The predecessor of the hoverboard

A great tech gadget - the practical Segway

Lately, you often see the great Segways in shopping malls or airports, where security personnel ride them around.
Segways are practical - but of course they are also a lot of fun. We show you here how the Segway works and what you should pay attention to when buying. Of course you will find a good selection of Segways here with us!
What exactly is a Segway and how does it work?
Segways are classified in the group of self-balancing electric vehicles. The first model was manufactured and commercialized by Forma Segway - hence the name. It's practically the same as with tissue tissues - everyone just says Tempo handkerchief, even if the good piece is actually from a completely different manufacturer (other examples are Labello, Allibert mirror cabinet, etc.).
So originally the smart vehicle was developed by Segway. The company was later taken over by the Chinese company Ninebot. In the meantime, of course, due to the great success, there is a large number of manufacturers and you can find different models and price ranges.
However, the basic principle is the same for all models. The base is a footboard on which the rider stands. On the right and on the left there are tires with air chambers, which are driven by an electric motor. This draws the necessary power from a built-in high-capacity lithium-ion battery. As far as steering is concerned, there may be slight variations from model to model, but again, the same basic principle essentially prevails: The Segway is accelerated by shifting weight forward and braked backward. Lateral control is achieved by shifting the weight to the right or left. However, Segways also have a handlebar that you can use to steer as well. Most people intuitively master the controls and quickly get to grips with them.
A perfect balancing act
Some people surely ask themselves why the Segway doesn't fall over all the time, because after all it balances on only two wheels. You can still understand this when riding yourself, because bicycles only have two wheels. If they are in motion and you can ride a bike, you won't tip over either. However, as soon as the bike stops, you have to take at least one foot off the pedal and brace yourself, otherwise you will inevitably fall over.
This is not the case with the Segway, it does not fall over even when standing. This is due to a sophisticated system of sensors that constantly transmit data on movement to a processor. This then calculates the necessary compensating movements, which then stabilize the Segway - a truly ingenious and futuristic technology! The whole thing happens imperceptibly in seconds, so that you can have a chat standing on the Segway without noticing anything.
Because of this technology, Segways are also known as SCVs (sensor controlled vehicles).
How to learn to ride a Segway
As described earlier, most people learn intuitively and practically on their own how to use the Segway. The technology is innovative and user-friendly, and in no time at all you can be cruising around in comfort. However, it is advisable not to choose a busy street or a completely crowded pedestrian zone for the first attempts with the wonderful Segway. Pick a quiet side street, preferably a cul-de-sac in a residential area or similar, and try your luck. Parking spaces are also particularly suitable, preferably as empty as possible. Also a yard behind the apartment building or something along those lines is good for the first driving attempts.
Also note that a Segway can reach quite a considerable speed, so many a cyclist can no longer keep up.
Only when DXU are comfortable with the Segway and feel safe on it, should you move on to busier areas. Also consider that it is not only about your safety, but that a child or a dog can suddenly jump in front of the Segway. You then have to be able to actually steer and control it well for quick and safe evasion.
Segway: a mobile and means of transport
One of the biggest advantages of the Segway - besides the incredible fun factor - is certainly its mobility. It's easy to take with you and usually fits easily in the car. There may be some sacrifices to be made for very compact vehicles that may also be full of other luggage or people. Normally, however, you can easily transport the Segway in any car because you can simply remove the handlebars. The two components can then be conveniently transported in the trunk or even on the back seat.
For shorter distances within a city, more and more people are turning to the practical Segways. Because you can, for example, park the car on the outskirts of the city and then continue with the Segway. Especially during rush hour you can often reach your destination faster with the Segway. And of course you also save yourself the annoying and frustrating search for a parking space.
Segway - the urban locomotion of the future
As already indicated above, Segways are particularly suitable for urban areas. Because you can get around quickly, save yourself long traffic jams and the stupid search for a parking space. And the whole thing is also ecological, because you don't use any fuel and you don't produce any exhaust fumes. Unlike a bicycle, you also don't break a sweat, which is an important plus point, especially for working people. As nice as cycling can be, not everyone can show up at the office with their head high and slightly steaming. And finally, riding a Segway is inexpensive because electricity costs only a fraction of gas.
A big advantage is that many Segways are officially licensed, unlike related vehicles such as hoverboards or monowheels (more on that in a moment). You can therefore participate in road traffic with a Segway without any worries. All that is required is:
⎫ an official approval for the Segway
⎫ at least a moped driving licence
⎫ a verifiable liability insurance policy
⎫ a minimum age of 15 years
Where can I ride the Segway?
Segways belong to the vehicle class "electronic mobility aid", abbreviated "eMo". Accordingly, all regulations concerning the Segway are regulated in the sense of the Road Traffic Act for the entire federal territory. Here are the main ones:
⎫ you can only use Segways on cycle paths
If there is no cycle path, you may also use the road (however, this only applies to municipal roads and farm tracks, not to federal, state or district roads).
⎫ In individual cases, the use of other traffic areas, e.g. for guided tours of the city, is also permitted by special permit.
According to the law, models without StVZO approval may only be used on private property.

Segway Accessories

The most important rules of conduct for Segway riding
Actually, there are only a few basic things to keep in mind when riding a Segway. For one thing, be sure to keep to the right when driving in multiple lanes, as Segways, while certainly nippy, are of course much slower than some other road users.
On cycle paths, if there is enough space, you may ride side by side, but generally you should ride behind each other.
Every change of direction must be indicated by a hand signal, just like when riding a bicycle, because you don't have a turn signal.
Pedestrians have priority over Segways on bike paths and you must also allow bicyclists to pass.
Finally, for your own safety, be sure to wear a helmet, and a bike helmet is certainly the best option.
Differences in Segways - what to look for when buying one
As already mentioned, there are now quite a large number of suppliers and different models, so that you may be at a loss when buying, and do not know what to look for.
The following list includes features that are important when buying:

⎫ Wheel size
⎫ StVZO approval
⎫ Battery capacity
⎫ Range
⎫ Loading time
⎫ Maximum speed
⎫ Weight
⎫ Load capacity
⎫ Maximum gradient
⎫ Weatherproof
⎫ Front light
⎫ Rear light
⎫ Theft protection
Below we give you information on each of the features.
Wheel size
There are different wheel sizes, with the standard size being 14" (approx. 35 cm). Segways with smaller wheels often have poorer handling characteristics, but take up slightly less space when transported. So if you plan to take the Segway with you in the car on a regular basis, YOU may want to choose a wheel size smaller than 14 inches.
StVZO approval
If you want to use the Segway in real traffic, you should definitely choose a model that is approved for this purpose. There is now a wide range of models that are approved for road use. The most important aspects here are equipment such as front and rear lights, a bell and, of course, brakes.
Battery capacity
Logically, it is quite important that the battery has a good capacity. This is indicated in watt hours (Wh). The higher the value, the longer the battery can maintain power to the electric motor. For a good Segway 300-600 Wh are common nowadays. Of course, this is clearly reflected in the price. So if you really only want to cover shorter distances and can recharge in between, you can save a bit of money by choosing a model with a lower capacity.
However, it should not be forgotten that the capacity for storing electricity in the batteries decreases over time. So if you can afford it, you're best off with a powerful battery. After about 500 charging cycles, roughly a quarter of the original capacity is lost. The bigger the battery, the longer you can use it and save the purchase of an expensive replacement battery.
Range
In this context, the manufacturer also always states the range, although this value must be taken with a grain of salt. This is because the range is determined under optimum conditions. In reality, depends on many factors and can be negatively influenced by, for example:
⎫ Gradients
⎫ Floor covering
⎫ high speeds
⎫ the rider weight
In theory, you can get about 20 to 30 km with a normal Segway, then the batteries are empty.
Loading time
Another important factor is the loading time. Of course, the better the capacity of the batteries, the longer it will be. However, there is now modern technology for charging, so the process hardly takes more than three to four hours these days.
Maximum speed
As with all gadgets for driving, the spice is in the speed. But of course, a Segway is not a racing vehicle. The normal maximum speed is about 20 km/h. This is equivalent to a brisk tour on a bicycle, but saves you from sweating. For safety reasons, a higher speed would certainly not be advisable, because after all, you are quite unprotected with the Segway on the road.
Weight
The weight alone is important because many people have to carry the good piece up or down stairs, want to load the Segway into the car, etc.. In addition, the weight of the Segway must not be too high, because otherwise the batteries are empty faster. Because the weight of the rider and any additional loads (backpack, laptop bag, etc.) must be added to the tare weight.
However, the lightweight version also costs more money than the heavier version. There are therefore already significant differences in weight. Typically you will find options between 12 and 30kg on the market.
Resilience
Think carefully about how much you weigh and how much extra weight you might want to carry. Think about other family members, too. In general, you should buy a Segway where you do not immediately reach the limits of the load capacity. Because here, too, the speed and the range suffers. A good value here is a load capacity of 120kg.
Maximum slope
Typically, the Segway manufacturer's technical specifications include data on the slope that the Segway can handle. A Segway should at least manage a gradient of 15 degrees. Here, too, the capacity of the batteries and the motor and the load capacity play an important role, of course.
So it is best if the Segway can also master larger slopes, because otherwise you will find yourself in the unpleasant situation of having to carry the Segway up the hill from time to time - and a Segway is by no means light (see above).
Weatherproof
The Segways are intended for outdoor use and must be able to withstand rain, splash water, mud and dust. Both the electronics and the mechanical components are sensitive and must therefore be protected accordingly. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to obtain the appropriate certificate from the manufacturer.
Front light
For your own safety alone, you should definitely choose a model with a front light. However, if you want to be on the road legally, you absolutely must have this component.
Good front lighting ensures that other road users can see us and, conversely, that we can detect any obstacles, dangerous situations or poor ground conditions even in the dark.
The front light draws the necessary power from the Segway's integrated battery.
Taillight
For registration according to the StVZO, the vehicle must of course also have a functioning rear light, quite apart from the fact that this is generally also an aspect to which one should pay attention for one's own safety.
Theft protection
And finally, effective theft protection is also an important factor in the purchase decision. Because a Segway is truly not a cheap gadget and they are therefore very attractive to thieves. Since you have to leave the Segway in front of a shop or in a parking lot from time to time, you should therefore also attach importance to a good theft protection. Many manufacturers offer technical precautions that are integrated into their Segways and significantly reduce the risk of theft.

So, you're really in the mood for a great Segway now? Then take a look around in our online shop!

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