Testing The Segway On Britain's Streets

Ryan Dilley tests the lawnmower-shaped scooter on Britain's less-than-perfect sidewalks.

1 minute read

June 19, 2003, 2:00 PM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"President Bush took a tumble when he stepped on a Segway two-wheeled scooter last week. Could I do better than the leader of the free world?...whizzing around an empty, flat car park within the BBC's walls is one thing. Navigating the pedestrians, prams, rubbish bins and discarded kebabs of London's mean streets is quite another...the Segway's rather unforgiving suspension system soon makes it clear that...British pavements are in a ruinous state of repair...The novelty value of the Segway is arguably a stronger social lubricant that alcohol...Many liken it to the ill-fated Sinclair C5, a three-wheeled electric car also supposed to revolutionise personal transportation."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Tuesday, June 17, 2003 in BBC News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

6 hours ago - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit