Hand scooters: pros, cons and features of models

Today, alternative electric vehicles in the form of gyro scooters and segways are increasingly replacing classic vehicles. The latest technologies with which such devices are created are able to provide fairly high speed of movement, 100 percent control over movement, as well as complete safety of use. In this material you will familiarize yourself with such electric vehicles as gyro scooters with a handle - with pluses, minuses, as well as features of operation of such models.

The first segway models appeared in the 90s of the twentieth century and worked based on gyroscopic sensors that determine and fix the position of a certain surface relative to the ground. About the same principle today absolutely all gyro scooters with a handle work, but the accuracy of modern sensors is much higher.

Initially, the engineers set the task of creating an alternative means of transportation without any handle, but the speed of information exchange between processors, boards and sensors was too slow to quickly control the direction of the segway. To speed up these processes, segways with a rudder or “stick” were developed, which made it possible to directly influence the direction of movement of the device and at the same time insured a person from falls.

At first, these devices were only experimental models and cost a lot of money. The first company that began their mass production was called - Segway. She contributed to the popularization of these devices throughout America and Europe. In these countries, segway is still heavily used by police and pizza delivery.

Over time, the accuracy of the sensors and the speed of the processors (reading information from them) significantly increased, which allowed to increase the sensitivity of the segway and exclude the steering components from such a device.

Today, Segway can not be called the undisputed leaders in the market of alternative vehicles. On the Russian streets, as a rule, you can see exactly the classic gyro scooters, which are mainly used by young people or small children. Meanwhile, segways have a number of characteristics that significantly elevate them above other vehicles.

So, the advantages or advantages of gyro scooters with a handle.

• Improved handling and maneuverability. An additional handle or steering wheel allows you to control the movement of the segway at 100%. Sensors that are responsible for measuring the position of the platform, due to the position of the steering wheel and its commands, quickly determine the desired direction - this, in turn, allows you to maximize the maneuverability of such a vehicle.
• Universality. In high-quality segway models, there is an adjustable steering wheel that can adapt to people with a significant difference in height. This versatility makes the model ideal for use by both adults and children (in the event that the total weight category of all family members does not exceed the weight limit of a particular model).
• Multifunctionality. New segway models can be equipped with additional functions and devices that work directly from the owner’s smartphone - via Bluetooth or external communications. In addition, some manufacturers of segways have developed special applications for telephone operating systems that can change some functions of the segway.
• Speed. High-quality and expensive gyro scooter models with a handle combine not only driving reliability, but also its speed. Some mini-Segway models, for example, are capable of speeds up to 25 km / h, which significantly exceeds the maximum performance of most classic gyro scooters.
• Training. Gyro scooters with a handle are an ideal tool for learning how to ride very young children. If you need to feel the balance and control the reference point for learning to ride standard gyro scooters, then in a segway per person, the steering wheel does all these procedures.

Despite such a number of undeniable advantages, Segways also have serious disadvantages, which are the reason for the weak distribution of such electric vehicles.

• Low compactness and mobility. Standard gyro scooters can be used as hand-held vehicles - light and not very large-sized models, after using or discharging the battery, can simply be placed in covers or carrying cases and without any difficulties moved to a new place. In the case of Segway, everything is very complicated by the presence of a handle, which can be removed far from all models of such vehicles.
• High price. To buy a high-quality, powerful and fast Segway model, you will have to postpone a very round amount. The most budget models of such electric vehicles today cost at least 300-350 dollars. At the same time, you should understand that the cheapest options will be no better in control and power than classic gyro scooters without a steering wheel.
• Weight. Due to the presence of a steering wheel or a handle for controlling a segway, such an electric vehicle weighs much more than classic gyro scooters. It also affects the compactness of the segway and complicates the use of such models by children.

Today, the market can offer a huge number of segways with a variety of colors, functions and design, but not all of them are of high quality. Below is a list of the best gyro scooter models with a pen, according to Internet users.

• Wmotion Q7. This model is considered one of the most powerful (1000-2000 watts) and cross-country among classic segways. The model is presented in universal black color and is equipped with large wide wheels, due to which it can reach speeds of up to 20 km / h and withstand a load of up to 150 kg.

• Xiaomi Ninebot Mini. This is a popular bottom steering wheel mini-segway model for children and adults. It is characterized by low weight, white or black color of the case, as well as excellent maneuverability on smooth surfaces. This is one of the best models for moving around city streets. A good power of 700 watts allows you to accelerate such a device to 15-16 km / h. On a single charge, such a model can overcome up to 25 km. The maximum load is 85 kg.

• Wmotion A3. A sympathetic urban model with 14-inch big wheels. The engine has a small power of 500 watts, and therefore this model usually does not gain more than 18 km / h.

• Ninebot E +. Segways of this kind have an extremely elegant design and are able to pick up speed up to 20 km / h. This is one of the most durable models of hand scooters - up to 60 km on a single charge. The maximum load is 120 kg. Such models are very expensive - up to $ 2,000 per model.

• Airwheel A3. A chic multi-functional model, which, in addition to a speed of 18 km / h and a load capacity of 120 kg, has a comfortable seat with shock absorbers. On such a device, you can drive more than 50 km in one charge.

The hand scooter is a pretty serious purchase, so when buying it, one should rely on a number of certain factors, including the battery capacity, power and speed, the material of the body, the height of the steering wheel, and the diameter of the wheels. Each of these factors should be considered in more detail.

Not only the developed speed of the segway depends on this indicator, but also control over this vehicle, its cross-country ability, as well as its carrying capacity.

In total there are 4 standard wheel diameters for the gyro scooter.

• 4.5 inches Wheels with this diameter have extremely low cushioning and can only be used on flat surfaces. Usually these are the cheapest options for hand-held gyro scooters, which are bought for teaching young children. The maximum speed of such devices is up to 7-8 km / h.
• 6.5 inches Segways with such wheel diameters are today considered the most common and affordable. Unfortunately, they have poor depreciation, but relatively good control. Thanks to their average speed of up to 10 km / h, these models are ideal for beginners.
• 8 inches Gyroscooters with this wheel diameter still do not reach speeds of more than 10 km / h, but they can be operated not only on flat surfaces and flat sections of the road. This model is more suitable for movement within the city, for example, from work to work.
• 10 inches or more. Among all the segways, models with such wheels are real mountaineers or SUVs. Most often, they are equipped with inflatable large wheels, which ensures perfect cushioning when driving on any road.

In each model of the Segway there is an indicator that is responsible for the maximum weight that this model is able to withstand. If we talk about models of gyro scooters with a handle for children, then models that can withstand up to 25 kg are usually chosen here. If you choose a Segway for an adult, it is best to buy options with a maximum load of up to 100 kg. The strongest segway options can withstand up to 150 kg. When choosing a model of a hoverboard with a handle, you need to focus on the weight of the heaviest representative of your family.

The fact is that segways are equipped with two electric motors at once, which affect not only the maximum speed of movement, but also the efficiency of overcoming obstacles - the so-called cross-country ability of the model. It is considered that the higher the power indicator of the battery, the faster the segway will be able to move on the road.

For children, models with a total battery capacity of not more than 500 watts are usually selected. If we talk about the younger generation and adults - it will be most convenient to use segways more powerful than 700 watts.

Unlike classic vehicles, the Segway doesn’t need any gasoline - this vehicle is powered by electric energy, which is supplied by built-in lithium-ion batteries. Plus, these batteries are light in weight, which makes it possible to carry gyro scooters more efficiently. The main disadvantage is the inability to use in cold seasons with sub-zero temperatures, as well as the prohibition of storage on loggias and balconies.

If we talk about battery power indicators in such gyro scooters, then usually it does not exceed 4.4 Ah. In expensive segway models, batteries are usually installed from trusted well-known brands like LG or Samsung, if we talk about budget models, then you will most likely find cheap Chinese counterparts there.

Typically, the battery capacity of a segway is enough for no more than 20 kilometers of quiet driving on a flat road.

Usually responsible for controlling all the functions of the segway as many as 3 motherboards (if we talk about expensive models). Two boards individually regulate the operation of the wheels, and the third one controls their operation and is responsible for managing the entire gyro scooter.

In the budget segment models, usually only 2 boards are installed, where only one board regulates the operation of two wheels simultaneously. Unfortunately, such models usually have very weak control and maneuverability, and also break very quickly.

Among the proven companies producing high-quality motherboards for gyro scooters and segways, we can single out the manufacturer TaoTao. This company is engaged in the production of the best "fillings" for hard driving on expensive gyro scooters.

Typically, in the manufacture of electric vehicles, a material such as polystyrene is used, but its quality, type and strength are very different depending on the quality of the model for which it is used. For example, manufacturers usually use cheap polystyrene material, in other words, PS, to create the cheapest and cheapest segway models. This is a very fragile and brittle element that cannot be restored and usually breaks from the slightest physical exertion.

If we are talking about professional gyro scooters with a handle, then polystyrene of the HIPS type is used to create them. It is a more durable material, resistant to cracks, chips and wear.

This indicator is especially relevant when choosing a Segway model for a growing child or for the whole family. It is most reasonable to buy a gyro scooter with a telescopic or extendable handle and a folding mechanism (or with a removable handle). The first function will allow you to adjust the height of the steering wheel for any member of the family, and the second will provide the model with greater compactness. As an alternative, you can buy a Segway model not with a long, but with a short bottom handle. Such models are called mini-segways - they can be both adults and children.

It must be remembered that segway models with folding handles are unsuitable for off-road driving.

It usually takes no more than half an hour for beginners to learn how to control a segway. These devices do not require an ideal sense of balance, like gyro scooters, and therefore are suitable for teaching children and adults. In general, the whole science of comprehension of this electric vehicle is to understand how the device reacts to a change in the position of your body.

When learning to ride a Segway, follow a few rules.

• In the first training session, be sure to ask someone to insure you against a loss of balance. In addition, for training, it is better to choose only flat areas or sidewalks with a minimum number of people.
• In order for the training to go as painlessly as possible, be sure to buy protective ammunition in the form of a helmet, elbow pieces and knee pads. In addition, for training, you need to pick up light breathing clothing that will not hamper your movements.
• First you just need to get on the Segway platform and, keeping your balance, try to take the wheel with both hands. If the device is turned on, just lean forward slightly to start moving along the sidewalk.
• The main condition when driving on a Segway is to observe smooth movements. All rotations and displacements of the center of gravity should be as slow and consistent as possible. Any sharp turn or brake can lead to a complete loss of control over this vehicle.
• Unlike some gyro scooters, segways are a technique that cannot be used for reversing - especially if you need to leave somewhere. Very rarely in models there is a special mode for reverse gear, however, it is installed only in single models.

Precautions when riding a Segway.

• In no case should you use segway when driving on wet and slippery surfaces.
• In the first days of using a Segway, avoid slides - with the development of high speed, built-in gyroscopes and motherboards may not work correctly.
• Segway is not a gyro scooter or a skateboard, you should not try to do tricks with it.

Unpacking and review of the Xiaomi Ninebot Mini Plus Segway see in the next video.