Disney World wins dismissal of lawsuit challenging Segway rule

[pugdog]

For anyone listening, this lawsuit was filed for the wheel chair version of a Segway, its 4 wheeled and converts to a 2 wheel device thats operates just like a segway, as far as I know, they aren't even built by segway, just use the tech.

Busta

That wheelchair is called the IBOT and it is considered a wheelchair and is protected under the ADA. The lawsuit was over the Segways not the IBOT.

 

[SueM in MN]

For anyone listening, this lawsuit was filed for the wheel chair version of a Segway, its 4 wheeled and converts to a 2 wheel device thats operates just like a segway, as far as I know, they aren't even built by segway, just use the tech.

so now imagine a 250 pound guy balancing in a chair, on 2 wheels during a peak summer Saturday.

THATS the safety issue Disney had.

If it won't even allow normal segways into the park without helmets and supervision by a CM, you think there gonna let Archie Bunker in the park with a device that weighs close to or over 500 pounds?

Thats about as likely as Fozzie telling a good joke.

Busta

That is not true.
The wheelchair is called the ibot. It is a very expensive wheelchair, but it is a wheelchair and is allowed where ever wheelchairs are allowed.
I have actually seen one and they are very stable in the 2 wheel balance mode. No one would be able to push one over and a person standing in it is not that much taller than a person standing without it.

I am sitting here writing this and i still have the bruise on my leg from an ECV that ran me over at the Magic Kingdom last week. I have been run into by first timers on a Segway and never received an injury. Someday the Segway or a successor will get the approval it needs as too many people can be helped and there is no reason other than preconceived ideas as to why they shouldn't. While the lawsuit may not have been started for a good reason, It will be back and so will those of us who having actually spent time living with a Segway. We know it's value.

My thoughts about why Disney does not want Segways to be allowed are:
- if they are allowed, there will be off-site places that rent them to inexperienced users, the same as off-site places rent ECVs to people now.
- there would be little to keep people bringing in Segways with the fastest (red) key, which allows the Segway to go 12.5 mph. When this discussion came up before, I even found websites that would make Segway red key, but make it the green color, which is for the slowest key (which is 4 mph). The proponents of Segways in the park make it sound like most power wheelchairs can go 12 mph, which is not true. The average power wheelchair goes much slower (more like the speed of the green key Segway).
- what to do with them while the rider is on a ride?

That wheelchair is called the IBOT and it is considered a wheelchair and is protected under the ADA. The lawsuit was over the Segways not the IBOT.

 

[fitzperry]

That wheelchair is called the IBOT and it is considered a wheelchair and is protected under the ADA. The lawsuit was over the Segways not the IBOT.

It's also worth noting that the news article states the case was dismissed because the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue because none of them intended to visit WDW in the near future with their Segways. It does not appear that the court addressed the merits of the case.

 

[KYMickey]

It's also worth noting that the news article states the case was dismissed because the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue because none of them intended to visit WDW in the near future with their Segways. It does not appear that the court addressed the merits of the case.

Of course not, the judge didn't want to waste his time on a completely frivolous lawsuit! If he had taken any time at all you would have dismissed it on merit (based partly on the iBot wheelchair). People need to realize that Disney has many layers working for them and decisions they make have a legal basis why they're made.

 

[gmboy95]

Of course not, the judge didn't want to waste his time on a completely frivolous lawsuit! If he had taken any time at all you would have dismissed it on merit (based partly on the iBot wheelchair). People need to realize that Disney has many layers working for them and decisions they make have a legal basis why they're made.

Or they just have a bazillion dollars to pay for high priced lawyers to crush the little man.....I'm rooting for the underdog in this one!!

 

[dancin_princess]

Yes, because those cast members who use the segway in epcot ( and disney Managers in other parks ) go through a pretty rigorous training course not only on the operation, but also operating the device in crowds. Plus, they are held liable for their actions - and can lose their job for mis-use.

This is true. Not any cast member can just use a segway. Not to mention large crowds and segways do not mix.

 

[KYMickey]

Or they just have a bazillion dollars to pay for high priced lawyers to crush the little man.....I'm rooting for the underdog in this one!!

I like you normally root for the underdog but in this case the underdog is not really an underdog but rather a couple of money hungry people who thought Disney would just roll over. I'm actually handicapped and certainly don't feel that a Segway is an appropriate transportation device for the handicapped. Instead it is a fun device that shouldn't be used in crowds. I've actually ridden one and can speak from experience which I'm sure the majority of the posters in this thread can't.

 

[TSR6]

This is true. Not any cast member can just use a segway. Not to mention large crowds and segways do not mix.

I never said that "any" cast member can use a segway.

What I posted is true. The cast members that DO use the segway are trained to use them...and no, not all cast members go through this training. I never said that.

 

[pouncingpluto]

It's also worth noting that the news article states the case was dismissed because the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue because none of them intended to visit WDW in the near future with their Segways. It does not appear that the court addressed the merits of the case.

Exactly. I wouldn't assume this issue is over just because this particular suit is. A similar one could be brought again with plaintiffs who have shown intentions to visit WDW in the future.

 

[mwehttam]

Or they just have a bazillion dollars to pay for high priced lawyers to crush the little man.....I'm rooting for the underdog in this one!!

And that is why? Your position does not make sense. So when some one runs your down or, worse, a little one in your party, you will just brush it off as "ooops, well accidents happen." Doubt it. You will have a lawyer all over Disney to get your "payday."

 

[Soichiro]

I've almost get hit by ECVs every single day. One guest was coming at me at full speed - only a metal handrail stopped her with a reaallly loud clang. She didn't know where the break was.

Yeah. No segways. CM's are in enough danger as it is.

 

[minnie61650]

I've almost get hit by ECVs every single day. One guest was coming at me at full speed - only a metal handrail stopped her with a reaallly loud clang. She didn't know where the break was.

Yeah. No segways. CM's are in enough danger as it is.

Just an FYI:

Most ECV's do not have breaks.
Release the throttle and the EVC will roll to a stop.

 

[minnie61650]

That wheelchair is called the IBOT and it is considered a wheelchair and is protected under the ADA. The lawsuit was over the Segways not the IBOT.

I agree:

Here is a photo of the IBOT.

 

[mitros]

Just an FYI:

Most ECV's do not have breaks.
Release the throttle and the EVC will roll to a stop.

They do NOT have brakes? And you have to ROLL to a stop? Sounds like an accident waiting to happen.......

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They do NOT have brakes? And you have to ROLL to a stop? Sounds like an accident waiting to happen.......

The brakes are automatically applied when you remove your finger from the throttle lever. However, if you keep any pressure applied it will just lower the current to the motor and not automatically apply the brakes.

 

[Soichiro]

Just an FYI:

Most ECV's do not have breaks.
Release the throttle and the EVC will roll to a stop.

I'm aware of this.

The average guest isn't.