Rode both p AND i today

[glide123]

Today I went to the Segway manufacturing plant in Bedford, NH for a charity event and was able to ride both the p and the i series for a total of about 2 hours. I have ridden an i series twice before, so there was no real big surprises there (yet still an incredible experience). The first thing that strikes you about the p series is how much smaller it is. Riding the p inside, on the yellow key, the differences between the two machines feel pretty slight. The p feels just a bit smoother on concrete, but otherwise they are almost identical. After we went outside, though, some differences became apparent. First off, the p series doesn't seem to have as much pick up, giving a more gentle acceleration than the i (I imagine it’s a combination of the smaller wheel diameter and the smaller battery packs). Secondly, when you are turning, it feels more necessary to lean into the turn than on the i series, probably because it's narrower. Also, when going up hills, you can really feel the difference in torque ratios between the two. Generally, though, I think these differences are pretty unnoticeable in everyday use. The p is still most certainly a fine piece of machinery.

It was really cool being able to go and see where the Segway is made. We saw the assembly line and the series of prototypes that led up to the final version. It gives a new appreciation for the complexity and the time that was put into these machines. I can't wait to ride one again. In fact, I may just have to buy one.

The person from Segway said that the p series is starting to ship. For those of you who have received your p's, I'm curious what you think of them.

[ElectraGlide]

There's a thread comparing the "p" and the "i" several days back. You can find quite a few posts from various owners.

Steve

[ronzul]

Sounds like quite an experience! I'm curious about one thing ....

quote:Secondly, when you are turning, it feels more necessary to lean into the turn than on the i series, probably because it's narrower

Can someone explain the physics behind this? (my physics is more than a little rusty)

I suppose that leaning into a turn has the following effects:

1. Makes the rider's shift in position counteract the centrifugal forces. Otherwise, as the Segway was going around a turn, the rider's momentum in a straight direction would continue, and the rider would tend to come off the platform.

2. Similar to 1., but with an effect between the Segway and the ground.

I would assume that the forces involved in 1. would be only dependent the rider's weight, the sharpness of the turn and the speed. I guess also it would depend on how close a rider's feet are together on the platform. Are a rider's feet closer together on a p series?

I can see how 2. would be more necessary on the narrower p series.

When you lean into a turn on a p series, are you doing this to keep yourself on the Segway, or to keep both wheels of the Segway on the ground, or both?

Thanks
Ronny

[ElectraGlide]

quote:Originally posted by ronzul


When you lean into a turn on a p series, are you doing this to keep yourself on the Segway, or to keep both wheels of the Segway on the ground, or both?

BOTH

Steve

[ronzul]

thanks

does this mean a rider's legs are closer together on a p?

[ElectraGlide]

quote:Originally posted by ronzul

thanks

does this mean a rider's legs are closer together on a p?

I never measured the difference in the platforms widths, but the "p" is slightly narrower. If I recall correctly you can spread out a bit more on the "i".

Steve