Wednesday, June 2, 2004

Chief: Segways don’t belong on PTC cart paths

By JOHN MUNFORD

jmunford@thecitizennews.com

The Segway Human Transporter, a two-wheeled transportation marvel, has been graded with a “D” by the Peachtree City Police Department. Officers wanted to determine if the vehicle is suited to operate on the city’s golf cart paths.

Chief James Murray said the Segway HT, which allows one passenger on a platform supported by a single axle, isn’t a great fit for the path system.

“The cart paths were not designed for them,” Murray said. He added that Segway riders would have little protection if they collided with a golf cart.

The city council could ultimately decide Segways are OK for the path system, but for now they are classified as a “scooter” under the city ordinance and therefore can’t be driven on the cart path, the chief said.

The Segway can go at speeds up to 12.5 mph, according to the company. It was designed to be mobile enough for indoor use also, company officials said.

Murray said the issue of having Segways on the cart path likely won’t be an issue for a while. Anyone who can afford a Segway can afford a golf cart, which provides more protection from the elements, he said.

The Segway does not have a cover or roof to shield the driver from rain and snow.

The Segway features a special computerized gyroscope balancing system to keep the driver upright during operation. To move forward, the driver leans forward; to move backward, the driver leans backward. The further you lean, the faster it goes.

Because the Segway propelling system is so unique, the company trains riders on the vehicle before delivery. Also, the Segway can be designed to work at one of three maximum speed settings based on the rider’s experience, making it easier for beginners to handle, officials said.

Murray said he also looked at possibly putting the Segway to use for police activities, but other agencies have experienced problems with negotiating street curbs at times.

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