Segway PTs are very probably the very best mobility devices for individuals who are able to stand and step up one step, but not able to walk very far.
Yes, there's a lot of emphasis going on in that first sentence because an important point is being made — one that a lot of people still don't seem to "get".
This point is that the Segway PT is a self-balancing device, meaning the person riding it does not need good balance in order to use it safely and successfully.
Despite this misunderstanding held by some, over the past 20 years mobility users in New Zealand have flocked to the self-balancing Segway PT to once again enjoy the independence, freedom, and speed to get around that no mobility scooter, power chair or KickScooter can provide.
More than 1,000 New Zealanders make use of Segway PT-based mobility every day, both in the form of Segway PTs and in PT-containing Omeo and BodyElectric Max self-balancing powerchairs.
Two recent mobility impaired owners are great examples of what life on a Segway PT is really about. Here are their stories.
Seti Tafua, a high performance sportsman up until his injury, now works in sports education. His job involves getting around the very large campus at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport located in Upper Hutt. In his role he needs to get out and about on the sports fields with students — a place where no mere mobility scooter can keep up. The agile Segway PT maintains 20km/h with ease, and has the unique ability to turn-on-the-spot without damaging the turf.
Elsewhere on campus Seti can navigate busy corridors and footpaths because on his Segway PT he has a "footprint" no greater than a walking person (the PT is narrower than most peoples' shoulders). This really sets it apart from mobility scooters, power chairs and wheelchairs. So it is no special wonder Segway PTs have been popular with mobility impaired students at schools all around New Zealand for the past 20 years.
During his leisure time Seti can visit mates, nip along to the shops, get down onto the local beach and ride across sand and stones, cruise along walkways and trails, and ride through gravel and mud. No other mobility device comes close to offering this range of flexibility and ability.
Steve Stylez lives in Christchurch. He was involved in a motor vehicle accident some years ago resulting in permanent injuries that make it very difficult to walk any distance. Additionally, he will never drive a car again, nor is he able to use a bicycle (or e-bike).
Several years ago he used his own very limited financial resources to self-fund the purchase of a Segway S Plus (formally known as the Segway miniPLUS) to get around. Whilst suitable for him up to a point, the S Plus lacked the durability, power, wheel diameter, comfort, safety and redundant sub-systems of a full-sized Segway PT. He asked ACC to fund the purchase of a Segway PT, and after going through the standard procedures of a test-ride organised by his Occupational Therapist in conjunction with this Case Manager, purchase was approved. Over the past two decades ACC has funded hundreds of Segway PTs, including Seti's discussed above, because they are the best solution for many individuals. They've also proven to be incredibly cost-effective due to high reliability and a long service life.
Earlier this week Steve wrote to us about his experiences with is Segway PT over the past year. This is his email of 6 September 2024 reproduced in full, with only minor edits for clarity:
*****
"I highly recommend Segway’s be introduced to people with a physical disability, as it will help them get around a lot easier & quicker. Therefore the physically disabled person will become less reliable on people, and more reliable on themself.
"On 12 July, 1996, I had an motor vehicle accident (MVA). I had lost my ability to move around faster & easier now I have a physical disability.
"What would take a non-disabled person to, say, walk ten minutes to get to a shop, will take me close to twenty to twenty-five minutes to walk to a shop, and that is because of my physical disability.
"Due to the MVA in 1996, I have a muscle growing out of the front of my left shin, which irritates it if I walk too fast, giving me no choice but to walk even slower, and taking regular breaks for two to ten seconds or more.
"Having a Segway i2 SE helps me travel further,
"I think my message should get around to lots of people who show a physical disability, as it will gain interest, and boost the business.
"The person who made the first Segway was, I think, Dean Lawrence Kamen. I’m glad Segway’s are still around. I’m lucky & happy to have the opportunity to have & use the Segway i2 SE.
"I highly recommend Segway PTs be introduced to people who have a physical disability, as it will help them become more self-independent.
"I wish Segway PTs had come out in 1996 (the time I had the MVA).
"To people who show no form of physical disability, a Segway PT is a toy
*****
In a follow-up email Steve added:
"The Segway i2 SE has really changed me & I’m glad to own one. It’s awesome to know I own a machine Dean Kamen invented. It would be great to meet the guy.
"I’m more than happy that you share my story to people about the Segway PT, especially with a person(s) with a physical disability. When people see me on my Segway i2 SE & I offer them a chance to ride it, they say 'No' because they are afraid it will hurt them. They say I got excellent balance, and that’s when I say to them my balance is sh*t now
"To me life is full of risks & I tell them if they listen to my instructions they won't fall. The Segway PT's self -balancing mode is so good...
"If I could travel to meet many disabled people about why I have a Segway, I would....If I could meet Dean, it would be an honour. Cheers, Steve.
*****