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1.  

   Segway Safety

   

   Russ Little, May 8th, 2002 @ 8:26pm

   
   

   The human input interface on this device is stunning for its ease of use.
   
   Does anything ever live up to it hype these days?
   
   While it might be "possible" to flip a Segway, it also sounded like the reviewer quickly learned how to control it safely. Does anyone learn to be comfortable behind the wheel of a car or riding a bicycle in 15 minutes? I know I was not confident with either in an hour as the reviewer states they were with the Segway.
   
   Suggesting the article from Atlanta is empirical evidence of its lack of safety is a bit unfair. You admit yourself the article says nothing about the circumstances of the fall.
   
   I would hesitate to consider it unsafe just because it is "possible" to flip it if you try. Then supporting that claim with a vague article about someone who fell off one is a bit naïve.
   
   That being said I think the Segway needs far more testing before a safety track record can be examined and conclusions drawn.
   
   I don't know of any directed transportation that is 100% safe. I think the Segway will have its problems, but I would wait to pass judgment on it just to poke fun at the hype.
   

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2.  

   other uses for Segway

   

   Russ Little, May 8th, 2002 @ 8:41pm

   
   

   The Segway could have great potential as robot platform. Self directed or radio controlled. Imagine a self-balancing robotic platform that can carry a 325lb load. I am surprised no one has talked about using it in this way?
   With the capabilities I would think it would make an ideal reconnaissance or bomb disposal robot. It is quick, agile and can fit through a standard door way.
   
   With the consumer version being just 3k I would think you could find dozens of good robot uses on this platform.
   
   I smell a grant opportunity.
   

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3.  

   Flipping a Segway

   

   Duffman, May 8th, 2002 @ 10:17pm

   
   

   I think that someone will always find a way to abuse something - it probably is possible to find a way to topple a Segway, and repeat it as many times as you want. The original claims were probably a bit overstated, but these days, don't you almost always have to overstate your case to get it noticed? Not that the campaign that preceded the Segway needed any more promotion, but you catch my drift.

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4.  

   Re: Segway Safety

   

   Mike (profile), May 9th, 2002 @ 12:38am

   
   

   The issue was that they were advertising it as completely safe... and that anyone could use it on sidewalks and stuff. The fact that it seems possible to flip it and/or topple, brings into question whether or not it will be safe on sidewalks.

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5.  

   Re: Segway Safety

   

   ABC, May 9th, 2002 @ 3:58am

   
   

   if someone is stupid enough to buy a Segway then they shouldn't be allowed on sidewalks at all.

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6.  

   Clarity

   

   Anonymous Coward, May 9th, 2002 @ 11:41am

   
   

   Perhaps they should've said that it's completely safe for non-morons who aren't trying to beat the controls.

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7.  

   Nothing is completely safe...

   

   mhh5, May 9th, 2002 @ 1:06pm

   
   

   A person can trip and fall just walking and break a leg. If the Segway can cause more injury than a biking accident, then I'd say there's a case for Segway's being liable. But so far it just seems like people are trying to complain a lot....

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8.  

   Segway safety

   

   rider, Aug 29th, 2002 @ 6:03pm

   
   

   Ok, yes - the Segway has 2 HP or so and is only a machine and yes, you can flip it (or a Hummer, if you want to.) They are safer than a motorcycle, that's for sure!
   
   I have ridden a Segway - they are incredibly cool, unlike any electric or otherwise motorized scooter I've ever tried. It really shouldn't be used on slopes or wet pavement - not for offroading! If I could buy one, I'd use it to get to work every day & save $$$ on gas.

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9.  

   well if anyone can flip it, this doesnt surprise m

   

   Cody Kniffen, Jun 13th, 2003 @ 2:28pm

   
   

   This comes as no surprise
   Click here for pics
   If anyone is gonna screw something up, I'm sure he's the best man for the job.

   -recover

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