot of people forget that being allowed to ride any type of device on a public way is a privilege not a right.

<center>The GlideMaster </center>

whistler

06-10-2003, 07:51 AM

While it is true that vertually ALL laws are to either restrict people from doing something

or infringe on their right to do something, if a Segway is to be considered a "pedestrian",

then it could not fall under traffic code for roads. It's not a vehicle. The only traffic

code that would pertain to it would be the same ones that govern where a person can walk,

such as crossing a street at an intersection. The problem is that some people want to "use"

the new laws concerning Segways to an advantage, and others want to ignore them. The only

way a Segway will ever be universally accepted is to convince everyone that the law is the

law and it states certain things about the allowed use of Segways. If it specifically says

in the law that nobody can ride a Segway inside a building then you can't ride it inside a

building. But the law was written to say "a person on a Segway is to be considered a

pedestrian." The end. Anything else is unnecessary false interpretation of the law.

As for privilege vs right, I doubt that 10% of Americans know the difference. A right is

something you already have, and is only guarenteed by the Constitution that nobody can

infringe on it. A privilege is something that Big Brother Government issues to certain

people and can revoke at any time it wants. And yes, driving a car is a privilege, not a

right. You are issued a drivers liscense. On the other hand, walking (being a pedestrian) is

a right, requiring no liscence and cannot be revoked by government. Again, it's really very

simple. If a person is allowed to walk there, that same person is to be allowed to "Segway"

there. Otherwise there is not need for the inclusion of the new text concerning Segways to

be in the law. That is the only purpose for which it was put in there, in the states where

the law has been changed.

Questions: How can Segway users show themselves to be responsible, if they allow others to

restrict the intended use of the Segway? Is it to be automatically implied that a person on

a Segway is dangerous, even though there is no evidence to show that they are? If anyone who

wants to can ignore the law and restrict its use, how will it EVER be worth anything?
Is it to be believed that a Segway in inherrantly dangerous, even though it's been proven to

be safer than other small wheeled devices.

How would you be able to get from one place where it is allowed to another place where it is

allowed if there is a place in between where it is not allowed?

It's looking more and more like the Segway may be more useless than it is useful, if people

don't start insisting on being able to use it wherever they would otherwise be walking.

I realize that since I don't yet own one, what I think doen't matter much to owners. But, my

goal is to just get people to THINK. Think about where this is all going. Think about

whether Dean Kaman's dreams for the Segway will happen or not, if these issues are not

resolved. Sales are not really that great yet, and may never be large until they are.

As for indoor use, check out this:

http://www.fresnoneighbors.com/showcase/story/6905118p-7841211c.html

mzokc

06-10-2003, 11:11 AM

quote:Originally posted by whistler

As for indoor use, check out this: http://www.fresnoneighbors.com/showcase/story/6905118p-7841211c.htmlQuoting from the article: "...At Fig Garden Village, they ride their Segways into Longs to pick up a new tube of toothpaste..."

Great photos, and I did the same during the first week of owning a Segway when I took one into Wal-Mart. They work well in a store for purchasing a few items, but there are times it is not practical.

Not every ride at Disneyland can accomodate a wheelchair. Riding a Segway does not equal being a pedestrian unless the device is as small as rollerblades. There are places I cannot fit or step into while using an HT. If anyone should have pedestrian rights, it's rollerbladers, but they are highly regulated in many locations as well. It's all common sense and safety.

I never returned to Wal-Mart with the Segway. Not that I wouldn't, but I'd rather walk with a shopping cart than glide with one. Removing the HT from the car adds difficulty to the process too. When we first own our Segway we want to use it everywhere, after all - we dreamed or thought about all the neat places it can work. But after being treated like I have a special need or finding out the limitations of having it under my feet, it just doesn't make sense to use it 100% of the time.

The longer you use a Segway, the more you understand the wisdom of PT's comments. He has used his for 1000 miles. Today is my 100th day without a single missed day and about 400 miles of use. I love the Segway as much as ever. It is a friend that loves to take you places, but will scold you if you disregard it's warnings. It's not a medical device, it's transportation. But even the OKC police who love it and want it, they have told me the one requirement where it fails. They must be able to persue people on stairs. Their bicycles allow them to do it, the Segway cannot.

Just look at the name "Segway," it's a way of transitioning between walking and using other transportation. Over time, and with wisdom, we will enjoy the perfect Segway use that the world wants and needs.

Mark

06-10-2003, 12:08 PM

quote:Originally posted by whistler
If it specifically says in the law that nobody can ride a Segway inside a building then you can't ride it inside a building. But the law was written to say "a person on a Segway is to be considered a pedestrian." The end.

private property like disney, malls and fast food places -are- and will always be up to the property owner.

i really hope (and beg) everyone considers putting the most efforts on gaining sidewalk and street acceptance and not children's theme parks and burger joints.

cheers,
pt

======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

BruceWright

06-10-2003, 01:19 PM

Whistler,
The government, what you call "big brother" has no right to tell me, as a private property owner, which "pedestrians" can and cannot enter my private property. That is a fundamental right of all private property owners, and it's what this country was founded on. It's a reason that our government ISN'T big brother, if you ask me.

You are using a willful reading of the law, and twisting it around. Test it, find me a Judge you takes your backward view of the law, and says that somehow the vehicle code pertains to private property. Find me one practicing attorney who will state that the law, as written is a "right of passage, not to be revoked, for all owners of Segways in all places, public and private, in the State of California". The law ABSOLUTELY does not say that. It also doesn't say "Segways are pedestrians, the end." It says a whole lot about how we can be restricted. But the ENTIRE scope of the California Vehicle Code ENDS at the edge of the roadway (some laws continue to be in effect in a parking lot).

Your "I'll go anywhere I choose" attitude on the Segway is going to make us quite a few enemies, I fear.

Folks, please remember to "tread lightly". Claiming spaces as our own will only make us enemies.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

Lohja

06-10-2003, 02:37 PM

There are "closed" streets in the HIstoric Williamsburg and Yorktown, VA area that do not allow motorized vehicles. The Segway is a vehicle and it has two motors. Period. It is not a person walking. Sad; but true.

Visit my Segway Blog page at http://galsegway01.blogspot.com

SegwayGTX

06-10-2003, 07:12 PM

Disney Cruises, Yesa you try yhem, YES YO PAY, oh, Yes It uis fun!

You show me a car,
I'll show you a Porsche
You show me the way, I'll show you the Segway
REDKEY RULERS!!

opti6600

06-10-2003, 07:36 PM

Well Lohja, there are clear legal provisions for EPAMDs there. Not to mention that if some guy in his electric wheelchair wants to go through - nobody will even consider saying no (or the ADA will stomp on their head). I'm not saying the HT is a mobility for the disabled, but I am pointing out that the law is certainly not a black and white affair, but a very ambiguous shade of grey.

06-11-2003, 12:00 AM

this issue seems to be at the center of some
of the segway "pr": it will revolutionize
the way we live, from how we transport our
selves, to how we design our cities and
neighborhoods....

well, some of those cities and neighborhoods
are not quite prepared to "embrace" segway,
perhaps because of design (i.e., the
infastructure layout of the premises is not
accommodating); perhaps, novelty; perhaps,
bigotry.

but for whatever reason, gliders must be
willing to: 1) acknowledge the reality
of this problem (or not assume that
gliding is a "given" anytime, anywhere);
2) be patient (in terms of a negative
doesn't always stay that way); and 3) re-
member that segway is still in its infancy.
it will take awhile for some cities and
neighbohoods to "grow"/"mature" to the extent
necessary that this issue becomes moot. (i
don't think cars were first welcomed by
people who had never used anything but
their feet or a horse for commuting pur-
poses.)

question: ..."growing pains"?

answer: yes!

(disclaimer: i have never ridden a segway.
i have ordered one. it should arrive in
about 10 days. therefore please feel free
to ridicule my position because i lack ex-
perience.)

kthxbye.

q.

//

BruceWright

06-11-2003, 01:06 AM

q,

Welcome. I agree with your post. Good points and well stated.

Welcome to Segwaychat!

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

dexter

06-11-2003, 02:45 AM

re: your position. HA HA! However, I agree fully. We keep talking about how in terms of marketing the Segway, LLC is interested in the marathon, not the sprint. The same holds true for getting it accepted everywhere, or nearly everywhere. More people have to have a chance to understand the Segway and how it fits in. We are helping to accomplish that. Being rude or pushy will have the opposite effect, it will shut people's minds down. We have to tread a line between being visible and being resonable and patient. Like pt says, lets focus on acceptance in towns on sidewalks, and work on private property when the time is right.

Dave C.
me: www.idexter.com
work: www.idealjacobs.com
play: www.nyline.org

Burke

06-11-2003, 04:09 AM

Well, I started the thread out of frustration, and I've enjoyed reading the responses.

Rest assured, I won't be the poster child pushing for access to private property. I realize we're just at the beginning of this journey and have a long way to go. How far we'll get remains to be seen, and that's what will make it interesting.

My husband is the optimist; I'll be the pessimist. The balance works well!

Janice

lipinsky

06-13-2003, 07:15 PM

quote:Originally posted by whistler

When you are riding a Segway HT you are to be considered a "pedestrian". Most states have

passed this into law. You have the right to stay on the HT anywhere you might be going if

you were walking. ANYWHERE. Nobody should be able to infringe on this.
...

As a property owner you can make any rules you want as long as it is within the law. Yes, a mall could ban people with blue shoes. Might cut down their business, but they can do that.

Linc2000

06-13-2003, 09:21 PM

Hey! When I don't have my Segway with me I am and I feel mobilly challenged. Of course, I have been spoiled by Mr. Kamen. Why shouldn't someone be able to force me to trudge around like most of us 60+ year olds do. Lincoln [8D]

<center> http://www.wwwebhosting.com/tm3wwwlogo.gif</center>

counselorbrian

08-13-2003, 12:06 AM

Don't forget that the business of Disney is business as much as it is Magic. Don't think for a minute that the story wouldn't be very different if they were renting them out for $40 an hour like other rental locations.

jrmiller

08-13-2003, 01:02 AM

HELLO OUT THERE... I last weekend went to Orlando FL to give my daughter a surprise birthday weekend. I took my HT into Universal Studios theme park and was never challenged or questioned "Officially". The only question were from employees and visitors who were excited about seeing in person a real SEGWAY. BUT NO PROBLEMS ..... 9 hours in the park and NO PROBLEMS. Maybe Disney should rethink their policy as a premier FL welcomer. Maybe welcome to FL on our conditions.....kind of "draws wind" if you get my drift. HOORAY'S TO UNIVERSAL HISSSSS TO DISNEY ???? Oh yes I have Parkinsons but was never told to step away from the HT to establish my disability.

Lohja

08-13-2003, 12:20 PM

quote:Originally posted by jrmiller

HELLO OUT THERE... I last weekend went to Orlando FL to give my daughter a surprise birthday weekend. I took my HT into Universal Studios theme park and was never challenged or questioned "Officially". The only question were from employees and visitors who were excited about seeing in person a real SEGWAY. BUT NO PROBLEMS ..... 9 hours in the park and NO PROBLEMS. Maybe Disney should rethink their policy as a premier FL welcomer. Maybe welcome to FL on our conditions.....kind of "draws wind" if you get my drift. HOORAY'S TO UNIVERSAL HISSSSS TO DISNEY ???? Oh yes I have Parkinsons but was never told to step away from the HT to establish my disability.

How did you get your batteries to last for nine hours? There must have been a lot of down-time.

phranque

08-13-2003, 12:57 PM

I tape my handicap placard to the Segway handle and have had no problem. I have been questioned, but usually just pointing to the placard and stating this is an EPMAD works for me

phranque

08-13-2003, 12:59 PM

I tape my handicap placard to the Segway handle and have had no problem. I have been questioned, but usually just pointing to the placard and stating this is an EPMAD works for me

QuadSquad

08-13-2003, 01:12 PM

quote:Originally posted by phranque

I tape my handicap placard to the Segway handle and have had no problem. I have been questioned, but usually just pointing to the placard and stating this is an EPMAD works for me

Yes, I do the same thing only I have a very large handicapped symbol Velcroed to the front of my segway bag. I think it's much better to advertise who you are, than to have them try and guess

BenBethel

08-13-2003, 03:12 PM

Quoting PT: "private property like disney, malls and fast food places -are- and will always be up to the property owner."

well...

I often get irritated by the confusion with how the Segway might be a vehicle, how it falls under the vehicle code, but then how it's considered an EPAMD in many states. Here in Arizona, it's got all of the same rights as a wheelchair, end of story. I've been contested on this before, and one of the greatest examples is this:

I went to a nice gay martini bar by my house in downtown Phoenix on my Segway - I always park it outside as they have a space for me (isn't that sweet), and as I pulled up my friend who's the mayor of Tempe (which has about 250K people) was walking in, along with our friends - two who are Tempe police sargeants, one who is a Phoenix police Sargeant and a lawyer too. We were all talking about it and trying it out and one of the guys rode it into the bar. Well, the owner, also an acquaintance, says "you can't bring that in here" - and we had a friendly discussion about how it's considered a wheelchair, with all of the same rights and duties as a wheelchair, in Arizona.

The owner said "that doesn't apply to private property - I can ban people with wheelchairs from coming in if I wanted to - hell, I could ban *black people* from my place if I wanted to - it's private property". I swear he said this.

Well, there are certain things that have been given rights - people of color, people with wheelchairs, people with epamds.... who's to tell if you're disabled or not - and it's not for them to judge. He backed off, but it was nice having support from the police on it too.

Ben

www.benbethel.com