As a segway owner, I must say that it was very rude of this person to ride in without asking. There are businesses I ride into, but only after talking to the business to get their permission. Others, I just park the segway outside. On the other hand when the segway is parked, it takes up only a 2'x2' footprint, and much smaller above the tires. I take it into some extremely small businesses here in Belmont Shore, and park it against the wall, and nobody trips over it.
I must say that the reactions seen on segway chat probably have much to do with the unplesant comments and even sometimes violent acts we segway users deal with on a daily basis. As I ride my segway to work, I generally recieve at least 5 rude comments every day. Of course i also get 20-25 thumbs up or bicyclists wanting to know about my segway. And now, one more article with segways in a bad light. Oh well.
I ride up to the door, open the door, ride into the living room, and park it by the plug. I also ride it into my friends house and park it right next to his segway. The silica based tires leave no marks, and the machine takes up very little room. Several of the establishments I visit let me ride in and plug in. Many people don't realize how little electricity these machines use. In the 2 hours i would be in a restaurant the machine would consume less than $0.05 of electricty assuming the battery was drained enough that it was charging the whole time. I'm guessing the average check in this restaurant could cover that, or they could add a $2.00 segway surcharge, and make money on the deal.
Among others, a segway is classified as an EPMAD and as such is classified as a pedistrian in many states. Also, the ability to stand in place and the ability to turn 360* in place might be differences.
When Dean Kamen sold the manufacturing right for the Ibot wheel chair to Johnson and Johnson, they allowed him to retain rights to use the balancing technology for other products, but only if that technology was not used in a medical device. Because of that contract, segway inc. will not attempt certification as a medical device.
In my experience, as first an owner, and now a dealer, police are by far the worst operators. They refuse to listen to instruction, and believe that they will "control" it by force if neccesary. Unfortunately for them, the segway requires that you let the machine balance you, and that you be smooth and delicate with your movements, or the segway is jerky and extremely difficult to ride.
That sounds a lot like the cop who refused to read the letter I carry from the city attorney's office stating that my city's "scooter laws" do not apply to segways. He was smarter than everyone, and refused to be educated. In the end, a second cop showed up, read the city attorney's letter, and I glided away.
Anyway, thanks to Don for allowing me to talk on this subject.
Mike
