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| New technology and mobility Segway Human Transporter: the 21st century new urban transport mode? The Segway is an electric 'scooter' with two parallel wheels. As revolutionary in its technology as in its use, it proves to be a real extension of the human body. Has a new non-polluting urban transport mode appeared? Technology and philosophy Invented by the American Dean Kamen, creator of the insulin pump, the Segway is a real technological jewel which defies the laws of gravity. Once you stand on its platform 21 cm from the ground, with your hands on the handlebar, you'll be sceptical first of all as to how it can keep you balanced... However after a few seconds you'll be stabilised and after a minute you'll feel perfectly at ease. Lean forward, it advances; lean back, it moves back; stand straight, it comes to a halt: in short, it instantly obeys your every will... Curiosity and apprehension give way to genuine pleasure as you become one with the machine, gliding over the ground as if on an air cushion... This simple and intuitive use in fact belies its highly sophisticated system hidden under the platform: 5 gyroscopes and 2 sensors collect measures analysed by 2 microprocessors which correct in real time any bumps in the ride and ensure the user remains stable. Michelin has developed low pressure Balance tyres contributing to the passenger's comfort. Extremely easy to manoeuvre, this electric scooter has also been designed for interior use (the special rubber tyres do not leave any marks). The steering grip situated on the handlebar allows you to turn and manoeuvre precisely, to enter a lift for instance, and you can even swivel on the spot!  Using this advanced technology, the Segway offers a new philosophy of urban travel. At a time when the car is a victim of its success and the urban environment is saturated, the Segway is the ideal response. The scooter is complementary to the car, silent and above all non-polluting. The two independent engines are rechargeable by simply plugging it into the mains. The Segway travels at between 5 and 12 mph (like a bicycle) and its maximum range is approximately 12 miles. (photo opposite: The green light shows a broad smile: the battery is full!) In the United States where it is produced, the Segway is extremely popular. Tested by postmen in Florida and policemen in Atlanta, it is also beginning to interest many private individuals. On the Internet, forums have been created where users can exchange their impressions and their hopes that one day the Segway will invade the centre of American megalopolises. In France, it has been tested in Besançon to empty parking metres as well as at Marseille-Marignane airport. Segways can now be hired for a ride on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice or to visit Dijon town centre.  In the street, it's difficult to go by unnoticed! The appearance of a Segway gives rise instantly to much interest and enthusiastic crowds are not unusual. Near the Invalides in Paris, we saw a police lady and her colleague get out of their vehicle, driven by irresistible curiosity: 'How do you manage to keep your balance?' Further on, a group of Chinese tourists with broad smiles take advantage of the situation to be photographed next to the Segway. And two minutes later, we bumped into an old friend we hadn't seen for years! Merely a coincidence, or does the Segway possess the strange power of provoking encounters?
We've tested it! With its telescopic shaft, the Segway is supposed to fit into all boots. In contrast, at a hefty 85 lbs, not everyone can lift it! Also if you want to live in a flat, try and find one with a lift, because dragging the Segway up several floors requires a certain effort even if it is equipped with a power assist mode that helps you: the wheels of this intelligent vehicle then begin to turn automatically in the upwards direction.  Riding on a footpath* raises no problems except that of gliding past pedestrians, prams and other users. But as this scooter is highly manoeuvrable, that's no major difficulty: it is easy to stop immediately to let someone by. Navigating on the wide footpaths of the 16th arrondissement is nevertheless more pleasant than going shopping at the crowded Belleville market!The Segway is also capable of climbing small obstacles (steps or kerbs, provided they are less than 10 cm high) and can ascend 45° slopes. The first time out, we were rather wary of crossing a road when we had to wait at a crossing for the pedestrian light to turn green. But it turned out to be very easy to remain still and wait among the pedestrians. The Segway is faster than a bus stuck in the traffic and can be an advantage when the underground is on strike. By fitting it with a basket, the scooter becomes an ideal companion for shopping at the supermarket. However superstores have yet to become aware of the interest of such vehicles for their clients: we were refused access to most shopping malls, like users of roller blades and skateboards for instance. * The regulations do not allow Segways to be used on roads or even on bike paths. ** Concept developed by the company Keolis, the distributor of the Segway in France.
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