Segway

If you were paying attention to the media in 2001, you probably heard something about a new device called the Segway. This revolution in transportation was touted as a solution for many transportation problems, from helping the disabled get around more easily to speeding up movement between buildings in a complex to an alternative for urban commuters. While the Segway has not become as widely used as many people initially thought it would be, they are still used in a number of ways. People with certain disabilities can use them to get around, often more easily than they could use a wheelchair or other assistive device.

They are used by a number of urban police departments, both in the United States and abroad. Police departments in cities like Chicago and New York have struggled with the most efficient and timely method of patrolling busy parts of their city; cars can get caught in traffic, walking can be too slow and wear on officers, and there are problems with bicycles or horses as well. The relatively small size and tight turning radius of the Segway makes it well-suited for use in busy cities. For these same reasons, they are also being used in some theme parts for the convenience of visitors and employees. People who work on corporate campuses, a series of office buildings scattered on grounds, may have had the experience of rushing to get across the campus for a meeting while trying to keep their suit clean; the machines can also be used as a solution to this problem.

Related Information

Human Transporters
Segways are human transporters that are easy to use and convenient.

Personal Transportation
Personal transportation might be needed by city dwellers or those working on corporate