Invasion of the Segways: Now at House Parties
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Dupont Circle
NOTHING DRAWS ATTENTION quite like a Segway.
That was apparently the case at a house party on the 1600 block of S Street NW on Saturday night. During much of the night, it was locked to a tree, guarded by a security device with a red flashing light. But after we left the party, we're told the helmeted owner had given a Segway demonstration to the delight of fellow party-goers.
Dupont Circle, for some reason, has a thing with Segways. Although you're likely not going to come across one on a regular outing through the area, it's the only neighborhood outside of downtown where this writer has spotted people riding the contraptions.
Tour groups, however, love Segways — which can be shocking to those not accustomed to seeing a row of awkwardly moving two-wheeled people gliding down the street. One Quebec-based blogger came across a Segway tour group this weekend near the executive mansion. The group was a little imposing, the blogger said, "as the wheels on the two-wheeler things are quite big, and that makes each person about eight feet tall."
» "Day 456: I Am Lost For Words In Washington (DC)" [Non Working Monkey]
» "Washington D.C. City Segway Tours" [Official Site]
File photos by Michael Grass/Express
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Addison Road
Much as I love the geek cred these devices bestow, am I the only one that questions the wisdom of allowing them on sidewalks? I'm been nearly run over a few times by people screaming down the street on Segways. Isn't their top speed in the neighborhood of 12.5 MPH?
By Brian , Posted October 22, 2007 11:26 AMYeah Segs can go a maximum of 12mph but in the two years of riding one the only time that I get to top speed is going down hill on an empty sidewalk. I probably average about 5mph One important thing to note is the stoping ability of the Seg. It stops much faster and with greater control than a bike.
By Joel Ranck , Posted October 23, 2007 9:44 AMHas a study been done? Since those scooters do not (cannot) coast, the dynamics of a pedestrian collision would probably not follow the model of bikes and cars. I've seen a bike hit a pedestrian - the cyclist wobbled for a moment but kept on going. I expect if a Segway hits you, then depending on the angle, either you will block it, or its rider will fall right off. Either way, you will have plenty of time to make them feel as foolish as they look. No?
By Walks all over , Posted October 23, 2007 5:34 PM