Segway Safety While Touring Chicago

Looking for a fun and unique way to tour Chicago? Forget walking or bicycling. Instead, consider something the whole family will enjoy: a Segway tour. A Segway is a type of electric scooter that requires skills and balance to operate properly. While they are a fun way to get around town quickly, they have been known to cause injuries and even deaths. Therefore, Segway safety should be on your mind.

If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of Segways as an efficient form of transportation, you’ll want to invest some time in learning the proper techniques. But sometimes even the most experienced Segway riders can be involved in injury accidents. If you were injured by a third party while touring Chicago on a Segway, let a personal injury lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. assess your case.

Call us today at (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation.

Dangers of Segways

It is believed that Segways are safe, for the most part. However, if you knew that the owner of the company that makes Segways was killed on one, you might be more than a little concerned. In 2010, Jimi Heselden drove a Segway off a 30-foot cliff in England and died.

Around that time, Segway injuries were on the rise. Most accidents were caused by Segway riders striking objects or falling. Many of these accidents involved head injuries, which could have been prevented if helmets were worn.

While a study shows that Segways can be stopped more quickly than a bicycle traveling at the same speed, accidents are more likely to occur when riding on a sidewalk than when riding in a street.

Safety Tips for Segway Tours

Dangers exist in virtually any activity, so don’t let the statistics scare you. Instead, prepare for your Chicago Segway tour by following these tips:

• Wear a helmet. Helmets are not always required on tours, but it’s a good idea to wear one anyway. You’ll reduce the risk of injury should you fall off the Segway.
• Use subtle movements. Quick jerks will cause the Segway to move too rapidly and you could lose control. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to operate one. Small movements work best.
• Use caution when getting on and off. Stay calm and be quick and subtle. It is recommended that you use your left side first and then swing over your right limbs. Have your trainer help.
• Don’t go too fast. Segways can reach a top speed of 12 miles per hour. You definitely want to go slower if this is your first time on one. Slow and steady is key since the faster you go, the more difficult it is to stop.

Dealing with Segway Injuries

While many Segway accidents are caused by user error, sometimes third parties can be at fault. For example, if you were not properly trained on how to use one, the company that loaned you the Segway could be considered negligent. In addition, defects can cause Segways to go out of control. In this case, the manufacturer would be held liable.

If your tour of Chicago led to a hospital visit due to a Segway incident, you may have a valid legal claim. Seek legal assistance from the Chicago injury lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.. We may be able to hold another party liable so you can recover compensation for damages. Get your case assessed today by calling (312) 236-2900.