Segway Rider Behavior

Abstract

The Segway Human Transporter is becoming more prevalent on urban sidewalks. This experiment investigated the approach speed and passing clearance that Segway devices exhibit on encountering a variety of obstacles on the sidewalk. The experiment was conducted with a sample of 20 Segway operators: 10 experienced operators and 10 novices. For the given experimental course and procedures, the results of the study revealed that ( a) Segway riders approach obstacles at a mean speed of about 4.5 mph (7.2 km/h) with a range from 2.7 mph (4.3 km/h) to 6.8 mph (10.9 km/h); ( b) Segway riders pass obstacles with a mean clearance of about 14.5 in. (36.7 cm) with a range from 3.3 in. (8.4 cm) to 43.2 in. (110 cm); ( c) Segway riders pass moving pedestrians at an average speed of about 5 mph (8.1 km/h) and with an average clearance of 35.9 in. (91.2 cm); ( d) Segway riders pass obstacles more slowly by about 0.5 mph (0.8 km/h) on average and closer by about 17.6 in. (44.7 cm) on average on a narrow as opposed to a wide sidewalk; and ( e) experienced Segway riders pass faster by about 1.9 mph (3.1 km/h) on average than do novice riders. In the current experiment, the average passing event involving a Segway rider and a pedestrian required a minimum total distance of approximately 7.0 ft (2.1 m). These data should assist engineers in calculating the impact of various mixes of Segway traffic on sidewalks.