Is the Segway for people with Balance Issues?

[John F]

I've had a tough year... I eman real tough year. I've had 2 back operations due to weakness in my legs. The first operation didn't solve the problem I was having and the second operation did solve the problem. I am rehabbign from that operation right now.

And what I am facing right now is bad balance due to some lingering muscle weakness. I was interested in the Segway before things got grim, and I'm a little more interested in the device now... but does it work well for people who have balance problems?

Get a better 'Gauge on things (http://www.stonegauge.com)

Boltsmag - Tampa Bay LIghtning weblog (http://boltsmag.com)

[SegwayUtah]

John F.,

This is a question which has come up again and again, for obvious reasons.

The overwhelming answer so far is yes, the Segway HT has the magical ability to correct many balance impairments, almost like a magical pair of legs.

Here is my recommendation: find a local owner (through the SEGamerica.org "find local members" feature, for members only) or through the Search feature here on SegwayChat.com. There are a ton of owners in Florida.

Try it out for yourself, and see how it works. Make sure you are comfortable getting on and off without assistance (which shouldn't be too difficult), etc.

The official line I've heard is something like "if you can walk up and down stairs without assistance, you can ride a Segway HT." The Segway HT is not for everyone, but for those that cannot use the HT there is an iBOT :)

There may just be a magical pair of sneakers, so to say, in your future.

So sorry to hear about your rough year :(

Chris

[John F]

Well, seeing Tampa Bay is so much sprawl and I missed Pam when she was in the Bay area, I was planning on going to Brookstone at an upscale mall and trying to get a test glide there...

Also -- checking SegAmerica and finding "The fifty closests members within 100 miles", nary a response came up... Fun stuff :/

thanks Chris

Get a better 'Gauge on things (http://www.stonegauge.com)

Boltsmag - Tampa Bay LIghtning weblog (http://boltsmag.com)

[SegwayUtah]

quote:Also -- checking SegAmerica and finding "The fifty closests members within 100 miles", nary a response came up... Fun stuff :/

John,

Did you enter your zipcode during the registration process on SEGamerica.org? You must be in the middle of nowhere if there are no members within 100 miles, or the website isn't understanding your postal code.

What cities are near Palm Harbor?

Also, letting an owner give you a test-ride may be more satisfactory than trying one out at Brookstone. Some of the Brookstone stores probably do a good job, but some of them are probably clueless and you might walk away with the wrong impression of an HT.

If you do go to a Brookstone, remember:

1. Your first instinct may be to balance the machine. Don't. It will balance you.
2. Pretend like it's a stepping stool or a platform.
3. Step up with one foot, and then step up with the other foot.

If you start rocking back and forth gently, it's because you're not trusting the machine :) It really _will_ balance you. Just center yourself on the platform, relax, and let the machine become an extension of you.

It's really an amazing experience.

Let us know how it goes!

Chris

[John F]

Palm Harbor is near Tampa... So I am not really far (OK, 90 miles or so) from Celebration and NEVRLand but I'd need to get a ride out there. Also getting a ride down south to one of the Sarasota Segway owners isn't possible...

FIlled out full registration on SegAmerica so my Zip is in there... There are just no registered users near me. There was one person on the search on this site who owned a segway but he hasn't been here since November

Get a better 'Gauge on things (http://www.stonegauge.com)

Boltsmag - Tampa Bay LIghtning weblog (http://boltsmag.com)

[QuadSquad]

Hi John,
I think that the segway might be just the ticket for you, but as Chris says you'll never know until you try it.

It is very important that you get a demo from someone who is very good at giving them. My suggestion is that you e-mail Leonard Timm who is the cofounder of DRAFT and lives in Celebration. his e-mail address is LTimm@DRAFT.cc

I'm certain that he will be able to assist you in making arrangements for an adequate demonstration experience for you. After that you'll be able to assess whether you want a new HT or a new set of wings, for people with disabilities they seem comparable!

[jrmiller]

STOP GO NO FURTHER DO NOT PASS GO .... I live in Palm Harbor and I would be thrilled to give you a demo. The local Brookstone store in the mall does not have a HT to demo. You can e-mail me or call. the onfo is in the members section. I live in the Westlake Village area Alderman and Belcher RD. PLease contact me.... JR SEG-ON SEG-RIGHT

[John F]

I am emailing you right now Jr -- this is excellent

Get a better 'Gauge on things (http://www.stonegauge.com)

Boltsmag - Tampa Bay LIghtning weblog (http://boltsmag.com)

[jrmiller]

JohnF Got your E-mail and it is OK to call me. Please do so before 5:30 today as I have a family function to go to this evening. JR

[John F]

will do JR.


Get a better 'Gauge on things (http://www.stonegauge.com)

Boltsmag - Tampa Bay LIghtning weblog (http://boltsmag.com)

[John F]

Jerry, thank you SO MUCH for the Demo...

I've been on Segwaychat on and off for s years (since jsut after the "Early delivery winners" were announced) and this was the first time I got to see a Segway up close - let alone ride one....

"The glide", "Segway Smile" -- it all happened like magic.

Thanks again! And thanks, Chris, for your support too. Jerry can tell you I took to the Segway pretty quick.

Get a better 'Gauge on things (http://www.stonegauge.com)

Boltsmag - Tampa Bay LIghtning weblog (http://boltsmag.com)

[SegwayUtah]

John,

It sounds like you had a great time. The Segway HT may just be "life changing" for you. Those are big words, but they are very true for those whose mobility is enhanced, or made possible, by the HT.

Hoping that I can join you on a glide some day,

Chris

[jillmac]

Congratulations!!!! I have only just seen your post and so have followed it to fruition! I am so glad you got to glide.

I have vertigo and other types of dizziness, plus intermittent problems with walking etc. The Segway has been a true lifesaver for me. I have been able to join in and do all sorts of things I had given up and it is so wonderful to have energy to spare are the end of a 'walk' with my husband, or a 'walk' into town.

Hope things work out and that you 'go for it.' Life just won't be the same. By the way - you might also want to send for a little disabled sticker to put on the control shaft if you do purchase. It stops a lot of the challenges from the 'sidewalk police' who insist on telling you that it's illegal, even though they don't have a clue.

Keep us posted.
Jill

Nothing is inexplicable, merely unexplained..... Dr. Who

[jrmiller]

Jill, I showed JohnF my sticker and how I got it. He did pretty well for the first time on an HT. I think that with some practice and a spotter he would do quit well. Hew is still recooping from surgery and with some rehab and more strength in his legs, who know what boundries he may pursue!! JR SEG-ON SEG-RIGHT