We take our Segways (or do the Segways take us?) on BART, METRO and other electric rail. Folks who are using Segways, as assistive technology devices due to disability, tend to be independent and active, as well as, determined and creative. We each have our own special needs and our own ways of coping with them.
In other words, there is no single "right" way to travel on light rail. "Right" is what works for the individual. The examples below show some of the many techniques we use. These examples also illustrate that there is no one-size-fits-all method for using transit.
Some people simply remain on their scooters. Here is an example of a man on BART, using a Segway as a mobility device. (BART does not have wheelchair tie-downs.)
This photo of people on a BART train illustrates a bit of irony. Currently, according to San Francisco municipal code, it is illegal for a disabled person to use their Segway on BART (SF only). However, it is legal for able-bodied folks to bring their bicycles on-board!
Interestingly, some segments of the bike-ped crowd were the lobby for the legislation banning safe and legal Segway use in San Francisco. But, since we don't know the politics of the man next to the bicycle, we gave him a face-hiding balloon.
San Francisco chose to ignore the protections given to persons with disabilities by the Americans with Disabilities Act, California's Civil Code and other civil rights legislation, when they crafted their municipal code. However, the problem can be solved.
It is possible to clarify your right to use a mobility device that suits your special needs. Emily Wilcox did so with both San Francisco and Healdsburg. Get in touch with her (Berkeley - Pacific time zone) to find out how, if you run into a similar problem in cities where Segway use is restricted.
Here are overview and detail photos showing how another Segway user does his own "tie down" on a Metra Electric car in the Chicago-area.
To minimize wheel-movement, the Segway is "parked sideways" to the primary direction of travel. To stabilize the Segway against side-to-side motion, a bungee cord is looped around the front post of the Segway and fastened to a bar that is permanently fixed to the inside wall of the car.
After securing the scooter, the Segway user takes a "regular" seat on the train.
A Segway user on the METRO line made headlines! The famous Segway user keeps her Segway "on" throughout her rides, both while she is on the scooter (in the station, on the platform and while boarding) and while she is seated (in the station and on the train).
When the rider is off the Segway, but the scooter is still "on", the Segway is held by a "tether". Basically, the Segway is on a leash.
Here are overview and detail photographs of a Segway tied-down on a Metra standard rail car.
This photo shows just how little space a Segway requires. An I-series (the large model) is well within the limits for a wheelchair that will fit on the Golden Gate Ferry "disabled" lift. (See sign. Is that a lift that doesn't work or a lift for persons with disabilities?)
At the time we were taking this photo, we could have shown two persons with mobility impairments, both on Segways, fitting into the "white rectangle" with space to spare... but, someone had to take the picture.
Lonnie Van Hook and Michael Dupray organized this photograph to show a size comparison between a Segway I-series and a power chair. Mike isn't in the photo, he's taking it. Mike pointed out that his Segway weights approximately 80 pounds, with a lower center of gravity than Lonnie's 260 pound wheelchair.
If the Segway in the photograph had been a P-series and without the carry-bags, the contrast between the size of the devices would be even more dramatic.
Note: You can also
compare the cost of a Segway to the cost of a power wheelchair
by clicking on this link.
©
Rada Project, 2004-05
February 26, 2005 (Version 1.b)