30th June 2009

Segways and the Metro

Ok, so something I’ve long been considering is getting a Segway.  You may know them as those futuristic-looking vehicles that balance on two wheels and are controlled by how the driver  leans.  (If you’re curious, I’m looking at the i2 Commuter.)

Since I don’t have a car (or a license for that matter, but by personal choice), I’m limited to public transport, walking, biking, friends, and the parents.  Which is fine.  But a Segway, I feel, would complement this repertory of mobility extensively.

So yesterday, I sent out the following tweet on Twitter (as a complete aside, if you’re on Twitter, follow me: I’m @edwardjensen):

Does anyone know if Metro will allow Segways on its trains? If I get one, it better be able to go on the Metro… #raillife #phx

And I get the following tweet back in response from @PhoenixMetroBus, the Twitter account for Valley Metro (spelling, punctuation, etc. retained from the original):

@edwardjensen If u push it to the platform and onto the train, yes, Segways are allowed on the train. #raillife #phx

I should also thank @michichan for her reply tweets offering a clarification (again, spelling, punctuation, etc. retained):

@edwardjensen you can take a segway on board. you can’t ride it on platforms or trains unless it’s a mobility aid and it is marked as such … the only major restriction is on gas powered devices (including gas powered motorized bicycles) #raillife

Next, I have to figure out where I can park my hypothetical Segway on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus

To do list: i. figure out where to park the Segway on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, and ii. raise capital to purchase a Segway. Then have lots of fun…

-Edward Jensen

  • Great stuff Ed. I spoke with the owner of the Segway dealership in Tempe and got some great info from him. What a great tool for an urban, car free lifestyle!
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