The All-electric Personal Transport System

Aside from the newest additions to the electric car market, personal transportation was also carried in the crest of the demand. One of the newest electric personal transport systems that have hit the market is the Segway PT.

This contraption is a two-wheeled self-balancing transport platform invented by Dean Kamen. The basic design includes computers and motors mounted at the base of the vehicle keeps the Segway PT upright and balanced. The user moves the vehicle forward by shifting their weight forward on the platform and move backward by shifting weight backward. In order to navigate, the weight is transferred depending on the direction sought to go to and by pushing the handlebars. On a full charge, the Segway can run up to 24 miles per full charge.

Technologically, gyroscopic sensors as well as fluid based leveling sensors detect the weight shifts. From there, the onboard computer then manages the speed as well as the travel of the wheels to adjust to the passenger's requirements. The maximum speed of the Segway is 12.5 miles per hour and takes its inspiration from the inverted pendulum. It has electric motors powered by a rechargeable phosphate based lithium ion battery array. The drive motors are created by Valence Technology and is independently run and monitored by the onboard computer depending on the shifting of weights and turn of the handlebar.

Segways are best used for sidewalks, curb cuts and ramps on the road. They started out as the techies way of getting about but now, Segways have performed a social function to allow many disabled individuals, either by disease or war, to become personally mobile and not hampered by wheelchairs or crutches. The problem though this transport platform cannot be used as a medical device similar to prosthetics because there has been no approval as a medical use device in the United States.

As a personal transport system, use of the Segway on public thoroughfares is severely limited. They are not allowed on city bike paths as they are motorized and they cannot be licensed nor insured. They have also been cited for safety concerns as there are no helmets for its users and its top speed of 25 miles can definitely hurt pedestrians and passers-by. Allowed use of the Segways depends on the city and country laws in force. Thus, before purchasing this personal transport platform, it would be best to train in its use and learn the allowed use for it on roads before taking it out on a spin.