I glide in NYC where I live and work, as do a few others. When local people ask where they can get one, I suggest that they check the laws in their state to make sure it's something that they want to do. Be cautious.
Glide responsibly, and you may not get a ticket. I haven't...yet.
Questions & Advice
If you have questions, reach out to the community at SegwayChat. I've glided with some of them as a group, and they're very helpful both online and off.
Consult with them if buying a second-hand Segway, or just buy from Segway.com directly. Do not buy one from a random person on eBay without doing a lot of research.
Yeah, it gets wittier and less diplomatic from here as I voice what the Segway folks cannot.
LAZY
Really? How often do YOU go to the gym? How long do you circle a parking lot to avoid having to walk more than 5 steps to the mall entrance? How many calories do you burn in that car or are you just burning emissions?
A longtime gym rat, this bugs the heck out of me. Here's your lazy...
GET A BIKE
Uh, no, you keep that. I've had bikes, and for me the Segway works best. Arriving at my destination with wet arm pits and sweaty makeup just isn't appealing.
I prefer kickboxing, spin classes and intense weight lifting.
YOU LOOK STUPID
Are we in kindergarten? How did the firsts look after the penny-farthing evolved into what you call a bicycle today?
Try growing up and using what works for you. Comments against the Segway are mainly online. In person, people LOVE the Segway!
JUST WALK
Can you walk up to 12.5 mph? Neither can I, which is why I use the Segway as a form of alternative transportation.
You may see someone on a Segway, traveling slow. That's a choice, not the maximum speed. I travel slow when on sidewalks, then blow past joggers on bike trails. It gets me to my destination on my own time without depending on a taxi, subway or bus.
If that's cool with you, I shall continue.
GET A MOTORCYCLE
I can't exactly take a motorcycle along the Hudson River for a nice glide, into the hills of a beautiful park, into my elevator and up to my place...now can I? No. So it serves a different purpose. No gas. No parking costs.
Think folks. Just think.
BLAH-BLAH...OOOH, I WANT ONE
I like unusual things. When things are unusual, they get teased like people with curly hair in a class of people with straight hair. Notice I said "class," as teasing others for being different is an adolescent behavior typically practiced by school children.
Likwise, the YikeBike and Nubrella, two other inventions I like, get similar venomous comments from people who have NEVER tried them. I've found that once people TRY a Segway, most love it. I equate this to reactions to the iPhone.
The iPhone 1st gen was released in 2007. It was touted as "Revolutionary" by Steve Jobs. It rotated in a glass encasement months before it was released, which made people salivate at the mouth with "Oooohs" and "Ahhhhs." But oh, that darn $600 price tag made it the an item of envy for the masses, and an elitist item for early adopters.
I remember the "I'm gonna wait until it has x amount of memory." "I'm gonna wait until it does this, that and the other." But you know what it took for people who pretended to hate the $600 iPhone to buy one? A drop in the price. The rest is history. The iPhone and its copycat touch-screen devices are in almost every hand.
People dismiss what they can't have or what they can't justify even if they CAN afford it. They have an attitude that says, "If it's not practical for me, it's stupid for everyone."
No, if it's not practical for you, don't buy it. And if the Segway price dropped dramatically, and the laws in states coincided, allowing Segways to be treated as bicycles, you BET your sweet backside that you'd see a rise in Segway ownership and copycat Segways the way that the iPhone evolved to be in every hater's hand.
JUST TRY IT
Stop frontin'. The Segway rocks! At least try it on one of the many Segway tours just to say you did. I often allow people to try mine. Read what people on Twitter say after going on a tour.
It isn't a practical purchase for everyone, and I wish the price would lower so that more people could justify the cost and enjoy it. But in the meantime, stop being so mean on the Internet about things you know little about. Try it. Have fun in the moment. It's just not that serious.
I get this question often as well as technical ones like how does it work, how far does it go before the need to re-charge, how fast, etc. It travels up to 25 miles and the top speed is 12.5 mph. But technical questions can be answered via a web search. I'd prefer to share what it's like from a personal perspective.
The First Glide
I'd never tried a Segway i2 before, just a 1st gen which I almost ran into a nice piece of artwork on, but I saw a neighbor gliding on his often, and was able to get his attention and asked for lessons once mine arrived.
My first glide was scary. The Segway i2 responds to the movement of your body, so if you stand on its self-balancing platform and wobble, it too will wobble. This makes people think naturally that they have to balance it.
Any uneven surface made me nervous, but my instructor was like a drill sergeant. He made me do then-complicated things like figure eight turns, fast acceleration and stops, and even small curve jumps. He also taught me how to ignore hecklers, which is something you will get when riding a Segway. But like riding a bike or motorcycle, you must concentrate and not allow yourself to be distracted, or you should instead pull over and chat because people will have questions or want to try it (use wise judgement).
After our sessions and a few rides on my own, I became a Segway gliding beast. Today, it's hard to believe that it was ever difficult.
Feeling Safe
I'm highly visible in traffic because the Segway platform elevates me. I can glide on the sidewalk (preferably when uncrowded) and travel at pedestrian speed.
With the lean steer technology, turning is super easy. I was once cut off by a cab driver, and my ability to turn on a dime saved me. Attempting to stop on something that would continue accelerating after applying the brakes may have resulted in an injury.
As well people in NYC especially tend to walk in front of oncoming vehicles. Again, being able to stop quickly on the Segway has proven beneficial.
You can however harm yourself as you could on any moving object if not careful. Wearing a bike helmet, getting proper training is essential.
FALSE RUMOR
No, the inventor Dean Kain did NOT die on a Segway. He's very much alive.
The new owner died, but not on a Segway as Internet rumors suggest. Those rumors are entertaining, and with the Mall Cop references getting old, give people something new to joke about, but utterly false.
It is easy to jump from a platform you are standing on. I was hit by a bus and suffered a mild sprained ankle because I was able to jump off of my Segway. If your car or skates go over a cliff, see how easy it is to jump out. Now back to the awesomeness that is the Segway...
Going Where No Bike (of mine) Has Gone
I am also a hobby photographer and videographer. On the Segway, I can take my equipment and travel up and down steep hills that would be difficult on the other devices I've owned. Gong downhill on a Segway seems daunting, but after a lesson, I learned to just stand upright, and it was as easy as riding down an escalator...slowly for safety of course. I am not an extreme sports person.
Parking
Once at my destination, I have 3 options:
1. Park my Segway inside (preferably)
2. Lock it up at a bike rack (least preferred)
3. Leave it in a parking garage (where allowed)
4. Lean it against something unlocked when I'm nearby.
After gliding, I glide up my elevator to my home where I park in in my foyer. At my former gym, they allowed me to park it on the running track. At my former job, there was s parking attendant for bikes and cars who watched over it. I don't always get that lucky though.
Some buildings like the Apple Store on 14th Street in NYC have glass walls. I love that because I can make a quick run to grab something small and lock the Segway on a bike rack while keeping an eye on it. It's fun to watch people gawk at it from a distance.
Soma parking garages allow it and charge as they would a motorcycle. But I unfortunately ran into one garage that did not. I had to instead leave it on the street, locked to a bike rack for a full workday. I was super nervous, albeit without reason because it ended up being okay.
When I'm in a coffee shop or store where I can clearly see it/get to it, I just leave it leaned against something without locking it by chain.
Securing It
The Segway is not like a bike. A thief cannot cut the chain and wheel away. Good luck with that because it has a smart locking system. The i2 requires an info key to operate.
I lock mine with the Segway chain lock. I then turn on the security system, which causes it to beep when tampered with, and the wheels to lock! When I'm near the Segway, that info key will alert me when it's being tampered with. If I am not near, the beeping serves as a deterrent. In addition, I also use other safety measures that I won't detail, but they've proven useful.
I have not and do not yet feel comfortable taking it to places like Times, Herald or Union Square where I'd have to leave it in New York's most crowded areas. It may be as safe as any bike there, but I'd worry. Plus, people have strategies and will/can devise a plan to grab it for parts. Crooks are nifty and I wouldn't put anything past them. Despite having insurance, I just don't want to chance it.
Injury Transportation
I developed a growth spur in my foot. The pain was unbearable, and very slow to heal. During that time, walking to a subway or bus proved daunting. I opted instead for my Segway. I just stood on the platform with my injured foot rested, and made my way to and from my destinations.
I didn't buy the Segway for this purpose, but it certainly proved helpful during that time.
I Don't Own a Ducati
I have a Tumi backpack and luggage set. I bought it due to the design. Little did I know that the Ducati wording referred to a popular luxury motorcycle. So everywhere I go with my backpack, no one sees the Tumi label. They see Ducati, and ask if I have one. I alsways say, "No, I have a Segway."
At this point, the conversation becomes all about...well, what this blog is about.
I had one when I lived in the suburbs in Texas. I also had it driven to NYC after moving here and working in Long Island, causing me to have to commute. But once I landed a job in NYC, where I also lived, I couldn't justify the cost of car ownership in a city with readily available public transportation.
But although it's a pedestrian city with subways and buses, I still held a stigma about riding the bus. So I found myself walking and taking the subway everywhere. I have since changed my perception. As a 16 year NYC resident, I do take the bus now.
The Xootr Scooter
While in college, my main subway line to class was out of service for a very extensive time. So I opted for an electric Xootr EX3. It worked great. I was able to zip to class at up to 17mph, fold the scooter and take it to class with me. Unfortunately, Xootr discontinued the EX3, and the batteries in mine have since died.
The (discontinued) Xootr EX3
Anxious for an alternative, I researched other means of getting around. Motorized kick scooters were huge and bulky, unlike the Xootr. So I tried manually powered scooters, starting with the Xootr kick scooter. It was the Mercedes of scooters, unlike the Razor one for kids. This was built with quality materials and had larger wheels that allowed a smoother ride for a longer duration per kick-off. It worked great for very short distances, like jogging would, but like jogging, I'd also arrive at my destination sweaty. And it was useless when going uphill. I'd have to carry it.
Landrollers
For fitness, I used rollerblades, but never viewed those as transportation, especially in NYC with the horrible potholes and uneven surfaces everywhere. I even opted for Landrollers, the unusually designed skates made popular by the Dog Whisperer, Ceasar Milan and skating champ, Apolo Ohno. These allowed me to skate over broader terrain. Still, one good twist of the ankle or fall, and I'd face a hefty hospital bill. Not to mention, it was still a form of exercise -- not mere transportation.
The A-Bike
Anxious for something to replace my beloved, perfect electric Xootr, I still sought something easy to fold, and found a A-Bike online from the UK. It did fold perfectly, and was very light. As a petite person, I found it comfortable for short distances. But once I needed to take it further, about 3 miles or so. That's when I realized that its flaws. It was uncomfortable, pedaled poorly (it was very difficult to pedal) and accelerated at a snail's pace. I ended up folding it and taking a taxi. I later sold it.
NOTE: The A-Bike has since been remodeled. I have not tried it, but you can check it out A-bike .
Folding and Electric Bikes
I became a fixture at NYCE Wheels where they specialize in electric & folding bikes, Xootr scooters and electric scooters. This was a candy shop to me. There, you are able to test most of their bikes as well in the neighborhood, which has a park and bike trail nearby. It's perfect.
I purchased a Brompton bike from Metro Bicycles. It seemed okay initially. Like my Xootr EX3, I could fold and take it with me. But it still lacked the electric acceleration. So the one time I took it to work, i arrived sweaty with messed up hair. I decided that it would then be an exercise bike for me, but there were two issues. I'm shot, so I never felt well viewed by vehicles as I rode low to the ground compared to many bikers. I also glided a lot, pedal, glide. I didn't see it as a form of exercising above a treadmill run or spin class. So the cost wasn't justified, and I sold it.
I purchased a new Street Xootr and an electric bike. I still have the Xootr, but rarely use it. So next, I bought an electric bike, but it was not for petite people. It was more like a motorcycle, tall (for my size) and difficult for me to get in and out of elevators. NYCE Wheels was kind enough to allow me to return it the same day I purchased it.
Back to Skates
A skilled rollerblader can get around NYC with ease. I'm not that skilled. I once was. I used to rollerblade so often that I could skate downhill fast, skate through the city in the street and jump over things. But I guess as they say, if you don't use it, you lose it. And after a season or two of not using my Landrollers, I became afraid of skating and falling. The smallest sidewalk crack threw me off balance. I even took a private lesson, determined to get back into my skates. But after falling a couple of times, now as an adult out of my 20s, more prone to break something, I shelved my Landrollers and opted for 4-wheeled skates that looked sturdy, Skorpion Quadline Skates.
Inspired by kids who use Heely's (retractable wheeled sneakers), I never got the hang of them. Maybe I'm too old. So the Skorpions seemed a good alternative. like my Xootr, I could keep my shoes on, then unstrap myself once at my destination and easily take the skates with me. But again, by now, balance was an issue for me. Although they looked sturdy, the in-line skates were easier. These required quite an effort to accelerate on the bike trail's smooth concrete pavement.
However, the Skorpions were very comfortable. When I worked in an office where the boss skateboared around, I wore my Skorpions for fun at work and to add height. They were fantastic on our smooth surfaces for going to the pantry or desk to desk. But outdoors, for exercise or transportation, they just did not work for me. Again, there are people skilled at skating for whom these work great.
An Alternative Xootr EX3?!
Electric kick scooters have been around for a long time. The Xootr EX3 was unique due to its style and lighter weight. It was the only one that was light enough to strap over your shoulders and carry along. It was also the only one with small, concealed motors and two (optional) batteries so that yo wouldn't get stranded on your journey. But about a decade after its demise, I was very happy to see the GoPed I-Ped. It weighed the same as the EX3 and was electric, yet not as attractive in my opinion. It also costs almost $1,000 more with the top-of-the-line LI 16: Lithium 16AH battery. But I tried it anyway.
I can't judge it fairly as someone who gave it a 5 minute spin. It may take getting used to. But it also wasn't for me. It accelerated too fast, kind of tossing me backwards. It was not easy to make turns. There wasn't a strap for it at the store, which is what made the Xootr great. The design also was bulky for my frame. It would not be convenient to carry. So I opted out.
Researching a Motorcycle
As stated earlier, I live and work in New York City. It is great, but I longed to get out of the city sometimes and cruise the highway like I did when I lived in the suburbs. I am also a videographer with equipment that's not always convenient to take in a cab, nor safe on a subway. But balance was still an issue to me.
I explored a Can-Am Spider motorcycle. At $20,000, it would be an alternative to a car. But like a car, I'd have to pay over $200/month to park it in my building's underground garage, park it on the street and pay the meter as well as gas it up. So I'd only eliminate the balance issue.
Next, I explored the Vespa, and came very close to financing one. The only thing that stopped me was having to get a motorcycle driving license in NYC before even trying one out. It proved too complicated and troublesome. I already had a driver's license, albeit for a different type of vehicle. And the dealership wasn't conveniently located. So this option faded. Plus like the motorcycle, where would I park it? I saw Vespas on sidewalks, but that was illegal. I also saw someone getting a ticket for doing that. I was told that some remove their plates while parked illegally. Eh, no thanks.
Finally...a SEGWAY
All of the alternative forms of transportation that I tried varied. A motorcycle doesn't serve the same purpose as skates, and a Segway Personal Transporter doesn't serve the exact same purpose as a car. It's slower and isn't ideal in bad weather. Skates and bikes provide exercise, but I get better exercise at a gym.
So after all of my efforts to replace that Xootr EX3, even attempts to find a local repair shop for it, I took the plunge and purchased a Segway PT i2 Commuter model for a little over $5,000.
I do not have to pay for parking, gas nor expensive maintenance. It's not regulated in NYC, but I have never been ticketed. I glide very responsibly.
It's the perfect alternative to all other alternatives I'd tried or considered.
The Term
There's a term joked about in black culture. When a black person is pulled over without a legitimate reason while driving an expensive vehicle, it's deemed that the officer pulled the driver over under suspicion that the vehicle was stolen or the driver is involved in something illegal in order to afford it. The crime: Driving While Black.
Defining "Gliding"
The term for 'driving' a Segway is called "gliding." I came up with Gliding While Black as a funny take on Driving While Black, but in some cases, it still applies with a racial overtone.
I have met friendly people while gliding, but many (blacks and whites alike) assume I am "renting" it. The look on their faces when I say that I own it says much about their assumptions.
Practical Transportation
I usually walk, take the subway or bus. Because of the Segway, I don't spend money on parking nor gas. The initial investment is equivalent to that of a downpayment on an economy car. Maintenance is minimal, so it's all about perception.
Misperception
Somehow, the Segway is viewed as a rich person's toy, and for some, it is. For those folks it's pocket change and they own many. For me, it is my only form of independent transportation and a way to get around when NYC taxi drivers refuse me a ride. Hailing a Taxi While Black, haha. Another post.
It's a BLAST!
I've owned bikes, skates, rollerblades and kick/electric scooters. None top the Segway PT for me in terms of safety, ease, maneuverability, transportation and fun. It's the best alternative transportation investment I've ever made.
