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Independent Safety Studies
The Segway® Personal Transporter (PT) has been
evaluated by four independent agencies representing
interests from around the world.
Centre for Electric Vehicle Experimentation in Quebec (CEVEQ)
Second Phase – “Pilot Project for Evaluating the Segway HT in Real
Conditions”
The Second Phase of the two-phase report detailed use of the Segway PT by 143
participants who rode more than 9,000 total kilometres on sidewalks, paths, and
roadway shoulders, in three major cities located in the Province of Quebec. The
report noted that no incident or serious injury, nor any Segway PT/pedestrian
collision or physical interference, was reported during the evaluation. Upon
completion the study “Recommendations” indicate that Segway PTs should be
allowed to operate on urban pedestrian areas and that such use will have little
impact on user safety and still less on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists,
motorists and other walkway users.
Publish Date: April 2006
http://www.tc.gc.ca/tdc/publication/pdf/14500/14567e.pdf
Centre for Electric Vehicle Experimentation in Quebec (CEVEQ)
First Phase – “Pilot Project for Evaluating Motorized Personal
Transportation Devices”
The first phase of the two-phase report detailed information discovered during
the evaluation of motorized personal transportation devices (MPTD) specifically,
the ergonomic, operational and technical aspects of the devices. Findings
included that the Segway PT was very stable and gave users a feeling of being in
control. Also, Segway PTs compared favorably to other types of devices and were
far superior in the area of stability as compared to bicycles and mopeds. Lastly
the report noted that the Segway PT could meet a large number of mobility
requirements for a broad market, could facilitate transfers to other forms of
transportation, and serve as an alternative to automobiles.
Publish date: May 2004
http://www.tc.gc.ca/tdc/publication/pdf/14200/14285e.pdf
German Federal Board for Road Traffic - “Segway in
Public Spaces”
The three-month study was conducted by the German government in conjunction with
the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Commerce of the Saarland,
Saarbruken Police Department, and Municipal Office of Neunkirchen. Results for
braking, steering and general handling of the device were very favorable.The
study also reports that Segway PTs are best suited for bicycle lanes and
pedestrian traffic areas .
Publish Date: March 2006
http://www.segway.com.hk/Documentation/Regulations/gruenereihe67_segway_v5lq.pdf
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
“Managing Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) On Nonmotorized Facilities”
This study researched the use of various personal mobility devices such as
electric scooters, powered wheelchairs and Segway PTs on non-motorized
infrastructure including sidewalks and bike lanes/paths. Overall the study found
that Segway PTs would have medium impact or risk to others (namely pedestrians),
the same which was found true of joggers and runners. As a comparison, bicycles
were found to have medium to large impact or risk to others. Publish Date:
October 2005
http://www.vtpi.org/man_nmt_fac.pdf
U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration
“Characteristics of Emerging Road Users & Their Safety”
The study was undertaken to clarify the operational characteristics of both
motorized and non-motorized transportation\. Data was collected to obtain
physical dimensions, turning capabilities, acceleration, speed and stopping
distance of these devices. The Segway PT and its rider were found to have the
second shortest braking distance, highest sight lines, one of the smallest
footprints, and quickest perception-reaction time. The Segway PT met or exceeded
all recommendations made by the American Association of State Highway &
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide to the Development of Bicycle
Facilities.
Publish date: October 2004
http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/04103/04103.pdf
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