Four minute mile? sharing a thought on speed
 

I have recently tried a little experiment in psychology.

For the last few weeks, when people ask me how fast the seg goes, I tell them either 3-4 times walking speed, or that I can cover a mile in about 5 or 6 minutes.

I've noticed when you refer to the segway speed in 'miles per hour' folks seem more prone to associate that term with the only thing in their minds that they can reference, namely a car or motorcycle. I'm sure, that subconsciously, the brain makes the association of:

milesperhourcarmotorcyclesidewalkbaddangerous....

the other association that also may occur is:

milesperhourcarmotorcyclesegwayslowwhydontyoudrive ?...


By referring to the Segway more in relation to human capabilities, I seem to get more positive responses.

When I tell people they could probably run faster than the seg, they don't seem as intimidated by the technology.

I can now make the comparison to the recently completed LA Marathon.
I let people know that I can cover a mile 6 seconds faster than the winner, but he'd beat me because I'd run out of juice a few miles shy of the finish line!

When people compare that data to their own speed capabilities they are more impressed with the endurance capabilities of the Segway, and can more readily understand and accept why I ride one as opposed to walking or driving.

So no more references to MPH for me.

Just a little food for thought.

David S

I love my magic carpet!
Yahoo Group - SEGOC

I use the same analogy when asked 'how fast?' Either 'about as fast as a world championship Marathon runner' or 'about the speed of a languid cyclist'. 12.5 mph or 20 kph doesn't mean much to most people, probably better if they want numbers to say 5.5 metres/sec or 18 feet/sec- about the length of a small American Car ;) or a couple of feet more than two Smart cars...

excellent point

it goes "running speed".

Languid?
1. Lacking energy or vitality; weak.
2. Showing little or no spirit or animation; listless.
3. Lacking vigor or force; slow.

http://pwp.value.net/~fitness/graphics/crwminut.gif
Note that your 12mph languid cyclist is burning the same calories per minute as a pedestrian traveling at a typical 3 mph pace. I wouldn't call the pedestrian lanquid but moving at a comfortable speed that is sustainable for lengthy periods without getting sweaty. Same for the 12mph cyclist. It's what is called a 'conversational pace' i.e. going as fast as you can while being able to carry on a normal conversation with your traveling companions.

Besides, does any one use 'languid' in day-to-day conversation on either side of the pond? It's nebulus obfuscation. ;)

JohnM
Anything worth doing for 2 hours is 10 times more worthwhile if done for 20 hours.
RUSA #235

But slow running at that!!! We clocked a 325 pound NFL defensive lineman at 17 mph in a 40 yard dash and the fastest human can reach a speed in excess of 27 mph.....

Lately, if the speed topic comes up, I find myself saying "as fast as you can jog, but slower than you can run" to those that appear to be in fit condition.

To those that don't appear to be so fit, I say "a bit faster than walking speed". We don't want to scare off all the unHTed pedestrians now do we?

Only if pressed do I indicate the top speed, usually after explaining the color key system.

All of you smart people turn me on.... Say some more please? PLEEAASSSEEE??????

Dave from Metro Detroit.

boy, some people do seem to want to justify themselves...

I answer the question as accuratly as I can, but it depends on who you are talking to, as to how detailed or number specific you offer.

I did notice several versions of saying the same thing in this thread, and some were quite inventive...

One of my best to date, in addition to many of those above was this," Watch me, I can go this fast!" and I glode away...

Karl Ian Sagal

Each road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass.

As a new member of Segwaychat, you may not have seen some of these old threads yet:

http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2722
http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8618
http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5345
http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6785
http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8618

World class Marathoners can average 4:45 per mile- it would make an interesting race.

Rick

Yes. To say it goes "running speed" doesn't say that no one can run faster. But at 12.5mph = 4.8 minute mile, "running speed" is a reasonable frame of reference people can relate to.

I tell people "about 12 miles an hour".

Devin

I hate to belabor a simple point, but the point is an important one, IMHO.

It can be said that the "value proposition" of a Segway is that it is an "electric pedestrian", or electriped. It distinguishes itself most from other devices in its ability to coexist with pedestrians.

I would define "electriped" characteristics as:

• Small device footprint in both dimensions.
• Rider head height at level of pedestrian for visibility, interaction and conversation.
• Device is stable with rider at low speed or while standing still.
• Small or zero turning radius for maximum mobility in crowded or tight spaces.
• Safe operation in crowded pedestrian environments.
• Quiet operation.
• Non-polluting - may be used indoors.

As an electriped, "running speed" IS a useful comparison. I'm not against saying it goes up to 12.5mph, but I would add that that translates to "about running speed". To say it goes "slower than a bicycle" or "slower than a fast sprinter" does NOT do it justice.

Gary

http://www.draft.cc/draft3/Portals/0...ter/Maniac.bmp

<center>The problem with using a term like running is " Speed is relative, it really depends upon your perspective" ;)</center>

well, personally (unlike cmonkey), I don't mind stating the 12.5"mph", but I do think "running speed" is a good comparison to add as even though it can vary, relative to other comparisons (bikes, motor vehicles, walking, etc.) I think "running speed" does give you a rough perspective. I think when you say to people "running speed", they realize people can run at various speeds, but I do think it gives them the idea how fast it goes.

As Segway tries to coexist on sidewalks as an EPAMD with pedestrians, it shouldn't scare anyone to know that it goes only as fast as a pedestrian can choose to go on his own power.

Gary

I like the idea of RUNNING SPEED - jogging speed would technicly be less than 8min per mile

Running speed, jogging speed, it depends whether the question is "How fast CAN it go?", or "how fast does it end up going?" After all, some sidewalks are lumpier than others...

Instead of elecri ped, how about Galvanic Pedestrian? It conjours up images of frogs legs twitching about....

Regards Isidore

Been through this before and the subject of other discussions. The serious question is: What is the generic (non-brand name) term for a Seg? "Electriped", IMHO, while not perfect, seems best of the alternatives I've heard. (besides, I wouldn't know how to convert 12.5mph to frog hops :D )

Gary

PED of POD?
 

To avoid this potentially embarassing confusion, you might want to go with 'electropod/electropode' since ped is child in Greek, but foot in Latin, whereas pod/pode is alway foot. That way your electric foot will never be mistaken for an electric child.

electripod - change of vowel
 

Point well taken. I'm down with the "pod". We could split hairs all day with whether the vowel that precedes "pod" should be an "o" or an "i", but I'm going with "electripod" as short for "electric pedestrian", or "electric foot".

I wasn't familiar with the Greek and Latin, but one of the things that did bother me about "ped" was that it could also be short for "pedal", which is a misnomer in this case.

Thank you, John!

Electripod ... I have visions of a remake of "The Invasion of the Body Snatchers".:eek:

How about calling the Segway HT with rider: Pedestrian++

So it's an Epod. I tell people that for me it is "run for your life speed". I haven't had the assignment yet to run for my life but I do know that 12.5 mph is faster than I would run in general.

Maybe that is the best one. The reason I avoided suggesting "ePod" and "ePed" before is because of all the other hits that come up on Google for them, whereas "electripod" has nothing else to be confused with. Weirdly close to "iPod" too.

I would, IMHO, find "ePod" as an acceptable short form of "electripod". Electripod as the correct and very specific formal term, and ePod as the short version. "ePod" sounds like it could be a verb too.