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OPMD · 11-15-2017, 11:52 PM

Hi Jim and any others interested in this thread. Sorry for the delayed response. I haven't been on the forum for a long time. Hopefully this will help someone in Jim's or my situation,

I've used an X2 Segway (with I2 wheels installed) with a SegSaddle since 2010 as my primary mobility device. It is by far the best way I have found to get around. I use it in grocery stores, Walmart, and most other stores you could name. I've also used it at the beach, off road on slopes so steep that my back battery would drag when I turned around to come back down hill. I've dragged metal picnic tables 20 feet. I've crashed more times than I can remember. I crashed in the rain on the Appalachian Trail on top of Roan Mountain Tennessee. Every crash was because I was trying to push the envelope to see what the Segway will do. Don't try any of this if you are worried about hitting the ground. If you spin a wheel you are going to go down, sometimes fast and hard.

I tell you this just so you know I have a lot of experience using the Segway in many different environments up to and past its limitations.

I have used almost the exact words you use to describe your disdain for the traditional mobility devices. I've been 6'5" all my life, I don't want to be 4' tall looking at peoples butts. In a scooter or wheel chair people seem to treat you as an obstacle that needs to be gotten around. I've used the Segway at conventions/shows that were wall to wall people. The reaction is like you are Moses parting the Sea. You get noticed and respect. You are the coolest guy in the building. Their words, not mine.

The Segway is a very intuitive device. You can glide up to a door, grab the handle, lean back to open, push the door the rest of the way open, and roll through. After a few times you don't even have think about it. It is almost the same motions you would use if you were walking. You still feel very independent.

The one thing that I like about the seated position is that I can push a shopping cart with my hands while I steer with my knees. Grocery shopping is pretty easy. The only issue I have is getting things off the bottom shelf. Seated, I put my foot on the floor so I can lean forward without rolling forward. Usually this makes it doable. If you are standing you can probably come up with a technique or attachment so you can use your legs to steer the Segway and your hands to steer the cart. Bottom shelf would require you to get off the Segway, park it, get your item, and get back on.

I've pushed lumber carts at Home Depot that were loaded with 500 lbs. Stopping takes some distance so you don't want to go too fast.

I love my Segway. I dread the time that I will not be able to use it any longer. It's not cheap. The seat was expensive. It has been worth it for me. It will go places no other wheeled mobility device will go, allow you to do things you thought you would have to give up.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

11-15-2017, 11:52 PM	#6
OPMD Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: greenville, sc Posts: 27	Hi Jim and any others interested in this thread. Sorry for the delayed response. I haven't been on the forum for a long time. Hopefully this will help someone in Jim's or my situation, I've used an X2 Segway (with I2 wheels installed) with a SegSaddle since 2010 as my primary mobility device. It is by far the best way I have found to get around. I use it in grocery stores, Walmart, and most other stores you could name. I've also used it at the beach, off road on slopes so steep that my back battery would drag when I turned around to come back down hill. I've dragged metal picnic tables 20 feet. I've crashed more times than I can remember. I crashed in the rain on the Appalachian Trail on top of Roan Mountain Tennessee. Every crash was because I was trying to push the envelope to see what the Segway will do. Don't try any of this if you are worried about hitting the ground. If you spin a wheel you are going to go down, sometimes fast and hard. I tell you this just so you know I have a lot of experience using the Segway in many different environments up to and past its limitations. I have used almost the exact words you use to describe your disdain for the traditional mobility devices. I've been 6'5" all my life, I don't want to be 4' tall looking at peoples butts. In a scooter or wheel chair people seem to treat you as an obstacle that needs to be gotten around. I've used the Segway at conventions/shows that were wall to wall people. The reaction is like you are Moses parting the Sea. You get noticed and respect. You are the coolest guy in the building. Their words, not mine. The Segway is a very intuitive device. You can glide up to a door, grab the handle, lean back to open, push the door the rest of the way open, and roll through. After a few times you don't even have think about it. It is almost the same motions you would use if you were walking. You still feel very independent. The one thing that I like about the seated position is that I can push a shopping cart with my hands while I steer with my knees. Grocery shopping is pretty easy. The only issue I have is getting things off the bottom shelf. Seated, I put my foot on the floor so I can lean forward without rolling forward. Usually this makes it doable. If you are standing you can probably come up with a technique or attachment so you can use your legs to steer the Segway and your hands to steer the cart. Bottom shelf would require you to get off the Segway, park it, get your item, and get back on. I've pushed lumber carts at Home Depot that were loaded with 500 lbs. Stopping takes some distance so you don't want to go too fast. I love my Segway. I dread the time that I will not be able to use it any longer. It's not cheap. The seat was expensive. It has been worth it for me. It will go places no other wheeled mobility device will go, allow you to do things you thought you would have to give up. Hope this helps. Jeff