Segway vs. iBot "warnings"

[dexter]

I'm just curious... I see that the iBot is specified to have a range of about 15 miles. Does anyone know what type of battery level indicator or battery low warning the iBot has?

I think the warnings that the Segway gives you are very good. The sequence that warns you with the tilt, the red light, the stickshake and the shutdown are effective. And appropriate if "walking the Segway back home" is an option. For those for whom that is not an option, a little practice with the display can keep you generally safe (once you realize that the scale is not linear). I've always been able to determine when I need to turn around and head for home without having my battery run out before I get there.

For the iBot thought this is a much more critical feature! Someone letting their iBot battery run down could be in big trouble. Even if they have someone able to push them home or to their car, what if they got caught upstairs with no appropriate access to get back down, or across some rough terrain?

Does the iBot have some clearer indication of remaining battery life, or some sort of "halfway point" warning that would be akin to the Segway's "battery low" warning? Or maybe it is just not expected to be used over that great a range, with the 15 miles being "overkill" with respect to how far people usually travel in their wheelchairs?

Also curious about the casters in the front of the iBot, when do they come in contact with the ground? I'm wondering if they help balance when the iBot is off and the user leans forward to exit the chair?

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

[W9GFO]

Casters are for use when the front drive wheels are slightly lifted. It pivots easier that way, ie., pushing it wheelchair style.

Rich H

[SegwayUtah]

Dexter,

Here's my understanding of the casters and wheels on the iBot, from what I saw at SegwayFesT! 2003:

1. When you're in "4WD" mode (not on carpet, but on more rough terrain), the front casters are up in the air and the four wheels are on the ground. I think this is appropriate for outdoors.

2. When you're in "2WD" mode (on carpet, inside, etc.) the casters are down and the front big wheels are up slightly off the ground. This is more comfortable for indoor riding I think.

3. When you're in "balance" mode (on carpet, outside, etc.) the casters and the front big wheels are up off the ground :)

What I wonder is--are there really "front" and "back" wheels? They do rotate over an axis, so maybe you're using different wheels in the front and back depending on how many stairs you last climbed :)

Chris

[dexter]

OK, I see that now in the "standard function" photo example on the independance website. Easier to see knowing what to look for. Hadn't noticed it originally when scanning the photos on the website, it had seemed like the casters were "airborne" in all of them.

Thanks!

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