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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