Segway Polo
by Phillip Torrone 
posted Jul 27th 2004 at 3:00PM
Those golfing Segway'ers thought they were tops,
but the Segway Polo-ists aren't going to let the Seg-golfers have all the Segway sport glory, oh no. A bunch of Segway
owners shot some video o of themselves playing Polo… on Segways, and added a weird sound track. Guess there won't be no
more gas guzzling horses on the Polo field!
[via SegwayChat]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
B Money @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Well, sure it's better for the enviroment, but what about the guys who have to scoop the batteries up off the field?
Jon Bauer @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Especially since I'm one of "those guys"...
:-)
- Jon
Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Put on that clever Segway mower attachment and cut the grass.
JD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Are those things even legal on park grounds? Next thing you know those noisy pocket bikes will be ripping up the grass as well. Get the motors off the lawn and let the rest of us enjoy our picnics.
BB @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
This is hilarious! Let them be - besides, it's not a park, it's a soccer field. It's hilarious to watch, and I have to say, I'm impressed at the way some of them handle their Segways - I love the part where the goalie bumps the ball away with a forward pelvic thrust...
Jon Bauer @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Here's another one for ya.
http://www.bayareaseg.com/video/SegwayPoloWeb.mov
Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
I had an even better idea.... Segway Joust... Maybe big nurf poles rather than wood ones... but still would be fun....
Stuart @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
JD, I can understand how you'd think that Segways would be "ripping up the grass" if you get all your information from the WalkSF site. The site is full of misrepresentations and downright wrong information (lies??).
The grass was a little flat after we played but not the least bit torn up.
Stuart
JD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Now Stuart, if you're accusing someone of telling lies, it's always nice if you can back it up. But then we'd get into a long harangue of you said this and I said that. Enjoy your couch dear. And really, it isn't generally legal to have motorized vehicles on the grass in public parks. Although maybe your park is a special park reserved for able bodied people who can only manage to travel on $5000 gyroscopic doohickies.
Jon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
http://www.walksf.org/
Why do you say stuff like "legs shriveling up"? Most of the Segway owners I've met go running, work out, play sports, etc. Does it make you feel better to spew crap?
- Jon
Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
I just read through some of WalkSFs arguments against the Segway. I think if you replace Segway with jogger, WalkSF would be trying to ban runners from sidewalks who can run a 5 minute mile (12mph). I think people forget that theres actually a person on a Segway who can see around them. Just as a runner wouldnt run at full speed through a crowd of peoplesomeone on a Segway wouldnt either. Its just common sense.
Chris Knight @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Won't get into any of the other arguments you had, except for this one:
"And really, it isn't generally legal to have motorized vehicles on the grass in public parks."
Segways, in the great state of California, are pedestrians, except when otherwise legislated by a local municipality. They technically aren't motorized vehicles. In fact, they are not vehicles at all!
Jonathan VanClute @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
I guess I got one HELL of a good deal on mine! I certainly didn't pay anywhere near that...
Of course, it's *still* cheaper than most cars even at $5k, and my 45 mile train/Segway commute sure beats driving! ;)
Jonathan
JD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Segways are *not* considered pedestrians in the entire state of California (pedestrian n. A person traveling on foot; a walker.) SB 1918 was passed by the California Senate to redefine "pedestrians" to include users of a "electric personal assistive mobility device"...The law is written to only cover devices patented by the Segway Company.
Segway users may indeed be "pedestrians" in Segway corporate-speak, and in the eyes of well-paid state legislators. But as you say yourself, local jurisdictions are able to make their own ordinances to protect the public, as was done in San Francisco. And Segways do actually have a motor, at least that is what I was told by the Segway demonstrator I spoke to. But hey- no need to re-fight this little war.
I know the wealthy Segway corporation probably had a few sour grapes about losing the battle in San Francisco against a handful of pedestrian advocates. But the war is over, and not just here. People who decided not to run out and buy the latest expensive toy have already decided the issue.
I doubt there are many Segway owners who know much about pedestrian issues. I would suggest you might want to consider another point of view, and give some thought about why people in San Francisco got pissed off about big mean old Segway and their tactics in the first place. But ya probably won't- so whatever.
Sal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
JD, so far you haven't stated any of your arguments against the Segway. All you're doing is spewing the same rhetoric of the backwards minded SF pedestrian lobby (which by the way is a group of people who would want to ban police sirens if they had a chance).
Segways are considered pedestrians by many states AND municipalities because they are significantly different from motorized vehicles (yes, genius, the Segway does have a motor, but is not classified as such).
Stop sitting in front of a computer thinking of ways to insult the mindset and lifestyle of Segway users, who are obviously in shape and having the time of their lives.
You seem to have a deep-seeded apathy for Segway users, you have used the word "wealthy-" in connection with Segway users on more than one ocassion. Just to let you know many Seg users don't have the disposable income to be able to spend their money at the drop of a hat, many had to save for the wonder ful device they use everyday. And before you walk out of that house and yell your insensitive comments to a passerby on a Segway, think about the fact that many Seg users are disabled and need it for mobility purposes too.
Furthermore, do you remember the horseless carriage? This is the next step in transportation my friend. Grow up, and get with the program. Your xenophobia is what's holding our great nation back.
-Sal
Adam @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
I tried to have a game of polo on my segway and found that most balls big enough to reach the battery, tended to result in injury as the segway is lifted off the ground and it causes the wheels to spin throwing the rider.
Did you experience this? How did you get over it?
Neanderthal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Sorry, Chris,
The definition of a Segway as a type of pedestrian extends only to the roads, not parks. Parks and Rec have the ability to make the call.
I'm a Segway owner, and I know that.
And to you, JD:
Parks are used by all kinds of people to do all kinds of things. I remember when I was a kid, my dad would take me and my gas-powered model airplanes to the park. And sometimes I'd shoot off a model rocket in the park.
Parks have lots of uses.
If Parks and Rec says it's okay, and they aren't hurting the grass, let 'em have fun. Stop being so bitter, it's not a nice way to be.
"HEY YOU KIDS, GET OFFA MY LAWN!"
Hardcore Hockey @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
I couldn't tell the teams apart? At least they could have gone skins v shirts. Urgh, I forgot they own segways...where are the custom jerseys? I'm up for the next televised game, but how about some more checking?
JD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Not bitter, not a hater, and 'scuse me, but bottle rockets and toy airplanes are not Segways.
SF ped advocates are not lying knuckle-draggers. And you honestly believe that stuff about Segway's use for the disabled? So ok, prove it.
The burden of proof is on you guys to show why it was OK for Segway to redefine the word "pedestrian". Sure, you're entitled to your opinion (hell, you paid 5 grand for it). But reasonable people know that a Segway rider is using a device and is not, in fact, a pedestrian. Segway users are a special interest group with yes, too much money to burn, and a very rich inventor who advocated to get the law changed all over the country, with absolutely no input from pedestrians. Easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission, eh?
In this great country of ours, lets not forget that technology should be our servant and not our master, although that's what often happens. Enjoy your polo, but watch out for the rest of us. The parks are for all of us, and not just Segway users.
Neanderthal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Segways for the disabled:
www.draft.cc The website of the group Disabled Rights Advocates for Technology. You can join the site to see the whole thing, but there should be enough photograps there for you to realize what's happening. Here's something you don't know, most Segway owners are AARP age or over, and or are using them as an assistive device for a qualifying disability under the ADA. I myself personally know Segway owners with COPD, MS, Parkinsons, Spinal Cord Injuries, etc. Hell, I even know a dual amputee who rigged a seat for his Segway. I know dozens of seniors with Segways who can't walk as far as they used to, and now they can "run" their dogs outside for the first time in ten years.
As far as redefining the word pedestrian, it's not up to me to prove anything. I abide by all the laws of my state and city. I follow the same rules of the road as a bicycle, which is also legal on the sidewalks of my state. According to my state law, a "Pedestrian" is anybody afoot, or on rollerskates, or a skateboard or a push scooter or an electrical or human powered wheelchair or an electrical assistive scooter. So they added Segway to that list of "or"s. I do not have the same rights and responsibilities as someone travelling "afoot", there are further limitations, so it's not TECHNICALLY the same as redefining the lay term "pedestrian." The legal term "pedestrian" in CA Vehicle Code means something different than the lay term "pedestrian". The word "pedestrian" merely describes a set of rights and responsibilities, and lists the various types of highway users who are required to follow those rules.
Cities or counties in CA and most states can further limit those rights, as is proper, IMO.
But I don't expect an anti-Segway advocate to "know much about pedestrian issues". Next time read the actual law, rather than the rhetoric that you get from the WalkSF website.
As far as parks go, I doubt a segway rider on a cordoned off polo field is any danger to you, JD. Why do you have to pi** on people having fun on a closed off field, not endangering anyone nor making noise nor tearing up the grass?
bottle rockets and toy airplanes aren't Segways? You're right. One of them makes a buttload of noise and can fly into your face propeller first at 35mph, the other is a flying explosive. And the third is merely a transportation device that goes half the speed of a bike.
All by way of saying, parks aren't just for soccer and picnics.
I have a Segway, and so I may be biased. But at least I'm informed.
The WalkSF people are quick to trumpet "they redefined the word PEDESTRIAN!" but never do they explain that the word "pedestrian" is a broad term that really means "things legal to travel on the sidewalk". They shriek about the crazy idea that Segways would be allowed on the sidewalk in the State of California unless a city or County disallows it, but OMIT that bicycles (which go twice as fast or more) are ALSO allowed on sidewalks in the State of California unless a city or County disallows it.
That's why I say, read the law, not the spin.
And let the seggers have their fun in the park. Don't be a curmudgeon!
JD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
But really, the rant above is more curmudgeonly than anything on this page. I'm informed too, I just came out with a different viewpoint after I informed myself.
Most of the disabled advocates in SF came out quite strongly against the encroachment of their safe space. As for the users you mention,the disabled have the right to use any device that will provide them with equal acess under the ADA. That is not the same as providng access for an able bodied person.
Perhaps you could explain why the supposedly altruistic Kamen's more practical iBot wheelchair is not easily available to the disabled? I guess at 29k, a disabled person would really have to save their hard earned cash for a while:
[http://www.cpaont.org/level2.tpl?var1=story&var2=20030909111441]
Neanderthal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
I proved the point you asked me to prove, that disabled people use the Segway.
Other than that, I won't rise to your bait about Kamen. I'm not his apologist, I'm not his keeper. I'm not his cheerleader. You have a question about him, his company, the iBot, you ask Johnson & Johnson, who owns worldwide rights to the iBot.
JD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
That's not the point I asked you to prove, but what the hey. Bottom line is, I've never heard any Segway owner/user say anything that negative about Kamen or the Segway, although they do seem to have plenty of negative things to say about pedestrian advocates and be rather uninformed about pedestrian rights in general. Have to wonder about that.
As I said at the beginning of this discussion, the majority of people have already decided the issue, as Segway purchases continue to drop. So you enjoy yours- fabulous. Happy times.
Jonathan VanClute @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
"JD", you aren't wealthy or rich, and never will be. Your determination to peg the Segway at a price that it has never been (to my knowledge anyway), as well as your overall disdain for anyone who might actually have money, screams "I'm poor and always will be!" And let me be clear - I do not define "poor"strictly by your bank account balance. You seem to have the mindset of a "poor" person in every respect, always quick to blame someone else for anything that bothers you when the real issue must lie within.
You also enjoy claiming you didn't say something, which you clearly did. Your exact quote:
"And you honestly believe that stuff about Segway's use for the disabled? So ok, prove it."
The point was proven, and you then said that was not the point you asked to be proven. Ummm, ok, fine. Live in whatever fantasy world you choose to, but I'd wager that you've never been on a Segway personally for more than perhaps a brief demo, and are so completely biased against it from the beginning that you would never give it any credence at all anyway, even if someone actually uses it every single day to commute, shop, etc. etc. Shame on someone for *choosing* to spend their *own* money on something that causes absolutely no harm to the world at large, and that perhaps they enjoy at the same time. Gee.
My motorcycle cost 3 times what my Segway cost. Are you going to say that anyone who spends that kind of money on a motorcycle is just an idiot with money to burn? What about a $25,000 car? Gonna give people crap for that too?
Get over yourself and your absurd predjudices, and stop bashing people whose choices do not impact you. *shrug*
JD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Really gentlemen. It's apparent that several of you are incapable of a civil discussion, and your minds are only open to those of other people that spout the same thing. From the first post, I've heard nothing but "liars", "get over yourself", "idiot" and the like. So talk amongst yourselves, lads. Life's too short for this crap. Besides, there's a much more even-sided discussion going on over here:
[http://www.engadget.com/entry/3249236468279882/]
Neanderthal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Only on the internet do people get in knock-down drag outs about people's legs turning to jelly, being couch potatoes, people being luddites or knuckle-draggers about Segways.
I've come to the conclusion that the Slashdot et al crowd on the whole is more smug and superior about their annointed technologies (bluetooth, linux, ipod) and gets their kicks lampooning something like the Segway.
On the sidewalks, it's a different tune altogether. I can say I've made literally hundreds of friends while on the Segway. People go out of their way to stop me and meet me and ask me questions. People honk, give the thumbs up and wave at me at least 3 times a day. People break into spontaneous beaming smiles upon seeing me turn the corner. Everyone in the neighborhood now knows me by name, and they smile and wave whenever they see me. I'm invited to bring it to school science fairs, and talk at commutter rideshare events. Seniors and members of the disabled community have sought me out to have a try at riding it.
I've had it over a year, I've gone thousands of miles on it, and I can count the negative comments I've heard on one hand. SERIOUSLY. Two bicyclists, one waitress and a teenager who yelled "f*g" from his speeding car. That's it. Meanwhile I've been on TV, I've met celebrities and given them rides, my popularity at work has skyrocketed and I have a great time.
When I ride my Segway, I bring a smile to people's faces. I wouldn't give it up for the world.
Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
That's a really fascinating world you live in. It sounds like an over-zealous infomercial. Do angels sing and flower petals fall in slow motion all around you when you're out and about?
Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Of course I only meant that as a joke. :)
Diego Francisco de Los Angeles @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Does JD stand for Just a Douchebag?
What an ass.
It would be different if JD had some vested interest in the thing, but to deny the disabled use of a vehicle that exceeds expectations and allows the user to see the able bodied eye to eye rather than from a seated position is patently absurd.
And then for JD to continue on this board posting ridiculous vitriole shows a profound waste of a life.
Meet me in the park sometime JD. I'm the one that is not disabled and not on a Segway. I'd be happy to talk to you face to face. Might help clear your mind.
SSL @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Judging from the posts left here I'm under the definate impression that EVERYONE in SF is trying to take EVERYONES elses rights away from them. I reference YOUR Senators Fienstien and Boxer who would take away all civil rights from EVERY citizen. Everytime I read about YOUR Senators or anyone in the Republic de Kalifornee, it is about taking someones rights away from them. Can't you children play together? I have been to the RK (Republic de Kalifornee)and everytime I took a step I heard this sucking sound as if the state really does suck. I believe that if everyone in the RK owned a Segway the entire country's smog problem would greatly be reduced. Where else in the country does a person get into a car and drive to talk to his next door neighbor. And it's not like the houses are far apart. Most of the time the driveways are a few feet away from each other. Try to just shut up and live with the fact that someone else might have a right to live their own life as they see fit. You can have my Segway and my "evil black rifle" when you pry them from my cold dead fingers!!!
SSL @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Judging from the posts left here I'm under the definate impression that EVERYONE in SF is trying to take EVERYONES elses rights away from them. I reference YOUR Senators Fienstien and Boxer who would take away all civil rights from EVERY citizen. Everytime I read about YOUR Senators or anyone in the Republic de Kalifornee, it is about taking someones rights away from them. Can't you children play together? I have been to the RK (Republic de Kalifornee)and everytime I took a step I heard this sucking sound as if the state really does suck. I believe that if everyone in the RK owned a Segway the entire country's smog problem would greatly be reduced. Where else in the country does a person get into a car and drive to talk to his next door neighbor. And it's not like the houses are far apart. Most of the time the driveways are a few feet away from each other. Try to just shut up and live with the fact that someone else might have a right to live their own life as they see fit. You can have my Segway and my "evil black rifle" when you pry them from my cold dead fingers!!!
Bill Brunton @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
For the full and complete unabridged caveats on the Segway see http://www.segwayforontario.blogspot.com/ and http://segwaycaveats.blogspot.com/
I represent a student group that believes redefining the definition of pedestrian for the sole economic benefit of some segway.com franchisee would be outrageously inappropriate. Please keep the sidewalks safe and do not provide preferential sidewalk access to the wealthy at the expence of seniors, children and persons of disability.
Bill Brunton
SSL @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
Just like a whiny Canadian!!! Whining and expressing views about something they know absolutly nothing about. I looked at those sites that you posted and there is no truth about anything they claim. How many of those pedestrian accidents were caused by Segways? As for healthy wealthy people being the only ones benefiting from the Segway. SHUT THE HELL UP!!!
I ride a Segway and I am disabled and retired on 985.00 USD a month. I know that may seem like a lot of money to you way overtaxed and ignorant Canadians but in the US that doesn't go far. If it weren't for my Segway I would be almost housebound. With it I can get out and be with other people. I ride mine at about 3-5 miles per hour , NOT THE 12.5 MPH THAT YOUR SITES CLAIM ALL SEGWAYS ARE RIDDEN!!! By the way for anyone like you with the intelligence of an average rock, 3-5 MPH is about brisk walking speed. If I couldn't ride it on the sidewalks I would never be able to leave my driveway. With it I can go shopping, go to a movie when I can afford it, talk to people on the bike and walk trails around here, I can go hunting and fishing and I have even taken up geocaching. I feel like a human for the first time in years. So before you start spouting your rhetoric and lies about something you couldn't possibly have any idea about, use your head for something other than to keep your ears apart because it is obvious there is ABSOLUTLY NOTHING between them. It is useless wastes of skin like you that make it diffucult for anyone to live on this beautiful plant Earth. I can stand so I don't need a wheelchair to get around my house although I have one. With my Segway I can stand and go most anyplace a walking person can go and talk to them at eye level. Most of the time no one knows that I am one of what you would call a low life disabled person. If you want something to do, try to get snow and ice banned from the sidewalks in Canada and the US. There have been more pedestrian injuries from snow and ice than from Segways. As for your comment about keeping the sidewalks safe, I say BULL CRAP!!! How about "do not provide preferential sidewalk access to those arrigant and egotistical clods that think they are the only people of consequence in the World" I am done wasting my time talking to a complete idiot like you. Have a nice day!!! I know I am going to have a good day getting out with my Segway to meet real people that are worth talking to.
Jay McBee @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM
WHY IS EVERYONE YELLING ABOUT SEGWAYS? CANADIANS ARE YELLING AT AMERICANS, AMERICANS ARE YELLING AT CANADIANS, AND SO ON. I AM AN AMERICAN, I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST CANADA, AND SEGWAYS ARE DUMB. I THINK THAT'S PRETTY MUCH WHAT THIS BOILS DOWN TO -- PEOPLE WITHOUT SEGWAYS DON'T HAVE THEM BECAUSE THEY THINK THEY ARE DUMB, AND PEOPLE WITH SEGWAYS GET ALL DEFENSIVE BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT SEGWAYS ARE DUMB, BUT THEY ARE BEING TRENDY AND FASHIONABLE BY NOT WALKING ANYWHERE. IT DOES NOT MATTER ABOUT SIDEWALK RIGHTS OR THE DEFINITION OF A PEDESTRIAN, BECAUSE SEGWAYS, AS MENTIONED EARLIER, ARE DUMB. PEOPLE WHO RIDE THEM ARE NOT DUMB, THEY ARE JUST MISGUIDED. I APOLOGIZE FOR SHOUTING THIS ENTIRE MESSAGE, BUT I FIGURED I COULD AT LEAST TRY TO BE AS ANNOYING AS EVERYONE ARGUING ABOUT DUMB THINGS. LIKE SEGWAYS. SEGWAYS ARE DUMB.