New York State Senate and Assembly
Greetings from Segway Enthusiasts Group America (SEG America), a national grass-roots, independent organization representing more than 3,000 Segway Human Transporter (HT) enthusiasts and owners from across the country, many of whom reside in New York State. One of our missions is to educate governments and the public on the inherent safety and sensibility of utilizing the Segway HT for a variety of purposes. We represent a diverse cross-section of individuals who have found the Segway HT to be a viable, logical and safe means of short-to-mid-distance transportation.
We would like to encourage you to support Bill S579-C, which would provide that electric personal assistive mobility devices, such as the Segway HT, shall not be considered motor vehicles and operators thereof would be deemed pedestrians. Similar laws have been passed in more than forty states, and while we recognize the unique stature of New York, we feel strongly that the citizens of New York are an exceptional group who would benefit from the legal permissions granted by Bill S579-C to utilize this alternative method of transportation.
We believe that the Segway HT is inherently safe, both in terms of its pedestrian-friendly ability to integrate into crowds of people without incident and also in its built-in redundant and robust mechanical systems. The members of our organization have logged hundreds of thousands of hours of use on the Segway HT in both dense urban environments and in open territories, and feel qualified to say that the Segway HT will not pose a threat to public safety if legalized in New York. The Segway HT, which occupies the same space as a person on foot, integrates phenomenally well in close quarters and is infinitely more maneuverable than any other wheeled device. It is capable of standing absolutely still when necessary, but will not exceed approximately four times walking speed. It is analogous to a person on foot who has the ability to stand still, yet also has the ability to run if required.
Considering the congestion of automobiles on our streets, the pollution levels rising to all-time highs and the ever-increasing cost of gasoline, the Segway fits into a very unique and ecologically sound role. We believe that for every Segway on the sidewalk, there is one less car on the road. The Segway HT is battery powered and is charged on less than ten cents of electricity, giving it the equivalent of 250 miles per gallon. Several of our members have sold their automobiles altogether because the Segway HT was a more effective, efficient, and productive alternative to a car. We believe that the Segway HT will become the most viable transportation alternative as citizens begin to reject the notion of short-distance travel by auto, which will thereby help relieve traffic congestion, pollution, and encourage a more productive and environmentally pro-active lifestyle.
The Segway HT is currently being utilized by many federal and state government officials across the nation in areas as diverse as law enforcement and patrol, mail and package delivery, and airport security.
The Segway HT is also used widely as a mobility aid to those with diminished physical ability, such as seniors and people with disabilities. For many, the Segway HT is an excellent alternative to crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, enabling the less-abled to extend their range.
SEGAmerica would encourage you to contact us if you would like additional information that would further assist you. We would be happy to provide you with as much information as you require, including, but not limited to, email, phone, or written correspondence, and would also invite you to receive a demonstration ride given by some of our members in New York. Clearly, the most definitive means to understand just how safe and sensible this entirely new concept in transportation alternative technology is would be to experience it first-hand.
We appreciate your time and consideration and urge you to vote affirmative on Bill S579-C.
Best Regards,
The SEG America Executive Board
