Should Disney allow Segways for the disabled?

[calsig31]

The 9th circuit thinks they should.

Court tells Disneyland to study use of Segways in theme park - latimes.com

Thoughts?

[brenden]

I had no idea Segways were used by disabled people in lieu of wheelchairs.

[ohmyjustin]

I've seen people in wheelchairs and electric scooters barely able to make it through the crowds. I don't think a segway is really going to be any better in that aspect. Use a wheelchair and keep things safer for everyone involved.

[TodAZ1]

The 9th Circuit Court is famous for being..........well, nuts, sometimes.

[brenden]

Here's the published opinion on the matter: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastor...18/1055792.pdf

In three prior lawsuits, Baughman claimed that “she has a physical impairment which causes her to rely upon a power scooter or wheelchair for her mobility.” Now she claims that she must use a Segway because using a wheelchair is “impractical, painful, and difficult.”

Assertions in her current complaint that she has “never used” and “do[es]n’t need” a wheelchair clearly can’t be reconciled with the earlier claims. Baughman presents no evidence that her condition has changed so that she can no longer use a wheelchair or scooter. Instead, she argues that she’s not bound by her previous statements because she didn’t make them under oath.

I hate sounding insensitive, because I really believe that everyone should be able to experience Disneyland, but this seems kind of fishy.

[Jerryp49]

Before they started contsruction of Cars Land, DCA had guided tours of that park from 7am to 8am using Segways with a CM guide. Cost was $100 ( $80 for APs ). This worked because to park was empty of people. I was hoping they would return, but not this way. They wouldn`t take up more room than a wheelchair, but can`t they go much faster, They would have to regulate their speed.

[Stormy]

Maybe for heart or respiratory problems? People with MS, CP, or other musculoskeletal weaknesses/problems who don't yet need a wheelchair, but have problems with stamina? I'd be interested in seeing other responses from people with disabilities as to how a Segway might help them in the park. And from people who have experience or own Segways as to how they would avoid collisions. How easy are they to stop and/or turn to avoid someone? Can you come to a sudden complete stop without toppling over? Can you go at a snail's pace in a crowd? People tend to stop, change directions, dart and dash in the park without always stopping to avoid other people. How would a Segway driver handle that?

I can't see the park renting them out due to major liability issues, but the issue with the 9th circuit case is based on someone wanting to bring in their own personal Segway. I guess if they knew what they were doing, travelled at the same speed as the crowd was going, & were considerate of others (no ramming from behind or saying 'out of the way, coming through!) it really wouldn't be that much different than a personal ECV, wheelchair, or stroller for that matter.

But as with people requesting a GAC, Disney would have no way of controlling who brought a Segway in because they couldn't demand documentation as to medical need. Could end up being a real nightmare!

[QuiGonJ]

I know Segways can tip over in day to day use, but compared to strollers, I don't know I would object as a guest to seeing others use them.

[ScottG]

Segways are too fast for a congested pedestrian area like DL. However, I have seen Segway type wheelchairs in the park - very cool technology.

[biggsworth]

Hmm not sure how segways are safe for people that are disabled. Wouldn't they have to be modified? You still have to stand in them. Wheelchairs seem to be acceptable and electric carts.

I say they should install moving sidewalks where you can program where you want to go when I walk in the gate ill input Huanted Mansion that will make it so you can't stop in the middle of the walkways I'm semi kidding of course because part of me would love a technology like that lol

[mousedaddy]

Segways are too fast for a congested pedestrian area like DL. However, I have seen Segway type wheelchairs in the park - very cool technology.

i agree too fast for the parks

[Rose Red]

Segways are too fast for a congested pedestrian area like DL. However, I have seen Segway type wheelchairs in the park - very cool technology.

This was my first worry as well. Way to fast, and I don't see most people being able to self regulate there speed.

[Santoanderson]

Aren't they a little big too? I mean, Disneyland is known for it's shoulder-to-shoulder traffic. Good luck being the guy on a segway in that.

[calsig31]

Use a wheelchair and keep things safer for everyone involved.

Segways are too fast for a congested pedestrian area like DL.

Safety is the reason the court is ordering the study to be performed. I say that Disney should allow them only if the travel speed can be limited. Maybe they can rent out their own that top out at a certain speed and not allow private ones if they have the ability to exceed that speed.

Here's the published opinion on the matter: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastor...18/1055792.pdf





I hate sounding insensitive, because I really believe that everyone should be able to experience Disneyland, but this seems kind of fishy.

Thanks for posting the additional info. What she doesn't realize is that while the statements she is claiming are invalid because they were not under oath, they may still be able to be used to impeach other testimony from her.

[mousedaddy]

the problem may not be with the way she operates it but how other to follow will