Segway Solutions solve Mobility Gaps Among aging, veterans, and disabled populations Presented by John E. Smith Great Lakes Segway June 7, 2019
EXISTING MOBILITY GAP Seniors, Disabled Persons and some Veterans often are unable to enjoy public areas, amenities and venues due to their inability to walk long distances Many parks, trails and public venues in Michigan and throughout the Country, ban personal mobility devices such as Segways, ebikes and scooters • Park and trail rules are often unclear or misinterpreted • Lack of understanding of state and local laws • Misconception of how Segways and other mobility solutions operate • Liability concerns 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Segway Personal Transporters (PTs) and scooters create an on-demand, inclusive mobility solution for Seniors, Veterans and Disabled Persons to enjoy resources at parks, trails and public areas • Segway PTs and scooters solve identified mobility gaps experienced by Seniors, Veterans and Disabled Persons at parks, trails and other public areas • Disabled Persons, Veterans and Seniors around the world , are using Segway PTs to explore parks, enjoy nature and visit public areas where they would normally be unable 3
JULIE CONLIN, ANN ARBOR Meet Julie • Loves life by getting outdoors • Member of the ADA Community and sufferer of Spastic Paraparesis • Relies on her Segway PT for personal mobility Her Segway is a mobility resource • Julie speaks about how she can barely walk on a normal day due to her physical limitations • However, in the attached video she explains how her Segway PT has revolutionized her life Click above image to watch Link: https://goo.gl/NKpD7o Watch video 4
Julie was recently denied access with her Segway at a local zoo Per Julie: “We tried to visit a local zoo on May 22 and I was denied entry! The park actually has a policy forbidding Segway use.” “When I talked to my fifth person, I got her to state that "someone" deemed the paths unsafe for other motor powered mobility devices. That's the language of the policy.” 5
WHY SEGWAY?
WHAT ARE SEGWAY PTs Segway PTs are two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporters powered by gyroscopes to maintain balance produced by Segway Inc., launched in 2001 • Segway PT speed and direction of travel are controlled by leaning forward • Travels seamlessly indoors and outdoors • Allows users to enjoy road and camping trips, tour parks and explore trails Quick facts • Can travel through standard interior doorways • Ideal for use on sidewalks and other paved surfaces • Included lithium batteries provide range of up to 24 miles • Charges via any standard wall outlet • Easy to remove handlebar allows you to transport anywhere 7
SEGWAY PTs OFFER INCLUSIVE MOBILITY • Disabled, Seniors and Veterans enjoy park amenities as do able-bodied visitors • Allow users to enjoy experiences when walking is difficult • Inclusive mobility: anyone can ride • First and last mile mobility • Dignity for Disabled • Not associated with “wheelchairs” • Mobility without the “Disability” stigma 8
HANDLES A VARIETY OF TERRAIN TYPES Segway PTs can operate safely on a various terrain and surfaces ✓ ✓ Grades up to 26° Sand ✓ ✓ Wooded trails Grass ✓ ✓ Gravel Asphalt ✓ ✓ Dirt Concrete ✓ ✓ Mud Brick 26.0° Grade 9
SEGWAY PT ENERGY USAGE • Reduce overall carbon footprint Zero Emissions • Increase energy efficiency 0.081 lbs. of CO 2 /mile (power grid) • Use for various daily applications • Replace short-distance, auto trips VS. 16-24 miles Per Charge 1.04 NEXT kWh 20 Miles 10
SUPPORTED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS Per Federal Dept of Transportation • Some disabled individuals may use Segway PTs as a personal mobility aid , in lieu of traditional devices like a wheelchair • Disabled persons using Segway PTs as a mobility device, are covered under the broad class of accommodated mobility aids • Per laws, a Segway occupies a legal position analogous to canes, walkers, etc. • When a Segway is used as a mobility device by a mobility limited person, the transportation provider must permit them and their Segway onto the transit vehicle • As approved by the Department of Transportation’s Disability Law Coordinating Council Source: DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION DISABILITY LAW- SEGWAY USE ON PUBLIC TRANSIT, Sept. 2005 11
MICHIGAN SEGWAY LAW In 2002, Governor Engler signed SB 1016 into law, 2002 PA 494 This law added a new section to Michigan Vehicle Code, to provide for Segway PTs Segway PTs are defined per the Michigan Law • An EPAMD (Electric personal assistive mobility device) • The law treats Segway PTs in a category similar to bicycles • Excluded from “Motor Vehicle” definition • Allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, and streets < 35 MPH 12
SEGWAY MOBILITY SOLUTION
SEGWAY MOBILITY SOLUTION Segway Mobility Solution • Create an app-based, on-demand, Segway PT reservation system that allows Disabled, Seniors and Veterans to rent Segway PTs for use at parks, trails and public venues • Allow Seniors, Disabled and Veterans to enjoy the same amenities afforded to able- bodied visitors • Drivers deliver the Segway PTs direct to Seniors, Veterans and Disabled Persons to their desired park or trail location Segway Training Program • Seniors, Veterans, and Disabled audiences participate in a two-hour training program to acclimate and safely operate Segway PTs • Graduates of the Segway training program are issued a Segway Driver’s License • The Segway Driver’s License allows participants to rent and use Segway PTs at participating parks, trails and public areas 14
RENTAL PROGRAM Training Cost: $50 includes: 2 hour training, Segway driver’s license card, discount on future rentals, discounts at future partner providers Discounted rental rate: $40 first hour, $25 each additional hour, up to 4 hours Grant subsidization: Grant provided funds reserved to cover costs of Segway training and rental for financially strapped Seniors, Veterans and Disabled Persons Avoid excluding those who are interested but financially unable to cover the expense of the rental program 15
HOW IT WORKS: RIDER EDUCATION 1. 2. 3. 4. . . . . Participants engage in a 2 Students demonstrate safe riding “Passing” students are issued Students are required to watch the a Segway Driver’s License hour Segway training class techniques to become certified official Segway safety training video 16
HOW IT WORKS: MOBILE APP RESERVATION 2. 3. 4. 1. . . . . User reserves Segway PT Dedicated driver delivers User enjoys Segway Open app and login (first through app experience Segway PT to user experience at Michigan Parks, time users download app) (with Segway driver’s trails and venues license validation) 17
PROGRAM EVALUATION Assessment • Collect and record data to learn about program success • Track participant feedback and ability during ride experiences • Were the participants able to explore more? Did they enjoy their experience? capture overall reactions • Evaluate Segway PT handling • Understand how the device improved their overall mobility Collection methods • In-app experience reviews • Rider and Park surveys and diaries • Park management interviews • Surveys of non-riders and other park visitors 18
WEST BLOOMFIELD PARKS PARTNERSHIP Currently working with West Bloomfield Parks to develop a Segway pilot program, offering Segway training classes & rides for seniors & general public (Fall 2019) How it works: • Seniors sign up and register through the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Department • Great Lakes Segway staff will deliver, train and guide riders through the designated WB trails • Riders once completed the initial training class will be issued a Segway drivers license • Upon the next class will be certified to ride with limited refresher instruction • Helmets and waivers issued at the time of ride • Any riders deemed “unsafe” will be provided a refund and future opportunity to try again 19
SUSTAINABILITY Program Viability • Offer new amenities and mobility options to Disabled, Seniors and Veterans and the general public New park/trail • Increase tourism, engagement and emotional connection with Michigan parks, trails and public areas amenity icon • Revenue generated will be reinvested into program improvements • Program growth supports job creation Ongoing relationship building and partnerships • Continue to make inroads with ADA Community Organizations and mobility partners to promote program • Promote and identify candidates through Veterans Programs, senior organizations and ADA community Long-term plan • Expand to offer first and last mile public transportation solutions in a variety of regions throughout Michigan • Develop partner network within the app experience to encourage users to engage with supplemental services and mobility solutions that add value to the lives of Seniors, Veterans and Disabled • Position Michigan as the leader for Personal Mobility Solutions 20
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