How the Segway HT Detects the Presence or Absence of a Rider- and How it Responds

The Segway HT Platform contains four Rider Detect sensors (beneath the Mat), which detect the presence or absence of a rider while the Segway HT is powered on.

Always ride with both feet on the Platform.

When a rider (weighing 100 lb/45 kg or more) is aboard with feet properly positioned on the Platform, the Rider Detect sensors are depressed, and allow the Segway HT to operate normally in Balance Mode.

If fewer than three Rider Detect sensors are depressed while riding, the Segway HT will reduce the top speed limit while moving forward, regardless of the Key used.

Always switch to Power Assist Mode to move the Segway HT, unless you move it very slowly.

If the Segway HT is in Balance Mode, but none of the Rider Detect sensors are depressed, and the Segway HT is moved too quickly, the Segway HT will give the Stick Shake Warning after moving some distance, and will switch to Power Assist Mode. This is intended to prevent a riderless Segway HT from traveling on its own. You should never let go of your Segway HT while it is in Balance Mode.

Never let go of your Segway HT when in Balance Mode.

If you let go while in Balance Mode, the Segway HT will travel some distance on its own before shutting down because the Rider Detection System has to be certain there isn’t a rider on board before cutting power to the Wheels. The Segway HT will not travel very far if you let go of it when it is stopped. But, if you let go of it when it is moving at any speed, it could travel much farther, risking injury to others and damage to the Segway HT.

Don’t put anything other than your feet on the Platform.

You should never place anything on the Platform. Doing so could defeat this safety feature and allow the Segway HT to travel on its own, and run into a person or property and cause injury or damage.

Practice these exercises to become more familiar with the Rider Detection system

Exercise A:

  1. Power on your Segway HT.
  2. Stand to the left sideof the Segway HT.
  3. Enter Balance Mode .
  4. While holding the Handlebar, walk quickly alongside the Segway HT, approximately 3 feet (1 meter).

Did you feel the Stick Shake Warning?

Exercise B:

  1. Complete steps 1-3 from Exercise A.
  2. Walk very slowly, about 10 feet, while holding the Handlebar.

Were you able to walk the entire distance without feeling Stick Shake Warning?

Exercise C:

  1. Complete steps 1-3 from Exercise A.
  2. While listening very carefully, place one foot on the Platform.

Did you hear a tone?

Exercise D:

  1. Make sure your Segway HT is powered OFF.
  2. Place one foot on the Platform.
  3. Power on your Segway HT.
  4. Look at the Display.

Did your Display show a red backlight and some black bars around the perimeter?

Previous Page Next Page