By Mitch Morrison
The University of Louisville Department of Public Safety has a new tool to help keep students safe.
The department recently purchased several two-wheeled space-age vehicles called “Segways,” on which officers can literally float around students at speeds up to about 12 miles per hour.
“The Segways will make it easier for officers who were on foot to patrol some parts of campus,” said U of L Assistant Chief of Police Maj. Kenneth Brown. He said the Segway units will be used in addition to bike and vehicle patrols already in place.
The Segway product is a relatively new, high-tech vehicle that seemingly glides around with the help of two one-horse-power electric motors and a set of gyroscopes to balance the unit. Unlike a bicycle where the wheels are in front of one another, the wheels on a Segway are spaced side-by-side. This allows the rider to maneuver effortlessly around tight corners, something that is much more difficult with a bike, golfcart or car.
The Segways are balanced by what is described as “dynamic stabilization technology,” a computer controlled weight that counteracts the shifts the rider gives the device.
Each officer who will be using one of the new Segways has taken a training course that includes a safety film and hours of field training within the campus grounds.
Students around Belknap campus may see the new Segways anywhere from Unitas Tower on the north end of campus to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on the south side.
Officers will use two of the units for campus patrols and one for security in the stadium lot.
Not only do the Segways allow security officers to maneuver between parked cars, but the added height – a Segway elevates the rider about a foot off the ground – allows them to see over cars and crowds of people.
The new Segways also make a good “ice-breaker” when it comes to talking with students and staff on campus, officers said. Many feel comfortable enough to come up to an officer and ask questions about the interesting devices. Senior biology major Jonny Mitchell said, “They’re so different, it is hard not to go up to them and say something.”
Brown also said that other police departments have been looking at what U of L is doing with the Segways, and may consider purchasing some for use elsewhere.
HOW IT WORKS:
So just how does a two-wheeled Segway move and turn without falling over?
When the vehicle operator leans forward, the motors spin both wheels forward to keep from tilting over.
When the vehicle leans backward, the motors spin both wheels backward.
When the rider operates the steering grip to turn left or right, the motors spin one wheel faster than the other, or spin the wheels in opposite directions, so that the vehicle rotates.
Source: Segway Inc., http://www.segway.com/segway
