FAQ

The Segway® Personal Transporter (PT) is the world's first self balancing, zero emissions personal transportation vehicle. Segway was originally invented for use by NASA. It was an idea from a Japanese electrical engineer and was developed over years of research and development by fourteen of the world's top engineers. The Segway PT is the result of Segway Inc's goal to produce a highly-efficient, extremely manoeuvrable, environmentally friendly transportation solution that takes minimal space and can operate on pedestrian pathways. Ideal for short commutes, Segway PTs can travel as far as 38km on a single battery charge, depending on terrain, payload and riding style.

Simple to use, the Segway PT instinctively moves with you. Standing on a platform between two side-by-side wheels and holding the handlebars, you move forward and backward by leaning in the direction you wish to move. Once you are onboard, 5 gyroscopes and 2 accelerometers sense changing terrain and respond to your body position 100 times per second.
The basic functions of the Segway can be learned by most people in a matter of seconds. Our staff will teach you how to ride. The Segway's operation is so intuitive and, with a little training and familiarisation, you'll feel completely at home on a Segway in a matter of minutes.

Segway PT have two operational settings - 'beginner' (or 'turtle') mode and 'standard' mode. The beginner setting is set to 13kph (6mph). The standard setting is set to travel up to 20kph (12.5mph) - roughly equivalent to a 5-minute mile.

On a single charge the Segway PT i2 can travel up to 38km (24 miles), while the x2 model is good for up to 19km (12 miles). Keep in mind that travel distances depend on payload, riding style and terrain. In addition, batteries will recharge when traveling down hills.

Riders must stand at least 110cm in height. The weight limit for riding a Segway is 118kg. Since riding a Segway requires you to be on your feet, you should be comfortable standing for no less than 90 minutes and capable of making minor shifts from front to back and side to side.
Your ability to safely control a Segway will be apparent during your training. If our trainers believe you are unable to safely control a Segway after an appropriate amount of training and familiarisation, for your own safety and that of others, you will not be allowed to take part in further activities.
The PT's maximum payload (including rider and cargo) is 117kg. The total weight of handlebar cargo plus any additional attachments hanging from the handlebar should not exceed 4.5kg.

We strongly recommend that expectant mothers do not participate in any Segway activities for their own safety and the safety of their child.

Participants on our Segway Tours must be 12 years of age or older.

You are required to wear enclosed shoes. Apart from this, wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the prevailing weather conditions. We provide protective helmets as part of the package, but please feel free to bring your own helmet.

If rain is forecast, we recommend bringing wet weather clothing. In light rain, a poncho will allow the tour to continue. But if the rain worsens, we could simply take a detour for coffee while we wait for the rain to ease. Then we go out again and have puddle fun!
Although the PT is sealed to allow it to operate in wet weather, it cannot withstand being submerged in water. So, you should avoid exposing the PT to heavy downpours and extended periods of heavy rain. Wet surfaces can be hazardous - caution is advised.

Yes. The Segway PT x2 and SE x2 PT are made specifically to handle tough terrain - from sandy beaches to rocky outcrops, these sturdy Segway models can take you where you need to go.

Yes. Segway PTs feature multiple redundant subsystems that work continuously to ensure operators remain balanced and come to a safe, controlled stop in the unlikely event of a component failure. If critical systems malfunction, the Segway PT will alert the operator with a gentle vibration of the platform, an audio signal, and details on the InfoKey® controller. Segway PTs reach a maximum speed of 20kph but can be set to 'Turtle speed' for beginners. Studies show that Segways do not pose a significant threat to other road users - no more so than other wheeled devices such as bicycles or scooters and have an average breaking distance of 2.7m, which is much shorter than more common pathway users including bicycles (4.8m), manual scooters (4.9m) and inline skates (8.4m). Segway-related injury is significantly low - a recent study involved 143 operators, covering more than 9000km without incident or serious injury. Nonetheless, we recommend the proper training be undertaken before you operate a Segway PT and that helmets be worn at all times during use.

Yes. The Segway balances for you but it's still under your control. You control its direction and speed, so it's essential to know the limitations of both your riding ability and the Segway itself. Practise your skills accordingly. As with driving a car or riding any moving device, care and observation of hazards is essential in order to avoid collisions.

Segway PTs are environmentally-friendly - they emit no exhaust, they're virtually noiseless and require only a small amount of electricity to recharge.
The Segway's low tyre pressure also means minimal land degradation, certainly no more than a bicycle.
The Segway PT is 11 times more efficient than the average American car and more than 3 times as efficient as even the highest-mileage scooters. Its complete absence of emissions, allows the Segway PT to be used indoors.
Although drawing electric power during recharge, the Segway PT still emits 14 times less greenhouse-gas than a car.

Segway PTs can maximise efficiency for many businesses, from security to marketing, to warehousing and agriculture. If you cover large areas in the course of your day and operate on private property, chances are a Segway PT will make your job a lot easier.
Contact us today to find out how a Segway PT might benefit your business.