Human Transporters

Most people have many options for getting around. Healthy people can walk, bike, drive, or use public transportation. For those with health problems, or people whose jobs demand that they quickly get from place to place, human transporters like the Segway are one useful tool. This original device is used to move one person from place to place with very little effort on their part. In some cases it can restore independence to those who would otherwise have to depend on others for shopping and help around the house. Many older people (and some young people as well) have chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism that makes it painful and difficult for them to move. Something as simple and necessary as going to the grocery store can be an ordeal for someone with severe arthritis.

With the advent of the Segway, sufferers can easily move around the store, using the motor powered scooter to carry them. They are fairly simple human transporters: the rider stands on the base and hold onto the handles, leaning on the left to turn left or on the right to go right. It moves forward when the rider leans forward, and reverses when they lean back. The ease of use is one of the greatest advantages of the Segway. And it’s versatility has made it a useful tool for other groups of people, including urban police officers who use them to navigate congested areas of their city and tour guides who use them to take visitors on tours around cities.

Related Information

SEG America
There are many small Segway groups, all connected with SEG America.

Segway
The Segway is used by the disabled and police departments, among others.