Ultimate Green Machine: Segway Gets Du Quoin Man Around Town at 12.5 MPH on Pennies

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[About three weeks ago, Steve King of Du Quoin, changed the way we think about getting from one place to another in Du Quoin.

As far as we know, Steve is the first owner in our area of a Segway (PT) personal transportation vehicle.

He purchased his Segway from Paducah Segway. He admits its a little pricey at almost $7,000, but now that he owns one he wouldn't trade it for anything.

The Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen.

It is produced by Segway Inc. of New Hampshire, USA. The name "Segway" borrows from the Italian "follows" while "PT" denotes personal transporter.

Computers and motors in the base of the device drive Segway PT. Steve commands his Segway to go forward by shifting his toe and weight forward on the platform, and backward by shifting his heel and weight backward. The Segway notices, as it balances, the change in its center of mass, then establishes and maintains a corresponding speed--forward or backward. Gyroscopic sensors and fluid-based leveling sensors are used to detect the shifting weight.

To turn, King manipulates the handlebar left or right.

Segway PTs can go up to 12.5 miles per hour.

The Segway design is essentially an inverted pendulum. The Segway PT has electric motors powered by lithium ion batteries which can be charged from household current. There are eight battery "lobes" and King says that around Du Quoin he has never used more than a fourth to a half of the battery power. He can plug it in anywhere and recharge it in about an hour and a half.

The Segway balances with the help of dual computers running software, two tilt sensors, and five gyroscopic sensors. The servo drive motors rotate the wheels forwards or backwards as needed for balance or propulsion. The Segway detects the change in the balance point, and adjusts the speed at which it is balancing the rider accordingly. New models enable the use of tilting the handle bar to steer.

King says Segways perform best in areas with adequate sidewalks, curb cuts at intersections, and ramps. They are getting widespread use by park districts and security details.