Practice with people who know Segways before heading off on your own. At the very least, have a spotter when you first climb on and practice. See How to operate a Segway for more details.
Knee and elbow padding, wrist guards. Eye protection. If you’re using the Segway at night (presuming it is legal to do so wherever you live), wear a high visibility jacket so that people can see you easily. If riding at night, always add lights so that you can see and be seen.
Don’t turn a segway too fast. Fast turns can cause you to lose control; always lean into a turn and take it slowly. Don’t stop or start a Segway too fast. Don’t ride backward. This ability is meant only for maneuvering out of a tight spot or turning around, not for travel.
Heed the Stick Shake Warning. This warning is set off when you ride too fast backward or you push the Segway beyond its limits, such as going over rough terrain, down a slope, or speeding up or slowing down too rapidly. [4] X Research source Segway, how to ride the SegwayHuman Transporter (HT) safely, p. 10 Slow down. If it doesn’t stop after slowing down, stop and get off as it could be telling you that your battery packs are low or that there are maintenance issues with the Segway. Indoors, keep to a slow walking pace, stay in the center of corridors as much as possible, give way to every person, and don’t take the Segway where it’s not permitted. Outdoors, aim to keep to a fast walking pace, again giving way to pedestrians and being very careful when going around corners.
Any abrupt terrain change can cause problems for your safety, such as riding from grass to pavement, speed bump, etc. [5] X Research source Segway, how to ride the SegwayHuman Transporter (HT) safely, p. 8 Do this slowly and with care. Step off a Segway and use the power assist mode any time you are unsure of how to handle the terrain or area that you’re crossing. Don’t ride on roads. Not only is the Segway not made to be a road vehicle, but it’s dangerous and may also be illegal. Cross roads with care, use power assist to walk it across if safer.
Generally, keep to the right of the sidewalk in countries with right side drive and keep to the left of the footpath in countries with left side drive, unless your pedestrian traffic norms are different. Heed all local rules about use of sidewalks.
Avoid holes, curbs, and steps when using the Segway. A Segway can easily trip up on such obstacles. Don’t take your Segway down a steep slope. Doing so will cause it to unbalance, and it’s very likely that you’ll be thrown out. Don’t ride a Segway on any surface that is slippery, such as ice (including black ice, be aware!), snow, wet grass, oily or greasy areas, or wet floors. Don’t ride over loose items such as branches, pebbles, rocks, broken glass, etc. These can cause the Segway to lose traction and tip you out.
Slow down (and stop if needed) at crossings, intersections, groups of people, driveways, around corners, doorways or other low-hanging areas, etc. Get out of the way of cars, cyclists, and other traffic. Realize that often you can’t be seen or heard, or people may not equate a Segway with being something they need to stop for. Avoid iPod oblivion or cell phone distractions. Don’t use MP3 players or cell phones while operating the Segway. Don’t drink and ride.
