Segway for someone with balance disorders

[sverny]

Howdy all. This is my very first post and am glad to be a part of the group. I have contracted menieres disease which is a disorder of the inner ear which affects balance. I am wondering if the segway would compensate for my lack of balance. I work at a university and park at least a half mile away so a segway would be great transportation from the car to my office. Any comments out there?

[SegwayUtah]

Where is Upland? There is a local enthusiast group in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County. You should try one and see for yourself. If you ask really nicely, I'm sure someone will let you try theirs, although you will want to say please. :)

I find that Segway HTs are great for half-mile trips, especially when it's difficult to walk the distance.

Chris

[Sunday]

Welcome to the group! You may also want to check out the "Special Needs" section of this forum to hook up with other folks that use their HT for mobility assistance. There are people here with MS, Parkinson's, post polio syndrome, and other mobility impairments who are very successfully using the Segway to get around.


Mark

Segway-more fun than you can stand!

[SegwayUtah]

Yes, also check out DRAFT -- www.draft.cc -- they're the disability rights advocates for technology -- a great group of people.

Chris

[BruceWright]

Yes, the segway does compensate for a lack of balance. Pretty amazing.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[jrmiller]

Greetings, First of all a test demo is your best way to find out diffinitatively if it will work for you, There are many Seg owners out there who like me would be happy to give you a demo. I have Parkinsons and my tremors and balance issue do not seem to hinder my useage of the HT. Secondly, dheck out the other sites like DRAFT and the special needs sesction for an answerer or a contact with someone close to you. Finally, welcome to the group....JR SEG-ON SEG-RIGHT :>)

[jillmac]

MS here. I don't have severe balance problems, but they do exist. I also get vertigo fairly easily. Although it can happen any place, any time, it has never happened on the Seg. I will often bump into doorframes or wander of in a direction not intended when on my own two feet - again - never happened on the Seg.

I know how debilitating Meniere's can be and I really do think it's well worth trying to get a demo ride if you can. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Do bear in mind though that you have to be sure that you can get the Seg into your car.

Another quick tip. I found that the red key (fastest) riding was a wee bit too abrupt in turning for my liking (and balance) so had a custom key made. It allows me to go as fast as the red key but the turning is black speed (slowest).

Good luck.
Jill

Nothing is inexplicable, merely unexplained..... Dr. Who

[Burke]

Welcome to Segway Chat! We're in Anaheim and would be happy for you to come down and try one of ours. We also have those modified keys Jill speaks of, and I agree that would probably be a good idea for you if you end up getting a Segway.

You can e-mail my husband, dick@rvsatellite.com, to set something up if you'd like, or call him at 1-800-788-8213. His office is on Tustin Avenue just north of the 91 freeway (close to the 55 as well). If he knew you were coming, he'd be sure to have the Segway with him. Or maybe you'll have an offer from someone a bit closer.

Janice Burke

[Florida Ever-Glides]

I've had a number of customer go on our tour with balance issues. ALL of them remarked how the HT compensates for their problems, and they ALL loved the ride...

Tom Jacobson

[herpos]

There is a carrier available if you don't want to or can't wrestle your new segway into a car See forum on things for sale. (including what I make and sell)