Segway Rental Companies

NEVrland · 06-01-2003, 11:51 AM

Rentals:

People who have been watching Segway want to have the “Segway Experience”. The best way to expose a large number of people to the Segway is through demos or rentals. Rentals can and will lead into sales through exposure to the public. However, if not done properly rentals could become a major detriment to the Segway and self-balancing technology.

When a rental location opens they are possibly looking for a quick revenue scheme. If proper education about the product and its safe use is not given to the renter, then potential for problems exist. However, if the rental facility uses safe orientation techniques and educates the public about the product then they will have a great experience and will be able to envision how the Segway could be a part of their life.

The product as we all know is not about speed or to see what angles you can launch it off of or sharing it with your friends. The Segway is about transportation; the last mile commute is Dean’s vision. Rentals should be a tool for education, exposure and ultimately sales.

Rentals can be used for independent rentals or guided tours. They can give people a fun and education experience but a lot of due diligence should go into the business by the operator before they begin. We are all “ambassadors” of the Segway product. It is imperative that we make ourselves, as well as the product, successful. Businesses should go through the proper channels, work with city, county and state government officials and become part of the community in which you rent. We need the public and the community to be part of the experience so other areas will welcome the Segway.

Some of the rental locations popping up now will be of the “hit and run” variety. They are out to make a quick dollar without thought to the future of the product or the technology after they create negative media through unsafe education or lack of cooperation with the local community.

This email is not meant to make comparisons; it’s about one-man’s vision and how to make it succeed. I created our Segway rental business at NEVrland to promote the image of the product by allowing people to have a exceptional Segway experience and taking that experience back to their own lives. We are truly dedicated to the future of Segway and our new locations (soon to be franchises throughout Florida, the US and internationally) will provide a consistent, fun, quality experience for everyone.

We all need to do our part to contribute to the continued success of the Segway.

Keith Albrizzi
NEVrland

Keith Albrizzi NEVrland, Inc. Relay Transportation 407-566-0911 Segway Service, Sales and Rentals

maperrye1989 · 06-01-2003, 12:16 PM

Do you know how long till they come to chicago?

M.P.

GlideMaster · 06-01-2003, 12:31 PM

<center>Not long!</center>

<center>The GlideMaster</center>
<center>

</center>
<center>If You’re Not Graceful In Your Glide, You Must Just Be Out For A Ride. </center>
<center>Looking To Provide A Glide To And For The Rest Of The World</center>
<center>Glide On</center>

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by maperrye1989

Do you know how long till they come to chicago?

M.P.

Brooster · 06-01-2003, 01:06 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by maperrye1989

Do you know how long till they come to chicago?

After the unfortunate happenings in Seattle, I'm kind of afraid to even think about it. Just a few poorly trained, irresponsible renters on the lakefront, and the Chicago Park District could shut us all out. I'd be one bummed Brooster. The lakefront is where I do 75-80% of my riding. I can't say I'm the least bit supportive of rentals after what we've seen in the past week.

I really do fear that it'll be the undoing of everything we've worked so hard to promote. I hope I'm wrong.

Edit: I've really sort of held back on commenting about this issue. This is how I feel today ... my feelings aren't necessarily cast in stone forever. I hope that Keith and Larry really are going to set the standard for safety and responsibility. If they're successful in somehow passing the "ambassador" torch to their renters, more power to them. Time will tell the tale. Show me I'm wrong, guys. I'd love it.

BruceWright · 06-01-2003, 01:52 PM

Keith,

Do you think that perhaps the Rental business should have been the FIRST business that Segway got into? That way they could make sure that only approved Segway companies had access to Segways for rental? Segways could have been rolled out, in the public eye, safely and with the proper controls.

Monday-morning quarterbacking, I know.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

mzokc · 06-01-2003, 02:23 PM

Since mall glides and rentals are desired by the masses, combine them.

Disney should change "The Disney Store" to "Innoventions" and provide Segway style training for rental in the mall or other limited rental area, then SELL the Segway right on the spot.

I am serious. The Disney Company has the quality and reputation for safe theme park attractions. The visitors to the parks and cruise ship have been seeing/riding the Segway for over a year. It's a perfect use for most of those stores that need to be changed.

Mark

GyroGo · 06-01-2003, 03:11 PM

This has been a tough week of negative publicity for the rental market, but should not be prognosticator of the future of rentals. I think for the most part we are seeing people with good intentions who are still figuring things out in uncharted territory; there will be bumps in the glide. There may be a couple of bad apples, as in any business, but that should not spoil it for everybody.

Rental is not just about recreation; it as an important part of the “last mile” transportation solution. And there is nothing wrong with recreational use either.

Frankly, I’m getting a little tired of the owner bigotry and the transportation bigotry. I fail to see where owners have greater inherent rights to the use and enjoyment of Segways than renters, and one using it for transportation is better than one using it for recreation. Recreation is also an important part of life. Sure, in a societal sense, transportation is the nobler cause, but I don’t see that transferring to the individual’s rights.

While I recognize the concept that a renter theoretically may carry a very slightly higher accident risk, I firmly believe the difference will prove to be nominal and not a real issue. Many people are overstating the risk and describe a reckless disposition of renters.

I give renters credit for being responsible adults, and we have NO data trend to suggest otherwise. Adults understand they need to be careful, especially when they leave a drivers license, a credit card deposit, and they sign an agreement acknowledging their understanding of liability. I have yet to hear of one single incident (not that it will never happen) where a anyone was hurt, anything damaged, or anyone endangered by the specific action of a renter.

A few times I have heard the charge that renters sign a liability waiver as some sort of negative thing. Don’t you think this will cause them to be MORE careful? The rental company STILL NEEDS TO BE INSURED, and then an incident would not only be more likely avoided, but backed by more than one party. Liability waivers are good for rental, not bad.

Safety should be of paramount importance in renting and using Segways. Adequate training is a necessary component of both running a rental business and of using a Segway.

Segway to the future ...

. . SegCenter.com . .
StirlingInfo StirlingChat

ftropea · 06-01-2003, 03:26 PM

I think Gary just hit the nail on the head...

He wrote, "While I recognize the concept that a renter theoretically may be carry slightly higher accident risk, I firmly believe the difference will prove to be nominal and not a real issue. Many people are overstating the risk and describe a reckless disposition of renters."

If there are more renters per day than Segway HT owners in total, and the accident/incident rate among renters is higher than owners, then the public perception will be that Segway HTs are more dangerous than they actually are - hence the bans that we've seen.

Could it get worse?

(You don't have to answer that.. I know it can get worse. Yes, this has been a bad week.)

Regards,

Frank A. Tropea

Admin - "Keep your wheels on the ground!" - Contact Me

clm · 06-01-2003, 04:40 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by GyroGo

... Frankly, I'm getting a little tired of the owner bigotry and the transportation bigotry. ...

Hear, hear. If your a student of influence and the methods of advocacy groups, this is becoming an ideal case study. There is a saying around, "The pot calling the kettle black".

I see the disability groups working to ban Segways, which should occur in my town on June 17th, just two weeks from now. I see Segway owners working just as hard to ban rentals.

It is all about "turf".

My observation: People fear what they can't control, and ban what they don't care to keep for themselves.

This is why our forefathers wrote a love of "freedom" into the Bill of Rights. There are few true champions for real freedom. We are discussing on this board the elimination of the freedom of movement, one of the most basic of rights.

Think about it people! Think what kind of a world do you really want?

Chris

pt · 06-01-2003, 04:48 PM

clm-

no one is working to ban rentals, you're making a huge assumption and trying to confuse the issue(s).

it is not about turf, it's discussing what is safe, what is not and what we can do.

we all wrote emails and printed letters to your city, i'm fighting for you, we're fighting for you and each other.

gary (gyro) does not own a segway, he has never rented a segway and runs a segway site that features rentals. he has his point of view, other people have theirs.

welcome to an open forum of ideas.

we all want the ht to be allowed, some rental places are caused bans, just like your city. we're trying to figure it all out.

our founding fathers killed people when the english put a tax on their breakfast beverage! it wasn't even coffee :-]

so i think everyone needs to chill out a bit and look at the big picture.

cheers,
pt

======================

segway ht journal:
http://www.bookofseg.com

other stuff:
http://www.flashenabled.com

06-01-2003, 11:51 AM	#1
NEVrland Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: , Florida, . Posts: 34	Segway Rental Companies Rentals: People who have been watching Segway want to have the “Segway Experience”. The best way to expose a large number of people to the Segway is through demos or rentals. Rentals can and will lead into sales through exposure to the public. However, if not done properly rentals could become a major detriment to the Segway and self-balancing technology. When a rental location opens they are possibly looking for a quick revenue scheme. If proper education about the product and its safe use is not given to the renter, then potential for problems exist. However, if the rental facility uses safe orientation techniques and educates the public about the product then they will have a great experience and will be able to envision how the Segway could be a part of their life. The product as we all know is not about speed or to see what angles you can launch it off of or sharing it with your friends. The Segway is about transportation; the last mile commute is Dean’s vision. Rentals should be a tool for education, exposure and ultimately sales. Rentals can be used for independent rentals or guided tours. They can give people a fun and education experience but a lot of due diligence should go into the business by the operator before they begin. We are all “ambassadors” of the Segway product. It is imperative that we make ourselves, as well as the product, successful. Businesses should go through the proper channels, work with city, county and state government officials and become part of the community in which you rent. We need the public and the community to be part of the experience so other areas will welcome the Segway. Some of the rental locations popping up now will be of the “hit and run” variety. They are out to make a quick dollar without thought to the future of the product or the technology after they create negative media through unsafe education or lack of cooperation with the local community. This email is not meant to make comparisons; it’s about one-man’s vision and how to make it succeed. I created our Segway rental business at NEVrland to promote the image of the product by allowing people to have a exceptional Segway experience and taking that experience back to their own lives. We are truly dedicated to the future of Segway and our new locations (soon to be franchises throughout Florida, the US and internationally) will provide a consistent, fun, quality experience for everyone. We all need to do our part to contribute to the continued success of the Segway. Keith Albrizzi NEVrland Keith Albrizzi NEVrland, Inc. Relay Transportation 407-566-0911 Segway Service, Sales and Rentals

06-01-2003, 12:16 PM	#2
maperrye1989 Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northbrook, Illinois, . Posts: 51	Do you know how long till they come to chicago? M.P.

06-01-2003, 01:52 PM	#5
BruceWright Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles), California, USA. Posts: 3,296	Keith, Do you think that perhaps the Rental business should have been the FIRST business that Segway got into? That way they could make sure that only approved Segway companies had access to Segways for rental? Segways could have been rolled out, in the public eye, safely and with the proper controls. Monday-morning quarterbacking, I know. -Bruce Wright Segway: Vehicle of Dream

06-01-2003, 02:23 PM	#6
mzokc Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 1,198	Since mall glides and rentals are desired by the masses, combine them. Disney should change "The Disney Store" to "Innoventions" and provide Segway style training for rental in the mall or other limited rental area, then SELL the Segway right on the spot. I am serious. The Disney Company has the quality and reputation for safe theme park attractions. The visitors to the parks and cruise ship have been seeing/riding the Segway for over a year. It's a perfect use for most of those stores that need to be changed. Mark

06-01-2003, 03:11 PM	#7
GyroGo Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Chicago, IL, USA. Posts: 1,136	This has been a tough week of negative publicity for the rental market, but should not be prognosticator of the future of rentals. I think for the most part we are seeing people with good intentions who are still figuring things out in uncharted territory; there will be bumps in the glide. There may be a couple of bad apples, as in any business, but that should not spoil it for everybody. Rental is not just about recreation; it as an important part of the “last mile” transportation solution. And there is nothing wrong with recreational use either. Frankly, I’m getting a little tired of the owner bigotry and the transportation bigotry. I fail to see where owners have greater inherent rights to the use and enjoyment of Segways than renters, and one using it for transportation is better than one using it for recreation. Recreation is also an important part of life. Sure, in a societal sense, transportation is the nobler cause, but I don’t see that transferring to the individual’s rights. While I recognize the concept that a renter theoretically may carry a very slightly higher accident risk, I firmly believe the difference will prove to be nominal and not a real issue. Many people are overstating the risk and describe a reckless disposition of renters. I give renters credit for being responsible adults, and we have NO data trend to suggest otherwise. Adults understand they need to be careful, especially when they leave a drivers license, a credit card deposit, and they sign an agreement acknowledging their understanding of liability. I have yet to hear of one single incident (not that it will never happen) where a anyone was hurt, anything damaged, or anyone endangered by the specific action of a renter. A few times I have heard the charge that renters sign a liability waiver as some sort of negative thing. Don’t you think this will cause them to be MORE careful? The rental company STILL NEEDS TO BE INSURED, and then an incident would not only be more likely avoided, but backed by more than one party. Liability waivers are good for rental, not bad. Safety should be of paramount importance in renting and using Segways. Adequate training is a necessary component of both running a rental business and of using a Segway. Segway to the future ... . . SegCenter.com . . StirlingInfo StirlingChat

06-01-2003, 03:26 PM	#8
ftropea Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA. Posts: 1,778	I think Gary just hit the nail on the head... He wrote, "While I recognize the concept that a renter theoretically may be carry slightly higher accident risk, I firmly believe the difference will prove to be nominal and not a real issue. Many people are overstating the risk and describe a reckless disposition of renters." If there are more renters per day than Segway HT owners in total, and the accident/incident rate among renters is higher than owners, then the public perception will be that Segway HTs are more dangerous than they actually are - hence the bans that we've seen. Could it get worse? (You don't have to answer that.. I know it can get worse. Yes, this has been a bad week.) Regards, Frank A. Tropea Admin - "Keep your wheels on the ground!" - Contact Me

06-01-2003, 04:48 PM	#10
pt Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: seattle, wa, USA. Posts: 3,000	clm- no one is working to ban rentals, you're making a huge assumption and trying to confuse the issue(s). it is not about turf, it's discussing what is safe, what is not and what we can do. we all wrote emails and printed letters to your city, i'm fighting for you, we're fighting for you and each other. gary (gyro) does not own a segway, he has never rented a segway and runs a segway site that features rentals. he has his point of view, other people have theirs. welcome to an open forum of ideas. we all want the ht to be allowed, some rental places are caused bans, just like your city. we're trying to figure it all out. our founding fathers killed people when the english put a tax on their breakfast beverage! it wasn't even coffee :-] so i think everyone needs to chill out a bit and look at the big picture. cheers, pt ====================== segway ht journal: http://www.bookofseg.com other stuff: http://www.flashenabled.com

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