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Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Short Stories for Teachers

Who Invented the Segway?
By:Venus Kelly

The name was derived from the word "segue" which in music indicates a direction for the performer; to continue without pause. In Italian, it translates to "it follows." Different versions are named HT for human transporter or PT for personal transporter. The HT was first called 'Ginger' and 'IT' and borrowed technology from Dean's self balancing wheelchair, the iBOT. The iBOT had the nickname of Fred Upstairs because it could climb stairs and reminded developers of Mr. Twinkle Toes Fred Astaire; therefore, the successor was named after Ginger Rogers, his film partner.

The Segway has no brakes, does 12 mph, and uses a built-in computer, motors, and five gyroscopic sensors to stay balanced. It can be charged off a household current for about 10 cents and will go 15 miles per charge. Riders control the direction, speed and stopping by leaning forward or backward. Leaning left or right on the handlebar will cause the Segway to move in that direction, while older models require a twist on the left handlebar. Sensors constantly monitor the rider's center of gravity and rotate the wheels back and forth for balance and speed. When the Segway starts to reach 12 mph, it automatically leans slightly back, causing the rider to eventually lean back and slow down. The Segway can travel on grass, gravel, pavement, and over small obstacles, but it will slow or stop completely if the handlebar nudges an obstacle.

Around the world:

New South Wales, Australia: Illegal on roads and footpaths

Sweden: Unlawful on roads and pavements until Dec, 2008 - now classified as a class 2 bicycle.

Amsterdam: Being tested by police.

Netherlands: Banned on roads until July, 2008 - now allowed with custom insurance.

United Kingdom, Germany: Only allowed on private property.

Denmark, Japan: Requires brakes, lights, and license plates - banned from public roads.

Switzerland: Only the PT i2 version is approved on roads - must have lights and license plates.

United States: Banned on pavements and sidewalks in over 30 states - used primarily by police, security officers, and handicapped.

Venus Kelly is a sales and marketing professional with ten years experience and a degree in business marketing. She writes and maintains Who Invented a website dedicated to Who Invented What http://whoinvented.info/.






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