NYPD using Segways.

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by mtaman02

You know whats messed up about this. A NY State Judge called the Segway a gas powered scooter and forced the rider to pay a $90 fine for it being ridden in the city. Since it cannot be registered for insurance OR state plates it is considered illegal to be used (even in the bike lanes). But yet the city will allow the NYPD or the USPS to use it for pretty much the same purposes. NYPD will be using this in place of foot patrol in parks, beaches & city streets and the USPS will use this to deliver mail eventually, BUT it will still be illegal to be used for recreational purposes. God I hate the law. It always works to the advantage of those who make it.

There was a time when people thought if you traveled faster than 25 miles per hour you would die from fright.

Subways and mass transit in NYC was once feared and shuned because of corrupt politicians like Boss Tweed.

Cars were once feared and shuned because they could scare the horses.

Now look where we are today.

While I certainly wouldn't be extremely pleased with this decision (as a Segway owner), I would say this is a good sign. By allowing the police and industry to use the Segway, eventually many of the naysayers will have less and less evidence to use against the recreational use of it, as it will be proven to be a safe and effective mode of transportation.

[mtaman02]

How much does the Segway cost anyway? I could go to a dealer out here in L.I.C. N.Y. but I rather hear it from someone who owns one. =)

And hopefully as the Segway introduces itself into Law Enforcement and other industries the law will be extremely lenient in operating one and having it properly registered correctly. (Not as a Gas Powered Skateboard).

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by mtaman02

How much does the Segway cost anyway? I could go to a dealer out here in L.I.C. N.Y. but I rather hear it from someone who owns one. =)

A brand new one is $5000, however you can usually find [used] ones on eBay for about half that price. Usually these are ones that Segway dealers use for demonstrations and test rides for about a year, so they may have a few scratches on them but otherwise they're completely fine.

[mtaman02]

Does Segway train you how to use it or do you wing it for the first month or two =).

[artdutra04]

I apologize to the moderators if this thread sounds like a conversation.

Originally Posted by mtaman02

Does Segway train you how to use it or do you wing it for the first month or two =).

If you purchase a Segway from a dealer, they will give you training (and usually a Safety VHS/DVD as well) unless you already know how to operate it. (I had been on a Segway tour before I purchased mine, so I had already been through a multi-hour training course.) If you purchase it online, such as from Amazon.com, then you'll only get the VHS/DVD.