How much does a Segway weigh? The weight of a wheelchair could be 
justified based on accessibility, but allowing Segway "traffic" could be 
additional wear that a historic structure doesn't need or can't bear.

April McCauley

Paul Koenig wrote:
> I think the argument that a Segway is no different than a motorized 
> wheelchair to be completely unrealistic. In fact, it's a claim that the 
> manufacturer would disavow. "The SegwayPT has not been designed, tested 
> or approved as a medical device. You must be able to step on and off the 
> SegwayPT unassisted, which requires physical abilities similar to 
> ascending and descending stairs without assistance, and without holding 
> the handrail." So anyone using a Segway as assistive technology would be 
> using it outside the manufacturer's guidelines, which could be 
> considered unsafe use and thus not protected use under the ADA. Also, in 
> most cases, mobility sufficient to use a Segway and ability to stand 
> would be the same as needed to go through the historic house.
> 
> Only certain models have non-marring tires and those without could 
> damage historic flooring. Secondly, while a wheelchair is stationary if 
> you stop paying attention to the controls, the Segway has the potential 
> to move independently for short distances if there is a loss of control. 
> A Segway user also requires greater head clearance. The potential a 
> Segway has to interfere with the fundamental preservation nature of the 
> program could also void protected use under the ADA.
> 
> Segway has a faq and manuals with their safety requirements at
> http://www.segway.com/faqs/faq.cgi
> and
> http://www.segway.com/support/docs/
> 
> A more analogous device to base policy on would be a bicycle. Unless the 
> requirement for use of a Segway is coming from someone able and willing 
> to make an administrative ruling on behalf of the Department of Interior 
> (which could impact all museums), then this should be considered more 
> deeply.
> 
> 
> - Paul Koenig
> 
> 
> On Jul 19, 2007, at 8:01 AM, Kristin Herron wrote:
> 
>> I am posting this on behalf of a National Park Service
>> historic site, which includes a historic house museum.
>> They are being required to develop policy on the use
>> of a Segway within the historic house.  The argument
>> is apparently that it is no different than a motorized
>> wheel chair.  Does anyone have experience with
>> requests to use a Segway during a historic house
>> museum tour, or has developed policy on this topic?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Kristin Herron
> 
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