Fleet Services Division

Segway Human Transporter Test
Questions & Answers

Beginning in October 2002, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) meter readers are participating in a test of the Segway^TM Human Transporter (HT). As part of a larger Citywide evaluation of the Segway, the Fleets and Facilities Department's goal is to learn if, how and/or where this new technology can increase efficiency, productivity, and/or improve customer service. The city purchased 10 Segway HTs and will spend the next 18 to 24 months conducting a series of tests in various environments. This limited investment allows the city to explore ways of diversifying its fleet of vehicles. At the conclusion of the tests, the Fleets and Facilities Department will be able to determine which city applications are best suited for the Segway HT.

Q: Why is the City testing this new piece of equipment?

A:  The Segway HT is a self-balancing, electric-powered transporter designed for short-distance travel. In a Citywide series of tests, the Fleets and Facilities Department will evaluate the Segway HT to learn if, how and/or where this new technology can increase efficiency, productivity and/or improve customer service.

As part of the City's environmental stewardship, the Fleets and Facilities Department is committed to making the City's fleet of vehicles as "green" as possible by reducing emissions from its gas powered vehicles, adding alternative fueled vehicles to the fleet, encouraging employees to use carpools, buses and teleconferencing. Because it runs on electricity and produces no emissions, it is possible the Segway HT can become an integral part of the "green fleet."

During the SPU test, meter readers fill out daily use logs to keep track of information on route completion times, the ability to read every meter on the first attempt, and how many times the batteries are changed during the route. They also track if they feel less physically tired at the completion of their routes, the comfort of riding the Segway in various weather conditions, and how citizens respond to their approach. Part of the evaluation will look at the potential for minimizing the use of vehicles on some routes.

The SPU test will cover one complete 40-day meter reading cycle. Each day during the SPU test, six meter readers cover their routes on Segway HTs.

Q: How many Segway HTs does the City own and how much did they cost?

A:  The City purchased 10 units at a cost of approximately $5,000 each. They were purchased this year, with funds from the adopted 2002 budget.

Q:  Will the City buy more?

A:   At this time there are no plans to purchase additional units.

Q:  Who is going to use these?

A:  We are just beginning the evaluation of possible uses. Initially, Seattle Public Utilities meter readers will participate in a two-month test. Over the next couple of years, the Fleets and Facilities Department will conduct tests with other groups of City employees where the Segway could improve efficiency, productivity, and/or customer service. Some possible employee groups include emergency medical service teams in the Fire Department, Parks and Recreation employees, Seattle Center employees, building inspectors from the Department of Design, Construction and Land Use.

Q:  Why do City employees need these?

A:   In terms of efficiency and productivity, a person can move two to three times faster on a Segway than walking. In addition, one of the models the City is testing can carry up to 75 pounds of equipment in attached cargo bags. In some City applications, this ability to carry more equipment than a person walking would enable the operator to perform work that might otherwise require a return trip with a vehicle to haul tools. In addition, the tests will determine whether this method of transportation can be an environmentally friendly - "green" - addition to the City's fleet, and/or a tool to improve customer service, efficiency and productivity.

Q:  If the City can reduce the number of cars with Segway HTs, will mechanics be laid off?

A:  The Segway HT will not replace cars. Because the Segway HT requires trained technicians to maintain them, it's likely the City will invest in training its employees to provide maintenance and repair of the Segway HTs in its fleet.

Q: What kind of training do City employees have before operating them?

A:  Employees go through a mandatory eight hours of training before operating a Segway HT. Training includes approximately three and a half hours of class time, three to four hours of riding time, during which users are trained on how to handle different obstacles, proper riding technique, machine familiarity and safety. Employees must also pass an assessment test on the written portion of the class and riding skills.

Q:   How do they operate in the rain and snow?

A:   The Segway HT is a sealed unit and can run through puddles and wet environments. Snow tires and studdable snow tires are available for the Segway HT.

Q:   They operate on batteries - how long do the batteries last?

A:    The batteries on the Segway HT are Nickel-Hydride batteries. The battery life is typically between 11 and 17 miles for a 150 lb. person without cargo. The battery life is dependent on different factors, such as weight carried, tire pressure, terrain, and smoothness of controls. One of the reasons for a test project is to determine if the Segway HT is effective, with the current battery technology. A completely drained battery can be recharged in six hours.

Q:   Are you required to wear a helmet when riding a Segway HT?

A:   There is no state or local law requiring helmet use when using a Segway HT.

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