How Segway operators can avoid injury claims
Over the last few weeks I have been working with another colleague from IEW
William Duncan MacKay looking at Segway and other forms of personal transport. In 2001, the
inventor Dean Kamen presented the Segway, whose self-balancing technology had initially been developed for an electric wheel chair.
The rider stands on a platform, which contains accumulators, steering electronics and stabilization measuring technique; the wheels, which are attached to both sides of the platform, contain electric motors. A grip pole that also incorporates the steering facility, allows holding on and balancing.
The electronics are continuously measuring the centre of gravity of both the rider and the device and accordingly balance the Segway by steering the electric motors. To move forward the rider has to lean slightly forward, by leaning backward the rider slows down.
Because of safety reasons all technical components are laid out redundantly, to ensure that the device can be stopped safely, in case any component fails.
Over the last few years this mode of transport has been increasingly used in many different applications from the police and security companies patrolling urban streets, airports, shopping centres. Also urban city tours, Segway private hire and other public or commercial activity events.
Segway PTs are also now being increasingly used by adventure activity centres for off road experiences similar to mountain biking and horse riding. These are fitted with off road tyres to enhance the performance.
Surprisingly, in the UK there is no governing body and therefore no formal qualification for either instructors or participates. Training usually happens in house but skills, techniques and abilities vary considerably. Most commercial operators seem to operate out of shipping containers or similar facilities so the equipment can be locked away securely when not in use.
Safety equipment which is given to participants should include: knee and elbow pads, helmet, back protector and gloves. Footwear recommendations will vary according to the environment i.e. off road or urban tour and the prevailing weather conditions. Sensible footwear therefore could include walking boots, trainers or other substantial footwear. Open toes or flip flops are definitely not recommended.
Although basic operation of a Segway hoverboard is easy to learn for most, there are some pit falls that have been highlighted as it can been seen in many video Segway crash compilations on social media.
Caution warning, from my investigation we have highlighted two potential risk controls which may help operators and users from coming to grief. Firstly, properly fitted PPE is essential and secondly, instructors or higher companies should set the Segway into the right setting for the level of the participant, or the skill being taught. Factory Limiting Setting Mode when learning and performing games and tricks. This limits the Segway to approximately 6 mph. And Normal mode for purposeful driving and more advanced skills which has an approximate speed of 12 mph.
As litigation and injuries can occur in the participation of this activity, good practice for centres should be the recommended use of a head camera to record every session. This could provide evidence in case of any litigation resulting from a claim and from a commercial point of view, having a video of the Segway experience could provide the centre another income stream.
If you have any questions regarding Segway PTs or if you are involved in a Segway injury or case, please do not hesitate to contact our Expert Witnesses on 0117 986 2194 or at enquiries@iew.org.uk.
