Segway & Some Disabilities

tak · 12-30-2002, 02:01 PM

Before note: I wonder if this could be a thread to collect people who fit in any category of disability who expect to benefit from the Segway. Anybody else??????? Of course, anybody is invited to write anything.
..............................................
I know that the Segway was not designed for people with disabilities, but I am betting that there is a level of disibility which will be "saved" by the Segway. I probably wouldn't be dreaming about it as much if I had the strength to walk a lot, but with the Segway I'm expecting a whole new lease on life. My particular health problem is called Still's Disease, but I'm sure there are a level of people out there which don't have the strength to walk far. I/we are perfectly able, but will get sick from using too much of my precious energy. I have always loved to walk and soooooo much miss walking out in nature. I'm not planning on the rugged, wild areas, but often even these areas have walking paths on them. I guess I'll be the tester for just how rugged is safe, but I'm an old guy, (well,starting) so I'm sure I won't over do it as I learn how much it can handle. I plan to keep one of my miricle inventions, the cell phone with me but I expect not to take chances, just to be out there. There are also plenty of roads in these areas with hardly any cars, so, will I get a new lease on life? (bad grammer?) I'm sure dreaming about it!!!!

Also, I just bought the roomba vacuum for my low energy. There's plenty to get upset with in the world, but isn't this a great time! Tom

Brooster · 12-30-2002, 07:59 PM

Tak, it sounds to me like you're gonna love your newfound capabilities. Please be sure to sign into our "Owners' Roll Call" thread up top.

Broo

Brooster

herpos · 01-03-2003, 11:46 AM

Tak, I too have a mobility disability (muscular dystrophy)and having tried the Segway aboard the Disney Magic a few weeks ago, I am buying one as well. The only real concerns are 1. an ability to step up on the platform (but the central staff helps that and a cane can also help) and 2. an ability to stand somewhat erect rather than lean over and obviously 3.the distance of the glide will depend on standing stamina.
But in every case this is much better than any method for getting around (even for the normal folks)

hodgepoj · 01-03-2003, 03:00 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by tak

I wonder if this could be a thread to collect people who fit in any category of disability who expect to benefit from the Segway. Anybody else???????

Mrs. Hodgepoj and I will both use our HT to help us get around, Tom. When I ordered it in November, I thought it would help her go farther and faster without losing her breath (she has emphysema). Then in December I was diagnosed with ostroarthritis in my hip, so I now walk with a cane -- more slowly than she does.

So when our HT is delivered we'll take turns seeing how it helps our mobility. If it's as good as I think it will be, we'll order a second one so we can glide around the neighborhood together.

What is Still's Disease? Does it just rob you of energy or does it also make you weaker or less limber?

hodgepoj

hodgepoj

casterman · 05-03-2003, 09:01 AM

i am not disable but i have only a rigth hand(no left) does anyone knows if the HT can be retrofitted to be steered on the rigth.
thanks
Kemal

pam · 05-03-2003, 10:54 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by casterman

i am not disable but i have only a rigth hand(no left) does anyone knows if the HT can be retrofitted to be steered on the rigth.
thanks
Kemal

Contact Segway at 866-4Segway - I'm guessing they're the only one who really knows at this point. Haven't heard of it being done, but we also are a somewhat limited subset of all the existing Segway owners.
Pam

jillmac · 05-03-2003, 11:48 AM

Tom: There are quite a few of us here with mobility problems (for me MS) who are finding a whole new lease on life with the Segway. To be able to 'walk' the country lanes and run into town on a whim without pulling out the car is just wonderful.

It's such a joy to actually be 'out there' rather than stuck in a car with the windows up. I am having the best fun I have had in years and the Segway has proven to be better than any medicine that could be prescribed!

Happy gliding.

Jill

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

MONTIE · 05-03-2003, 02:53 PM

My wife has had back surgery and can not walk long distances however, gliding makes all the difference..Montie

Lazarus · 05-03-2003, 04:58 PM

Hi Tak!
John and I have been wondering how you are doing. I use Seg every day now and have experience with all terrains.

Deviant (member of this board) changed my red and my yellow key to have the turning speed of the black key (slower) and it has made gliding a lot safer for me.

Glad to hear how you are doing with your Segway.....Linda

casterman · 05-05-2003, 05:40 PM

I called Segway about the retrofitting and.. I got a polite we are sorry but even at that price we do not support people with disabilities. I have to say i just tried a Segway it is definitely a revolutionary idea. However i feel very disappointed that they do not even pretend or try to help challenged people. That’s not revolutionary sound very old fashion to me. I did not use to have this problem on my left side a year ago. Now i can really experience what physical limitation are all about? Any way hopefully some other company more proactive an wiling to be integrated in our society might under some kind of license build more customizable solution.
Kemal

12-30-2002, 02:01 PM	#1
tak Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 46	Segway & Some Disabilities Before note: I wonder if this could be a thread to collect people who fit in any category of disability who expect to benefit from the Segway. Anybody else??????? Of course, anybody is invited to write anything. .............................................. I know that the Segway was not designed for people with disabilities, but I am betting that there is a level of disibility which will be "saved" by the Segway. I probably wouldn't be dreaming about it as much if I had the strength to walk a lot, but with the Segway I'm expecting a whole new lease on life. My particular health problem is called Still's Disease, but I'm sure there are a level of people out there which don't have the strength to walk far. I/we are perfectly able, but will get sick from using too much of my precious energy. I have always loved to walk and soooooo much miss walking out in nature. I'm not planning on the rugged, wild areas, but often even these areas have walking paths on them. I guess I'll be the tester for just how rugged is safe, but I'm an old guy, (well,starting) so I'm sure I won't over do it as I learn how much it can handle. I plan to keep one of my miricle inventions, the cell phone with me but I expect not to take chances, just to be out there. There are also plenty of roads in these areas with hardly any cars, so, will I get a new lease on life? (bad grammer?) I'm sure dreaming about it!!!! Also, I just bought the roomba vacuum for my low energy. There's plenty to get upset with in the world, but isn't this a great time! Tom

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12-30-2002, 07:59 PM	#2
Brooster Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 4,050	Tak, it sounds to me like you're gonna love your newfound capabilities. Please be sure to sign into our "Owners' Roll Call" thread up top. Broo Brooster

01-03-2003, 11:46 AM	#3
herpos Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: , , . Posts: 49	Tak, I too have a mobility disability (muscular dystrophy)and having tried the Segway aboard the Disney Magic a few weeks ago, I am buying one as well. The only real concerns are 1. an ability to step up on the platform (but the central staff helps that and a cane can also help) and 2. an ability to stand somewhat erect rather than lean over and obviously 3.the distance of the glide will depend on standing stamina. But in every case this is much better than any method for getting around (even for the normal folks)

05-03-2003, 09:01 AM	#5
casterman New Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: washington, dc, USA. Posts: 4	i am not disable but i have only a rigth hand(no left) does anyone knows if the HT can be retrofitted to be steered on the rigth. thanks Kemal

05-03-2003, 11:48 AM	#7
jillmac Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: San Juan Capistrano, California, . Posts: 510	Tom: There are quite a few of us here with mobility problems (for me MS) who are finding a whole new lease on life with the Segway. To be able to 'walk' the country lanes and run into town on a whim without pulling out the car is just wonderful. It's such a joy to actually be 'out there' rather than stuck in a car with the windows up. I am having the best fun I have had in years and the Segway has proven to be better than any medicine that could be prescribed! Happy gliding. Jill Nothing is inexplicable, merely unexplained..... Dr. Who

05-03-2003, 02:53 PM	#8
MONTIE Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: ABILENE, TEXAS, . Posts: 300	My wife has had back surgery and can not walk long distances however, gliding makes all the difference..Montie

05-03-2003, 04:58 PM	#9
Lazarus Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Feeding Hills, MA, . Posts: 144	Hi Tak! John and I have been wondering how you are doing. I use Seg every day now and have experience with all terrains. Deviant (member of this board) changed my red and my yellow key to have the turning speed of the black key (slower) and it has made gliding a lot safer for me. Glad to hear how you are doing with your Segway.....Linda

05-05-2003, 05:40 PM	#10
casterman New Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: washington, dc, USA. Posts: 4	I called Segway about the retrofitting and.. I got a polite we are sorry but even at that price we do not support people with disabilities. I have to say i just tried a Segway it is definitely a revolutionary idea. However i feel very disappointed that they do not even pretend or try to help challenged people. That’s not revolutionary sound very old fashion to me. I did not use to have this problem on my left side a year ago. Now i can really experience what physical limitation are all about? Any way hopefully some other company more proactive an wiling to be integrated in our society might under some kind of license build more customizable solution. Kemal

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