Segway scooters banned in SF

SF Gate ^ | 11/25/02

[Diddle E. Squat]

11-25) 21:32 PST -- San Francisco supervisors today banned the use of the Segway Scooter on city sidewalks, agreeing with senior advocates that the new technology poses a threat to the old, the young, and the disabled.

"It's a really big gizmo," said Supervisor Chris Daly, who sponsored the legislation. "You kind of lean on it and it takes off." He said he watched as one user trying it out failed to navigate with the small platform device and crashed into a wall.

[venturin]

Crack me up why dont'cha! That San Fran pic is a hoot. Good job. Thanks for the laugh.

[gitmo]

If I were you (and had a little time to blow on a lawsuit), I'd get my doc to prescribe a Segway. Then I'd go buy one and roll all over SF sidewalks, daring the city to write me a ticket for using my medical device.

Disclaimer from Segway site:

Important notice: Purchaser (or the person to whom the Segway HT is to be shipped) must attend Segway provided training and completely and carefully review all user materials provided by Segway before using the Segway HT. The Segway HT has not been designed, tested, or approved as a medical device. Riders must be able to step on and off the Segway HT, requiring physical abilities similar to climbing and descending stairs.

[DoughtyOne]

Dang it. You had to come up with a better one didn't you. Heh heh heh...

[DoughtyOne]

Good point. I have to tell you that I hate the idea of having to use an attorney to get the system to work. But...

[GSWarrior]

Skateboards and bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks in SF. I don't see why Segways should be allowed.

[wayoverontheright]

It's the SUV of the sidewalk. *ding* *ding* *ding* Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner.

Libs don't like anything that the MARKET distributes.(As opposed to the gubmint)

[js1138]

They do start with a key but that is no guarantee against theft as anyone can tell you who has had a car stolen.

A car can run without a computer. The Segway computer will not operate without a smart card key. Eventually those will be hacked, but not for a while.

I understood that the top speed would be 12 mph, not 17. Is there a typo somewhere? Also, they have "gears" which can limit their indoor or sidewalk speed to 4 mph.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Well, I was gonna say look for a birthmark, but...(now I have "The Crucible" on the brain, and it's all your fault - LOL)

[Semaphore Heathcliffe]

same thing in the Netherlands, WRT to the dedicated bike lanes everywhere. Pretty cool to have the option of biking without putting your life on the line.

[boris]

This shyster lawyer had a site up many months before Segway became available. He wants folks to sign up for a class-action suit against "IT" aka Segway aka "Ginger".

Me, I think it's a cool idea. I'd buy one for $300. Not for three grand plus.

--Boris

[CounterCounterCulture]

In the spirit of the "SKATEBOARDING IS NOT A CRIME" bumper stickers that permeate this region, the first "SEGWAY SCOOTING IS NOT A CRIME" can't be far behind.

[gracie1]

This in a city where the messenger bicycles of choice have no brakes and big hills.

[labowski]

I didn't realize Segways were homophobic.

[Tony in Hawaii]

Nearly a hundred responses and not one South Park reference.

[Petronski]

Do we have a new tourist guy? lol

[Petronski]

Who'd buy a Segway for $5,000 anyhow - when you can buy a cheap used (or even new) moped) that will get you around at least as fast for 1/10 of that?

Vespa scooter, recently sold on ebay for $900: