e owners, What's the verdict?

[Sunday]

I would like to know what the opinions are of the e owner/users out there, on this unit. I have been wanting a p for so long, but have discovered that it most likely will not suit my needs as I live in quite hilly terrain with periods of snow.

I've heard that using the e is unlike the other models, since it feels more like you're driving it than anything else. I like the idea of carrying things though, and the cargo bags and e stand feature are pretty nice things. I know; I can get an I and just add the cargo structure. I've also heard that Segway may be offering smaller cargo bags for the i and p that fit on the side.

So, I'm after opinions from users who use theirs in public places. What kind of reactions does it get? How is range affected by the e stand? How easy is it to turn e stand off when you don't want it? Would you buy the e or the i if you had to make the decision again?

You may contact me offlist if you're not comfortable with sharing these experiences on the forum. Thanks for any replies.



Mark Sunday

Segway-more fun than you can stand!

[fredkap]

Mark, the only thing an E can do that an I won't do is self-balance. But it requires a certain amount of weight in the side bags to do so. The handling is identical. You can get Wayne's briefcase carrier or even better, his mini-carrier that carries a lot of stuff in front of the platform. I believe that most of the carrying devices detract from the beauty of the Seg thus I normally don't carry anything and detach the mini carrier bag from the rails that hold it on most glides.

Fred

[Jameskk]

I sold my e-series. I find the i much easier to move in and out of doorways without the side bags. I also plan to get a p-series for portability reasons (easily throwing the unit in the back seat and taking on trips).

[mzokc]

Sunday, I got to ride Jeff Brown's "e" in Chicago. It's neat the way it balances, but oh does it take up more room. Those side containers are huge. You loose the ability to manipulate in small spaces. Check out the 36th and 38th photo in http://homepage.mac.com/mzokc/segwayfest/PhotoAlbum100.html to compare. It's bigger than it looks.

Stepping on was different. You put one foot on the slightly slanted platform, wait a moment until the HT levels the platform for you, then transfer your weight to the platform while stepping on completely. Others may suggest a different technique.

Mark Z

[ElectraGlide]

[quote]Originally posted by Sunday

I have been wanting a p for so long, but have discovered that it most likely will not suit my needs as I live in quite hilly terrain with periods of snow.

I drove an "i" model for over 5 months. I haven't had my "p" model for very long, but I will agree, if you have hills and snow to deal with this model is definitely not the choice for you. The "p" is very appropriate for city, suburbs, and South Florida where it's flat and the sidewalks are in great shape.
When I drove an "E" it seemed a bit large and cumbersome, and not much fun to drive....not easy to lean into turns, and too large and heavy to transport in a vehicle. All that weight and drag must tax the batteries strength. The "E" may balance by itself, but give me an "i" with a kick stand anyday.



Steve

[Zorba9]

Hey Sunday -- I've been out of town flying for the last 2 months and am home for a quick break before returning. I have just gotten back to my "E" machine and have missed it! I had brought the "I" with me this summer and have to agree with the others about the portability aspects - it is harder to move it thru tight spaces etc. - but it does have its place! I use mine more for off-road use and value the cargo capacity and the "E" stand feature. This winter the snowtire spikes are going into my traction tires and a rifle scabbard will replace one of the side baggage compartments. Headlights on the front of the baggage bar will be run from the extra marine battery mounted in the single remaining side bag along with the power-converter to recharge the segway while deep in the woods. This Segway is camouflaged and is going hunting -- very stealthy! My M-167 will be a trailer hauler also. Could be a new market for LCC! :)

Zorba9.....

[Sunday]

Zorba-

Sounds like you need a PUG, man! They're made in MS, so I'm sure you've seen them. I love your idea of off road Segway though. I was thinking that if I got an e or an i with bags, it would be great to get the spikes, clamp some lights on the cargo bar, and stick a snowplow on there. Sounds like I should get the i though. Then I can take the bags off when not needed. Or maybe get the p, and just walk in the winter.

Thanks for all of the input though everyone. It helps to get more information.


Sunday

Segway-more fun than you can stand!

[mrat]

Sunday,
The model you prefer depends on you. I have ridden all three and have access to i's and e's all the time. I will usually take an e over an i, 90% of the time. If you talked to John Brown, he would say the same thing. I compare the e to driving a Cadillac versus the i's more sporty/spirited ride. Overall it's smoother, but you suffer the larger size and decreased manueverability. If you are going over long distances and uncertain terrain, I have more confidence in an e with a spare set of batteries than anything else. If I lived in an appartement downtown, I would proabably opt for an "i", the "p" is too small for me (6'4" - 250lbs).

-mr

[Sunday]

I can see another advantage to having an "e." It looks a little intimidating. Would you jump on some guy's Harley out in front of the bar? Heck no! And I don't think anyone will want to jump on an e for fun either. But a "p" is so cute, you just want to pinch it's cheeks. After reading the posts about kickstands being snapped by people jumping on the units while they're parked, I can see the benefit of intimidation.

And there is quite adverse terrain here during the year. Construction projects, debris scattered on the bike path by the occassional flash flood, and some pretty neglected sidewalks in some areas also.

I also like the idea of carrying spare batteries in the bags. I've often wondered if you could have Segway wire them up through the support tubing, so that you have four batteries for the Segway instead of just two. But then you also would sacrifice the ability to carry more stuff. It appears that the battery would only take up about a third of the bottom of the cargo bag. Is this true?

Thanks for the continued comments everyone. I wonder if the e will be affected by the upcoming price drops? Maybe they'll drop the price on batteries too! Maybe from $600 to $500?


Sunday

Segway-more fun than you can stand!