For the record, the OP has posted often in relation to Segways, but was also active (in the past, not so much recently) in giving general advice for people with disabilities on the disABILITIES Board. I do not always agree with his stand on Segways, but when he has presented it on the disABILITIES Board, he was always respectful of others' viewpoints.
I think (and have said in posts in the past) that Disney is probably not that worried about the
small numbers of people with disabilities who may bring their own Segways into the parks. They would (in general) be well trained and comfortable in use of their device in the same way that people who bring their own
ECVs and own power wheelchairs are. There would be some special challenges connected to Segways in the parks (more about that later). But, once Disney allows people with disabilities to bring their own Segways into the parks, they would have to allow
anyone who says they are disabled to bring one in. That, I think, is their bigger concern.
I think Disney is
very worried about the off-site companies that would inevitably spring up to provide Segways for anyone to rent and bring into the parks. This would be the same way that companies sprung up to rent ECVs. The Disney park ECVs are governed to a very slow speed. The off-site rental ones are much faster. Same thing would happen with Segways - just looking around the internet, I saw some tour companies of big cites that advertised "we don't limit you to 'turtle speed' like some companies do. Segways are meant to be fun and we allow the full 12.5 miles per hour the Segway is capable of going." That would probably happen with WDW area Segway rentals too.
Some of the
ECV companies require a 'face to face' delivery so that they can make sure the user is familiar with what they need to know to safely drive an ECV in the park. The majority of companies just drop the ECV off at Bell Services for pick up by the renter.
I don't know what similar companies renting out Segways would do as far as training, but I have a feeling that the training would vary a lot in quality. I think this is what Disney is worried about more than a few people with disbilities using their own Segways in the parks.
There ARE a lot of safety considerations for using a Segway - the
Segway company has a safety video for all new users that includes a lot of warnings about always wearing a helmet
(no other 'mobility device' includes advice to wear a helmet). The video also includes a lot of stick figures falling down as they do things that put the Segway in danger of tipping them off.
On page 116 of the pdf of the same safety manual, it says:
"Until you can ride with this precision, do not attempt to ride in any area where you might encounter children, pedestrians, pets, vehicles, bicycles, or other obstacles and potential hazards."
I wonder how many people renting from an off-site place will actually have enough training to 'ride with precision' before they go into the parks where they will be meeting lots of 'potential hazards'?
Also, on page 130 of the pdf Getting Started Manual (page 112 on the bottom of the page), it says:
"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. "
The Segway is self balancing for front to back, but can tip over sideways if the user is not keeping it balanced. (this is from page 75 of the pdf of the Segway Getting Started Manual). If the Segway gets into a shut down situation, the rider has a few seconds to get off safely.
But, renting from an off-site company, how many people will rent a Segway when they don't have those abilities? What about Grandpa with bad knees who doesn't want to look disabled, so won't rent an ECV, but needs to 'rock' to get out of a chair and grabs onto the stair rails for dear life to go up a step. Will he rent a Segway anyway? If he does, will he be able to get on and off safely?
And, what about someone who doesn't have side to side balance, will they still rent one, even thought they don't have some of skills needed to use one safely?
I have gone on the Segway tour at Epcot 3 times and all 3 times someone fell off and several people also avoided a fall when their Segway got away from them and they did not know how to stop. This was after almost an hour inside practicing different manouvers AND our Segways were limited to the slowest speed AND, we were riding in a closed part of the park (WS before it opened).
There are quite a few posts on the DIS Boards where people are complaining about guests they think are using an ECV for 'convenience'. THere are enough negatives to using an ECV, that I think few people actually rent one unless they need it (either because they can't walk the distance involved in WDW or because they will be in extreme pain if they walk the distance).
ECVs are not 'cool'; Segways are. I can see people renting Segways just for a 'cool' way to get around. Putting a lot of inexperienced Segway riders who can go at high speeds in the parks is asking for trouble (especially ones who are 'cool' and overconfident - they tended to be the ones who got out of control on my tours).
There is a difference between riding a Segway in an open area like a mall and at WDW where people are constantly getting on and off of attractions. (although there are other dangers, like theft detection systems).
(page 63 [the number on the bottom of the page is 45] of the
Segway Getting Started Manual)
"Theft detection systems, such as the type used in some libraries and retail stores can interfere with the Segway PT’s ability to balance and/or cause the Segway PT to perform a Safety Shutdown. Do not ride within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any theft detection system."
Indoor shopping malls usually have a lot of flat open space (no curbs) and the entries to shops are wide, tall and most don't have any door to open.
Except for check out in really busy times, it's unlikely that anyone would be in line behind other shoppers, hardly moving.
WDW has lots of areas with curbs and curb cuts as part of the street theming - not a problem for an experienced Segway user, but could be trouble for an inexperienced one.
WDW buildings are mostly themed with 'normal architectural' doors like these from Pinocchio's Village Haus
Most shops and restaurants have doors like this which may or may not be open. Again, a veteran user would likely be prepared for low hanging signs and low doors, but an inexperienced user would not. (On the tours, despite being warned, several riders hit into things like tree branches and hanging pots that would normally be over the heads of guests who were walking, but could be at head level for guests standing 9 inches higher on the Segway deck.
And, then, what do you do with the Segway for rides?
Wheelchairs and ECVs will stand on their own when the rider gets off - Segways only stand up when someone is standing on them. When off, they need to be leaned against a wall (I know some have parking stands, but my understanding is that is an option). ECVs and wheelchairs will stay standing whether someone is in it or not.
What about shows?
Wheelchairs and ECVs are sometimes parked in the front row - Segway users standing in the front row would block the view of guests behind them, so they would need to do something else. Parked in the back (which is where wheelchair and ECV users are for some shows anyway) would not be a problem. If the Segway user switches to a theater seat, what about the Segway? Where would it park?
What about rides with moving walkways?
Wheelchair and ECV users can bring their mobiliity device onto the moving walkway, park it and get into the ride car. Segways could not go on the moving walkway, so how would they handle it?
If people using Segways can't use their Segway with the things WDW has in place to meet the needs of people who are using wheelchairs, ECVs, walkers, canes, etc , does WDW need to change everything to make it accessible to this small group?
And, there are groups of blind people who are against Segways because they find Segways to be a particular hazard to them because the Segways move quickly and are virtually silent, meaning that blind people are not aware of the Segway.
So, it's not as easy a question as it appears at first glance.
