We’ve all seen Segways here and there, even at the Ballard Farmer’s Market. But we watched this gentleman, clad in a suit and tie, effortlessly cruise along the side of Phinney Ave. and drop down into Ballard like he does this every day.
And he does. The man told us, through our open window, that he commutes every day between his home near Swanson’s Nursery to Pioneer Square.
Update: The high-tech commuter has added more details in comments below. “It takes me about 40-50 minutes for my 8-10 mile commute (depends on which streets I take). I have been commuting this way for about 8 months and have clocked about 1400 miles on the Segway,” he writes. “It really is great fun!!!”
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
I saw him last week, heading south on 11th just north of Market Street during the morning commute hours.
Wow – how long does *that* take?
I would worry about standing so long. Isn't it bad for one's circulation?
He certainly looks happy!
That is too cool! I love it. Only in Seattle…
I'm also curious as to how long this takes.
I'd guess about 50 minutes?
I think it's awesome! he does look pretty happy!
does he stick to the roads or is he up on the sidewalk usually?
thanks for the article, swedes!
A bike would be faster and you'd get more exercise, but whatever.
and would be greener too.
I've passed him a few times while bicycling to work. My guess is it probably takes him 60-70 minutes. The Segway seems to move at about the same speed as a moderately fast jog. My commute is almost identical and is 6.7 miles. If you stick to the bike paths and side streets you avoid almost all of the traffic lights that you'd normally get stuck at by going down 15th/Elliott. That right there is a huge time savings, over 10 minutes when I've timed both routes on my bicycle. I've run to work a few times and that takes me about 80 minutes averaging about 11 minutes/mile.
I think the Segway is pretty goofy looking but the fewer cars on the road the better – less congestion for those who do need to drive, less pollution, less wear and tear on the roads, etc., etc.
Silvergoth: Lots of people spend 8+ hours a day standing on their feet. Construction workers, nurses, teachers, cops, soldiers, waiters, and lots of other occupations routinely spend hours on their feet. You're very fortunate to lead an incredibly pampered and easy life if you're serious with that question. Also it's sitting for hours on end that's bad for your circulation, not standing.
cool, thanks swedes, it's nice to see someone enjoying their commute, and in no hurry.
btw Silence, showing up at work in a suit and tie, and all 'pitted out' is no way to start the day. imho.
Yep but he may not have access to showers/locker in his office. I bike to work but only because I have access to a shower when I get there. I know some people ride that far and don't shower but that doesn't work for everyone. Also people who ride that far and don't shower often do smell despite their claims to the contrary. People never smell their own stink and coworkers are usually too polite to point it out.
There's a guy that bikes to work here, and just packs his suit and tie in a backpack. Seems to work for him, but I do agree with you, I certainly wouldn't want to ride my bike in a suit.
Hi! I'm the “gentleman” on the segway. It takes me about 40-50 minutes for my 8-10 mile commute (depends on which streets I take). I have been commuting this way for about 8 months and have clocked about 1400 miles on the segway.
It really is great fun!!! The fact that some would characterize it as “geeky” is fine with me (I'm a software geek by profession).
For those suggesting a bike would be better for exercise reasons – you are correct, but I prefer not to exercise in my suit and tie during my commute (anymore than all the folks in cars and on buses ;-).
If you see me on my glide home, and you are nice to me – I might show you how to ride my segway!
Just curious, but what's the range on a Segway? Kind of surprised they can get 10 miles on a charge – that's pretty good for a pretty small battery that has to carry 200 pounds or more.
holy heck…you agree with me? You feeling ok buddy? ;-)
hey…that picture adds a few pounds ;-)
But I'd like to know what the range is too…
20-25 miles range depending on temperature and hilliness of terrain. It weighs 110lbs and is officially rated to carry up to 260lbs between person and cargo. A cool feature is the batteries are Litium Ion so they don't suffer from memory problems when “topped up” like older battery technology. Plus, if you go down hill or do a lot of braking – you get more range as it has regenerative braking. I plug it in while I am at work so it is fully charged for both directions of my commute, but not necessary. Back in December/January when the temperatures were in the low 30's I suspect my range was taken down to about 15 miles on a single charge.
thanks for the info…enjoy your day!
“Wow – how long does *that* take?”
– 7.7 miles from Swanson's to Pioneer Square (google maps “walking” directions)
– 12.5 mph is the segway top speed (from http://www.segway.com/support/faqs.php
– 7.7 miles x 12.5 mph * 60 minutes/mile ~= 37 minutes
The theoretical best case is roughly 37 minutes. In reality you would have some stops though.
Yeah, I've done retail. ;-)
My understanding is that moving around helps circulation. It would be tough on my body if I was confined to one p0sition for an hour or two a day, either sitting or standing. It was tough back when I had an hour bus ride – and then I had the option of changing positions!
I'm sure he knows better than to lock his knees!
Maybe he has some physical limitation that keeps him from running, walking or bicycling – a bad knee or the like. Then it would certainly make sense! Commuting without the car is good!
Is that a purple suit?
One more reason we need another traffic circle on 11th ;-)
lol…well, I'm color blind, (literally and metaphorically), but, I'd guess it's blue…
Blue it is…the purple suit was at home on Monday ;-)
Just like standing on the bus: you can move around, shuffle your feet, bend, etc. Locking your knees on a segway over anything other than perfectly smooth pavement is an accident waiting to happen (the first good pavement imperfection will buck you right off).
I find it works best (and is most fun) to approach it exactly like riding a dirt bike or a horse – loose legs, letting it “bounce around” underneath you- with this stance, you can pretty much go full speed over most surfaces and you don't get tired or numb like you would if you were standing rigidly in place the whole time.
“Maybe he has some physical limitation that keeps him from running, walking or bicycling – a bad knee or the like. Then it would certainly make sense!”
Nope (unless sweating is a physical limitation). That said, I got into Segways when I bought one for my wife who does have limited mobility -I decided to see what it would be like to commute to work on it…and it stuck (we have 2 of 'em as a result – I didn't steal hers :-)
wow…like a broken clock….right twice a day ;-)
I've seen it a bunch of times in New York.
Yet again, Seattle is playing catchup but thinking it's ahead.
You folks won't be happy until we move back into caves and die at the age of 25. The old days were very green too.
Why don't you use the Segway on the bike paths? It would be safer (for you and for drivers) and faster, wouldn't it? Isn't it just another two-wheeled electrical mobility device (like an electric bicycle)?
“Why don't you use the Segway on the bike paths?”
State law says that Segways are allowed to go anywhere pedestrians go (sidewalks, bike paths, etc.) – they are classified as “Electric Pedestrian Mobility Assistive Devices” (EPMADs). State law also allows local municipalities to override that law. About 5 years ago, there was a company that rented segways at Greenlake. I am told a number of renters (segway newbies) took them on the bike path around Greenlake and wreaked havoc. Some bicyclists petitioned the City of Seattle to ban Segways from Bike Paths – the city obliged. So – Segways are banned from bike paths within the city limits :-(. It really is unfortunate given that the bike paths are safer than dealing with all the intersections along my commute, I go as fast as many bikes and take up no more space than a pedestrian (24″ x 24″ footprint of the segway). Interestingly, electrically assisted bicycles are allowed on bike paths in the city…in short, it makes no sense -but, it is what it is…meanwhile – I stick to the sidewalks and side streets when in the city. Other segway commuters outside of Seattle that I know get to enjoy the paths. Oh well…I'm still happier than I'd be in a car or on the bus ;-).
A few bad apples spoil it for the whole bunch. But it does sound like you're having a lot of fun on your commute.
And how many of us can say that?
Reactionary idiocy…but, that's Seattle in a nutshell ;-) Stay safe, and have fun…if that's still allowed…
hmmm…you don't 'drink and segway' do ya? ;-)
He is awesome.
Or maybe he's disabled and unable to bike.
He did say why above but none the less…
Wow, that ban is idiocy at its finest. I can see not allowing the rentals around Greenlake – that could be a problem for a lot of people – but banning them on all bike paths is dumb. That's like saying we should ban all cars from the road because a few people drive like maniacs. The few Segways I've seen are certainly easier to deal with than the people who insist on walking their dog on a 10 foot leash or people who insist on walking or riding 3-4 abreast and blocking the entire path.
Yeah. Agreed. I see it at Greenlake, there are enough hazards there. But banning them from all bike paths is just stupid.
I'd much rather have a law against numerous adults pushing one stroller. How many people does the kid need, anyway?
Oh, dont pay attention to the man named Silent Kit. He is a looney.
If I ws younger, I might join you and get a Segway myself
Segway Glider Guy- I just saw you tonight for the first time after reading this….too funny! You were really getting into the corners and quicker than I thought, kudos. The suit is a great touch. Tried to read your bomber sticker but couldn't make out the ip address.
Why wait until you're younger?
My mother turns 76 today, and has one.
The bumper sticker on the back says “There is no place like 127.0.0.1” (translation: “There's no place like home” ;-).
Part of the fun of gliding is getting into the corners – particularly when you get a two-wheel drift going!
And yet another alias for another story. What's with the schizophrenic need to be someone else every time you want to say something?
aliases
The
Susan
Ballard Tribune Double Standar
susan
Ballard hippy tea girl
Wrong Meth House. Ha ha
San Fran Pete
Big Fight at Bergen Park
I dont know the lady but..
Meth Heads hate pretty things
Rockabilly Posers are as bad
Just pay you taxes and shut up
Starbucks Arson. Please read
I like Egans
FEMA Camps
Dumb question but..
Thursday Foodbank Panhandlers
Dumb Question but..
Food Bank
Sad story indeed
Take back our streets
The End Of Ballard
The kindly old woman 82
Good Riddance
Kindly old Norwegien Lady 82
Kindly old Norwegian Lady 82
Flag me down sometime and I'll give you a lesson. If you can stand up, you can use a segway! :-)
Well when she turns 82, we should have some crommetts and tea. he he he
ahhhh….that's what it was. Thanks!
I see what you mean…it was almost like your were surfing! good stuff!
I haven't seen the “rockabilly poseurs” bit anywhere on here before. Who was saying that? Just curious. It cracks me up since I've been going to the shows for as long as I can remember, and can relate.
That is so rad. Thanks for the fun story, GS. :)
if they ever get down to $1000 i'd be more tempted.