Questions from a newbie

[MaceSoul]

Ok, I rode a Segway at Epcot and I can't go back to walking around. After looking into it, I can see that buying a Segway isn't like getting a car. Thanks in advance if anyone would field a few candid questions:

1. I like the p series because of the smaller size and I think I'll get kicked out of less places if it looks smaller. Any thoughts from anyone that has used both? And in that line, do you use it to get to the mall or do you use it to get around the mall? If I'm going to the Apple store for one thing I could get in and out in a tenth of the time it would take walking.

2. The 5mph cap constantly left me wanting far more speed. Does 10mph seem fast enough to most people? I mean, really? Can you tell the difference between 10 and 12.5mph or is it so slight you don't notice? Personally I think 20 would be a fair speed, but I know that has been discussed elsewhere and is worthless to debate. (In my best days I have gone 50mph with top-end rollerblades. I can take a biff. Wear a Joe Rocket jacket.)

3. I would like to spend as little as possible, as I'm sure anyone would. Where do you get the lowest prices on a new one? I was hoping to get something for $2500. Can you get a decent used i series for that? Can I get a new p series for that? Would you suggest a new p or a used i?

Thanks for any answers in advance.

[panderso]

Welcome to SC! Not knowing where you want to go when you buy a segway. I personally feel that the segway will be accepted or not, no matter if it is a P vs I. Some places welcome the segway and some places do not.
As far as speed, 10 vs 12.5 may not be a big difference but 5 vs 12.5 is a big gap. Trust me when I say that it is nice to cruise around at 12.5.
Ebay(be careful of scams) has been a good tool for many segway owners to get a discount. Check in with a local dealer and even here in SC.
Again, welcome and good luck in your pursuit of owning one of the greatest inventions of our time.

[luckie]

Hi, MaceSoul,

---
1. I like the p series because of the smaller size and I think I'll get kicked out of less places if it looks smaller. Any thoughts from anyone that has used both? And in that line, do you use it to get to the mall or do you use it to get around the mall? If I'm going to the Apple store for one thing I could get in and out in a tenth of the time it would take walking.
---

I also chose the p Series for the same reason. It does look considerably smaller and is in fact much less intimidating to pedestrians. I have only used it outside and have not broken the "social contract" by riding it inside yet (I just hop off and powerdown outside Starbucks or wherever and roll it in behind me, parking it against the wall).

---
2. The 5mph cap constantly left me wanting far more speed. Does 10mph seem fast enough to most people? I mean, really? Can you tell the difference between 10 and 12.5mph or is it so slight you don't notice? Personally I think 20 would be a fair speed, but I know that has been discussed elsewhere and is worthless to debate. (In my best days I have gone 50mph with top-end rollerblades. I can take a biff. Wear a Joe Rocket jacket.)
---

Perception: 10 mph is very fast on the sidewalk, but quite slow on the road.

---
3. I would like to spend as little as possible, as I'm sure anyone would. Where do you get the lowest prices on a new one? I was hoping to get something for $2500. Can you get a decent used i series for that? Can I get a new p series for that? Would you suggest a new p or a used i?
---

All summer the p Series was on sale for $2999 so ebay.com may have some inexpensive ones in the near future.


Doug

----
Douglas B. Luckie, Ph.D.
Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab
Department of Physiology and Lyman Briggs School of Science
Michigan State University
http://surf.to/msucf
http://35.9.122.184/blinky.gif

[MaceSoul]

Thanks to both of your for your quick responses.

I'm leaning toward (sorry, I couldn't help it) a new one after reading all the problems that can be had with the batteries and versions (can you not update the software???) Is $3k the best price you can get or do any dealers wheel and deal with you on price like one would a car?

What is this social contract you're talking about? I don't have to pledge to be a boy scout or anything, do I? Can I still joust with it? :)

BTW: Since the Centaur "uses a normal HT", I guess that answers the question of whether the hardware is able to handle 20mph. busted. Now where is the plaid key? :))

[MaceSoul]

And should I just assume that any Segway going for $800 by someone with 2 feedbacks on ebay is a scam?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22703&item=7106970228&rd=1

Thanks

[Ericwarren]

i too selected the P series because it is easier to get around on the sidewalks of nyc.
the speed difference between the i and p can be noticed...however, 10 is fine for me.
I do love the fact that this control shaft can lower to a point where it easily fits in the trunk of a car.
i also liked the fact that many accessories (batteries, tires, fenders) were less expensive for the P
and the fact that i picked it up for 2k didnt hurt either.

[pam]

I'd be very suspicious of an $800 Segway on ebay. There have been a LOT of scams, so you really have to do due diligence. It's not uncommon for Electraglide to sell his machines there (I don't think he's owned one long enough for it to get a scuff on it <G>) and he's legit, but you might do well to be very careful.
Pam

[lwillis]

I too had many of your same questions. Don't be surprised by low bidding Segways on EBAY. The bidding gets heavy towards the end of the auction. I'm leary of auctions where they are using pictures from Segway's site instead of their own. Also ask them to email you the serial number and it they are willing to complete the deal through www.escrow.com. It doesn't cost them anything but can cost you around $100. Check out their site. It helps protect you for a large purchase and is recommended by EBAY. You can also watch this site as some Segways have been sold through here.

Love my Segway

[MaceSoul]

I thought I had an i series tonight but just before auction close it is way out of my price range.

How many Segway users have gotten stranded without power, and what do you do at that point?

[sholloway]

Get in touch with your local dealer and talk to them. I'm sure they'll come up with a solution for you.

[KSagal]

Just a quick note... I recall that I was told that the centaur had a standard base, that was modified, as is obvious, but also that the motors got new windings.

I believe that the 20pmh is not available due to available torque reserves needed for two wheels. If traveling at 20mph on the centaur, and there is a torque problem, it has the option to drop to four wheels for stability. ( kind of like running down the stairs, and occationally grabbing the hand rail, while not holding it all the time.)

Karl Ian Sagal

Each road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass.

[KSagal]

Back to one of your original questions, I was on many glides with I's and P's, and the speed maxes was not an issue.

On some glides, there were just I's and we went slightly faster, but it was no big deal.

For me personally, I'd rather be a few mph faster than slower, but I'm not that mature. (I'm old, but juvenile...)

Karl Ian Sagal

Each road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass.

[sholloway]

Actually, the Centaur proves the HT CAN'T go 20 mph rather than can. If you raise the Centaur to the standing position and go as fast as you can, at around 13 mpg the front end starts to drop because you are running out of enough torque to stay under you. By 15 or so it is on 4 wheels, if the front 2 wheels weren't there, by 15 mph or so, on your HT, you would be sliding nicely along the sidewalk on your face and chest. Once on 4 wheels, you can max the motor out at 20 mph but you have 0 torque left. So I think it is a brilliant use of the remaining capabilities of the motor and a very clever/fun/amazing/clever/fun/fun/fun way to remove the need for the torque.

[MaceSoul]

Good points on the torque

[KSagal]

Scott,

Excellent details. I did not recall this detail in either the introduction or when I rode it. Any way the details work out, that centaur is a blast!

Kudos to the design team. I can't wait!

Karl Ian Sagal

Each road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass.