Specifications

Basic Rider Optimization Training for the Segway HT Page 31 of 106
Instructor Guide and Participant Workbook Rev 3.5i - January 2004
© Segway LLC 2002 P/N 1707100001aa
6. Instructor should brace the Handlebar/Control Shaft, and instruct rider to:
a. Hold grips with both hands (For the e Series model, the instructor may choose to
level the Platform for the rider, so it is similar to getting on an i Series model)
b. Look ahead
c. Slowly step with one foot onto Platform, centering your foot on the Platform.
Centering your foot is especially important on the e Series model, to limit the Platform
movement when the Rider Detect Sensors are activated.
d. For e Series models, make sure the rider understands the Rider Detect Sensors, and
expects the Segway HT to level the Platform when they are depressed.
7. Have rider step onto Platform with other foot. Maintain firm hold. It is common for the rider to
oscillate. If this happens, do the following:
a. Keep holding firmly.
b. Ask him to try to relax and stand still, as you hold the Segway HT still.
c. Assess whether the Segway HT is pushing toward you or away:
Pushing toward you indicates that the rider is leaning too far forward, or that the
rider’s feet are too far forward. Have her shift weight, feet, or both backward. Pulling
away from you indicates the opposite.
d. Emphasize that the rider controls movement by shifting her weight.
e. Explain that oscillation is common because the brain is not used to having something
else balance for you. If the rider oscillates, ask her to step down off the Segway HT
once you have stabilized it. Ask her to step back on, but trust that the Segway HT will
balance. The rider’s confidence and stability may improve.
f. Encourage the rider to trust the Segway HT, and relax her hands, shoulders, arms
and knees.
8. Check position of feet, and ensure that feet are placed in such a way that the rider can
remain stationary. Ideal foot position depends on the rider’s body type, not necessarily on
foot position. In some cases, the rider’s feet may be positioned further forward or back on the
Mat in order to remain stationary.
9. Check rider posture – bent knees, relaxed shoulders. A rider may begin turning the Segway
HT accidentally, as a result of a tight grasp on the Steering Grip. The instructor must hold the
Segway HT firmly so it doesn’t move forward or backward, and make the rider stop twisting
the Steering Grip.
10. Observe hands – Look for white knuckles and clenched hands. Instruct the rider to use “light
hands” or a “gentle grip” Explain that the Handlebar is only a place to rest your hands- not
intended as a lever to move the Segway HT forward or backward.
11. While lightly holding the Handlebar /Control Shaft, instruct the rider to roll slowly forward and
backward a short distance in both directions, until he finds “neutral” on the Segway HT.
Explain that when the rider can find a position centered over the wheels, the Segway HT will
remain stationary.
12. Step to the Steering Grip side of the Segway HT, and instruct the rider to move forward and
backward at a controlled speed.
Note: Evaluate the rider’s ability: Over-zealous/under-skilled? Timid? Physically challenged?
Awkward? Determine the cause of any riding difficulty and correct.
13. Instruct the rider to GENTLY twist the Steering Grip without moving forward or backward.
Encourage the rider to turn a full 360° in place, both directions without moving forward or
backward.