 Washington
DC Segway |
Welcome!
Interested in the Segway Human Transporter? Welcome!
***IMPORTANT NOTE: For DC Segway users who wish to utilize the Washington DC metrorail system during rush hours, you *MUST* complete and submit WMATA disability paperwork. To download the PDF forms, click HERE. Use within the Metrorail system is allowed during non-rush hours without additional paperwork -- this paperwork is only necessary if you have a "metro approved" disability which would allow you to use them in the system during peak hours, or on special event days where metro capacity is expected to peak.
What is a Segway?
Walt Mossberg, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, summed it up best in an article that appeared in the April 10, 2003 paper: "My verdict is that the Segway HT is great fun to ride, is safe and stable, and is a truly impressive use of digital technology. It is easy to learn, and in many ways is just plain amazing."
Many people simply call it a scooter or an electric bicycle. It's easy to see why people might describe a Segway in these ways.
But, none of those descriptions truly represent what a Segway is. That's like calling a good wine "grape juice".
The Segway Human Transporter is an inherently unstable vehicle. Unlike conventional two-wheeled vehicles, the Segway relies on its onboard computers and gryoscopes to control its movement. Without those control mechanisms, the Segway would be so unstable that no normal human can ride or operate it.
Like high-performance military jets (which rely on computers to keep them flying straight), the computer-assisted balancing technology makes the Segway a highly agile and manueverable vehicle.
Why get a Segway?
There are many reasons to own a Segway. I've found I often end up heading downtown from where I live in Southeast, and needing to get from my first destination to several others that are too near to drive to, and to far to walk in a timely fashion.
I also have a more practical/conscientious reasons: the Segway replaces the car for short-hop no-cargo (or minimum cargo) trips to nearby businesses, and it gets me moving outdoors.
From a strict economic analysis, the Segway doesn't quite make sense on it's own. With gas prices near $2/gallon, the Segway currently costs about the same to operate per mile as a regular passenger car, when you factor in the cost of the Segway and minimal electricity it takes to operate. (The cost comparison excludes the cost of insurance.) But I feel better about not lugging around 3,000 lbs. of steel just to pick up a loaf of bread or head to my bank.
Of course, I can also combat gas consumption (and thus the direct spending costs, the indirect pollution costs, and the indirect oil-politics costs) by driving new technology cars. my hope is to look into the new GM hybrid cars or a future Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee once I need to replace my current Jeep.
Looking for Segway Accessories?
Interested in Segway accessories, 0r have any suggestion for gear that you think is ideal for the Segway community? Please let me know! click here to email me.
I am currently collecting Segway-oriented products and accessories for my own use and am evaluating them for reviews to be posted here, or elsewhere online.
Ready to buy? Support this site!
Have you've decided to purchase the Segway HT i167 ? If so, please conside buying it through the DC Segway Amazon-affiliates link. Your purchase will offset the cost of running this site. Thank you!
Click here to view the Segway HT i167 at Amazon.com
Please note that this site is not operated by or affiliated in any way to Segway LLC, the manufacturer of the Segway Human Transporter, and, as such, there is no endorsement, either stated or implied, by Segway LLC.
For the official Segway website, please visit: http://www.segway.com
Segway HT i167 |