Basic Rider Optimization Training for the Segway
HT
Page 53 of 106
Instructor Guide and Participant Workbook
Rev 3.5i - January 2004
© Segway LLC 2002
P/N 1707100001aa
If Charge is too low: When there is not enough charge in the Battery Packs, Speed Limiter will
engage. Analogy: similar to how your muscles work.
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The first few seconds after power on
Analogy: “Like waking up in the morning.” It takes a few seconds for the Balance Sensor
Assembly to assess the orientation of the Segway HT. During this time, the Speed Limiter is
engaged.
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Foot pressure on the Platform (number of Rider Detect Sensors depressed)
when sensor data indicates that the rider is not in the proper position and fewer than three Rider
Detect Sensors are depressed, speed limiter will engage.
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Battery Pack temperature
If the Battery Packs are too hot or too cold, the Segway HT limits speed because less energy is
available.
Just like your feet with relation to your body, the Segway HT needs to be able to move its wheels
beneath your body to stay balanced, even if the Segway HT has a low battery charge. If you are
running on the grass and stumble on a root, your feet need to speed up to get back underneath you.
The Segway HT wheels do the same thing. When your Battery Packs are low, just like when your
muscles are tired, you need to be more careful and you have a higher risk of falling.
The Speed Limiter reduces speed,
safeguarding the reserve capacity in
the Segway HT. The reserve capacity
ensures that the Segway HT can
respond by moving the wheels forward
or backward in order to keep you
balancing.
The speed limiter is used to modify the Segway HT’s performance dynamically – It allows maximum
utilization of the HT in most situations (smooth surfaces, moderate inclines), but reduces the
performance if the Segway HT or the environment is making it difficult for the HT to function at its
maximum capabilities (steep inclines, low Battery Pack charge, extreme temperatures). The Segway
HT communicates that it is limiting the rider’s speed kinesthetically – by the sensations you feel in
your arms and legs as the Handlebar position is changed and the Platform tilts aft.
Leave a gap!
Stop leaning forward if you are against the
Handlebar. Riding against the Handlebar can
cause loss of control, collisions, falls and injury
due to your inability to recover from loss of
balance and/or exceeding the power necessary
to keep the Segway HT upright.