How much does it cost?

About what it costs to park your car! (based on HP or lease over three years and parking rates @ $12.00 per day)

GST inclusive prices are from NZ$ 12,995.00 to NZ$ 13,495 depending on model. See MODELS.

 

 

How can I get to ride or demo one?

Call us to discuss an in-house demo at your home or place of work.

 

 

 

 

What is the legality of riding it in NZ?

There is no specific legislation pertaining to the Segway
In keeping with legislation in other countries and with respect to the design of the Segway as an urban mobility device, we argue that the Segway is classed as a "Mobility Device" under NZ law. (The Land Transport Amendment Act 2005).
Use of mobility devices is not restricted to persons who have an actual disability, and the term "mobility device" is intentionally a wider definition of powered devices than the "invalid carriage" and "disabled person's vehicle" of previous legislation.
Essentially you are legally a pedestrian in the same way that in-line skaters, skateboarders, wheeled recreational devices, scooters, powered wheelchairs, and other wheeled non-vehicular machines that are legally allowed on the footpaths are. There are no requirements regarding registration, licensing etc.

 

 

 

 

Will it go up hills?

It will easily and effortlessly power up any hill you would dare to walk up, subject only to the wheels maintaining traction.
For example, for those of you who know Wellington, how about Civic Square to the Wind Turbine in 28 minutes?! - seriously uphill all the way!
Not only will it climb any hill where the wheels can grip, it charges the batteries through regenerative braking upon going back down.

 

 

How does it stand up?

Gyros and tilt sensors in the platform under your feet monitor the centre of gravity of both the rider and machine about 100 times a second, and computers control the motors (one for each wheel) to make continual adjustments to keep everything in balance.
If you have ever watched a toddler learning to walk, you will notice that they essentially deliberately overbalance and then put out one leg to stop themselves, then overbalance again and so on - once you have learned to walk you do this without thinking about it, and obviously much more smoothly than a toddler.
The Segway works in much the same way, except with wheels rather than legs. Because it works in a similar way to a person regarding balance, it can also balance perfectly when standing still.
Redundant systems and backup electronics ensure that even in the event of some components failing, the machine will remain stable.

 

 

Why don't I just walk?

Sure, why not?

The Segway is not a machine to replace walking, but a machine to replace, in an urban environment, the CAR.

Most car trips in NZ have only one occupant and are under 10 km - see COMMUTE page.
If it is too far to walk and you are travelling on your own, then do yourself and everyone else a favour and leave the car at home.
No parking fees or hassle, no fuel costs, no emissions.

 

 

OK, Why don't I just ride a bicycle?

Bicycles are great! They are environmentally sound, keep you fit, have a (much) higher top speed, and some cost a lot less.
However, commuting and utility cycling on streets crowded with cars, buses and trucks is a serious business that requires your full attention.
Most people consider it just too dangerous, and certainly not fun - it has been said that a bicycle is too fragile and slow to mix it with traffic, and too big and fast to mix it with pedestrians.
Enter the Segway. The Segway was designed from the start to seamlessly mix with pedestrians in an urban situation. Being upright they take up little more space than a person, are totally stable at low speeds - can stand absolutely still, and, just like people, can turn in their own footprint.
By contrast, a bicycle is unwieldy at low or walking speeds, has a much larger turning radius, and cannot balance while still.
Also, to put it bluntly, most people just sweat too much to make it practical to commute to an office or place of work on a bicycle in their dress clothes, whereas on a Segway you can arrive fresh and ready to work.
All the above applies in any city, but coupled with the effort needed to navigate Wellington's hilly geography, the use of a bicycle to replace a car is not practical for most people.
Finally, a bicycle by your desk or in the lift with co-workers is not too popular, but the Segway fits right in.

 

 

How fast can it go?

Anywhere from dead still up to about as fast as an average fit person can run - ie from 0 to 20kph.

 

 

How far will it go?

This depends obviously on a number of factors, like how heavy you are, how fast you ride, and the type of terrain you ride over or up, but, on a full charge, about 25 to 35 kilometres

 

 

How long does it take to charge?

From completely empty to full, about 8 hours. Generally you leave the machine plugged in when not in use - on board electronics make sure you cannot overcharge the batteries.

 

 

Can kids use it?

The minimum recommended rider weight is 45 kilos, since riders under this weight may be unable to shift their weight far enough behind the centre of gravity in order to slow down and stop, especially when riding downhill.
Kids usually run to this weight somewhere around 10 to 12 years old, and there is no legal reason why they should not ride - almost all kids pick it up really fast.

Certainly it is no more dangerous than riding a bicycle, but if you are thinking of letting your child ride one in public spaces, then it is common sense to supervise them at all times.

 

 

Will it fit in the boot of a car?

Probably. It will fit in the back of most hatchbacks, and into most boots with the control shaft lowered, and it will fit in almost anything if the control shaft is detached from the main body (if you are going to do this often, you can buy a quick release accessory that requires no tools).
Alternatively, you can transport it on a purpose built trailer hitch on your tow bar in the same way that you might transport a bicycle.

 

 

How can I get it up / down steps?

You can, once you are confident, actually ride down some steps, but this is not officially recommended, nor is it particularly comfortable!
However, the Segway allows you to use its motors to assist in climbing steps or other obstacles you can't ride up or over - perfect for steps or steep zigzags you may not feel confident riding up or down.

 

 

How can I carry stuff on it?

You can carry up to 118 kilos on the machine (cargo plus rider). Segway makes a special cargo system that places the weight of cargo over the wheels so balance is not affected, and includes panniers similar to those available for motorcycles. Also available is a handlebar bag for carrying personal items up to 10 kilos.

 

 

Can I ride it in the rain?

No problem. It will operate just fine in any rain you yourself would be happy to go out in.

 

 

What kind of warranty is there?

One year from date of purchase (90 days for wear parts)

 

 

Can I tow a trailer with it?

This is not officially recommended, but in fact some people even tow rickshaw like attachments with it for transporting people. Aftermarket resellers also make a variety of trailers and other accessories of this nature.

 

 

Can I take it off road?

Sure. The i2 model will traverse grass, gravel and other loose surfaces - even ice - as long as you take care to ride slowly and smoothly. Enhanced traction tires are also available that give you greater control in these conditions.
If you are going to ride primarily off-road (for example on a farm or winery , orchard etc) then you might like to consider the x2, which has a wider footprint and larger off-road tyres.