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Operating Characteristics of the Segway™ Human Transporter

Appendix: Participant Forms and Instructions

The appendix consists of the following sections:

• Demographic Questionnaire-Phase I.
• Pre-Briefing Instructions-Phase I.
• Environment Checklist-Phase I.
• Instructions-Phase I.
• Follow-Up Questionnaire-Phase I.
• Demographic Questionnaire-Phase II.
• Pre-Briefing Instructions-Phase II.
• Environment Checklist-Phase II.
• Training Procedure Checklist-Phase II.

DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONNAIRE-Phase I

PRE-BRIEFING-Phase I

Welcome and thank you for your participation. Today, you are participating in a program of research on the needs and requirements of emerging road and sidewalk users, such as Segway^TM riders.

The purpose of this research study is to investigate several Segway^TM performance characteristics, such as acceleration and braking under different circumstances. The study will last approximately 2 to 3 hours. If at any time you feel that you need to take a break, please tell the researcher.

First, we will review some safety procedures, including a review of the course for safety hazards. (You are an experienced Segway^TM user, but if at any time you wish to review the Segway^TM reference manual or safety video, please let the researcher know.) Then, you will have a short warm-up session. Please feel free to ask any questions during this time. It is important that you feel safe and comfortable during the study.

Next, you will be asked ride to different marked locations on the sidewalk course. Sometimes you will monitor a signal that indicates you should stop immediately. This means that you should stop as quickly and as safely as possible. At various times, the researcher will ask questions about how easy it was to come to a stop.

Finally, you will be asked some questions about how often and where you ride the Segway^TM. Please be thoughtful and honest in answering-there are no right or wrong answers. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will be very useful to transportation researchers and engineers who want to ensure your safety on our roads and sidewalks.

>ENVIRONMENT CHECKLIST-Phase I

Please read the following document. Then we will walk the course together to look for any potential hazards while you are riding the Segway^TM.

There are several potential hazards in the environment (such as curbs, pedestrians, birds, lights, etc.). We have tried to minimize hazards through use of protective equipment (e.g., helmet) and barriers (e.g., cones and tape) and by using multiple researchers. If there is any other measure you feel we should take or any hazard with which you are uncomfortable, please notify me immediately. We will start by examining the Segway^TM to assess its operating condition. Then we will review the course.

Segway^TM

• Determine whether the Segway^TM is operationally ready in terms of
• Overall condition.
• Function of controls.
• Condition of tires and platform.
• Adjust height of handles as needed.

Surface Conditions

• Is the surface even?
• Are there pitting, potholes, or rough surfaces?
• Are there seams in the surface?
• Are they detectable underfoot?
• Are they flush or are they uneven in height or width?
• Is the surface generally dry? Is there any water collected on the surface?
• Are there drains or grating on the surface?
• Are the edges of the sidewalk curbs, seams, or other? Note the height or width of these transitions.
• Within approximately 20 feet, what surrounds the sidewalk on all edges, at ground, waist and head level?
• Grass, pebbles, stones, pavement dirt, concrete, water, etc.
• Bushes, trees, tree roots, flowerbeds, rocks, etc.
• Light fixtures, fencing, etc.
• Benches, signage, bike racks, parked cars, etc.
• Tree branches, signage, light fixtures, etc.

Obstructions

• Note the location of decorative features, plantings, landscaping, signs, light fixtures, or street furniture on or near the sidewalk.
• Note the possible presence of birds or animals on the sidewalk.
• Note the width and length of the sidewalk.
• Note (and remove) any debris present.

Researcher Materials

• Note the presence of markings, signs, or equipment being used by the researchers (e.g., cameras, flags, tape, etc.).
• Note barriers or "no ride" zones created by the researchers.
• Note the presence of two or three researchers acting as "spotters."
• Note the use of personal protective equipment.

Traffic

• Note the location of parked and driving vehicles.
• Note the probable location of pedestrian traffic and how it will be redirected.

INSTRUCTIONS-Phase I

(The following instructions do not include comfort and control ratings.)

(Researcher may paraphrase or expand as necessary).

Please ask questions anytime as we go through the session today.

The safety rules are as follows:

• No tricks or stunts.
• Do not step off the Segway^TM when the Segway^TM is in motion.
• During each trial, please stay on the sidewalk and within the orange cones. Do not ride in the road or the parking lot as vehicle and pedestrian traffic may be present.
• You must be wearing your helmet and other protective equipment before you step on the Segway^TM.
• If the researcher asks you to dismount, please do so immediately.
• If the researcher is on a Segway^TM, you must stay out of its path.

Questions?

We are glad to have an experienced Segway^TM rider such as you working with us. However, before moving on to the main part of the study, I would like you to demonstrate for me you can safely use the Segway^TM and let you get a feel for the sidewalk testing course.

I am interested in whether you are comfortable using the device here.

For example, does he/she:

• Appear stable and balanced standing on the Segway^TM.
• Easily and comfortably mount and dismount the Segway^TM.
• Accelerate smoothly and in a controlled manner.
• Control the direction of travel.
• Appear steady when performing stops.
• Comply with all the instructions and safety rules given.

Questions?

You may have noticed the various markings on the sidewalk (signs and markings). You may also have noticed this signal. During the study, you will be asked to ride to these different markings or stop in response to the signal changing from green to red.

The first marking to notice is this one (the START LINE). Every time we ask you to ride on the sidewalk, you need to start from a complete stop here.

A very important marking is this other one that I will call the END LINE (taped line 65 feet from the end). If you ever reach this spot without receiving an indication to stop, please begin to stop anyway. For your safety, you may not ride beyond the end of the sidewalk, and thus this is the ideal location for you to begin braking.

The other locations are of interest to you are marked with numbers and tape (color?).

Questions?

Now we will start the warm-up, and I will ask you to ride to some of these locations.

Please stop on the START LINE. Please start in the beginner mode/black key. Please ride down to the END LINE I just indicated (the -65 failsafe line). Stop as close to the line as you can.

Once you come to a complete stop, we would like you to go to the end line. Please stop at the end line, turn around, and then ride back here when told to do so by the other experimenter.

Now, please ride to the same location. However, I want you to stop immediately (quickly, but safely) as soon as the signal changes to red.

(Repeat in each speed key.)

Questions?

Thank you for your patience and safe behavior during the warm-up. And thank you for answering my questions. Now we are going to move on to the main part of the study.

(In the event that a participant is behaving in an unsafe or irresponsible manner, he or she will be asked to leave. In such cases, great effort will be taken to avoid making the participant feel badly about the study. For instance: "We have sufficient information about the device today. Your feedback about these issues has been invaluable.")

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONNAIRE-Phase I

Participant Number _______

Please rate your overall experience in the study, on a scale of 1 (negative) to 10 (positive).

_______

Why?_________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

For each speed mode, on average, how fast do you think you were traveling?

black: ____________ miles per hour

yellow: ____________ miles per hour

red: ____________ miles per hour

For each speed mode, on average, how far in advance of the stop location did you attempt to slow down?

black: ____________ feet

yellow: ____________ feet

red: ____________ feet

At the following locations, what speed mode (black, yellow, or red) would you feel most comfortable using the Segway^TM? Of course, if you would never feel comfortable riding the Segway^TM in a certain location, please tell me that.

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

What concerns do you have about injury (yours or others) when you are using the Segway^TM?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

What would you suggest to improve your Segway^TM experience and that of other users in the future?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Comments, questions?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONNAIRE-Phase II

Participant Number _______

1. Age ______ years

2. Gender (select one) Female _____ Male ______

3. Height ____ feet ____inches

4. Have you had any alcohol or drugs in the past 24 hours? If so, how much and what kinds? Please list: _____________________________

5. How many hours of sleep have you had in the past 24 hours? ______________

6. How many hours ago did you wake up from a sleep lasting longer than 4 hours? ___________

7. How would you characterize your overall health (check one)?

Excellent _____

Very Good _____

Good _____

Fair _____

Poor _____

8. Highest educational level (check one)

Some high school _____

Some college _____

College degree _____

Graduate degree _____

9. Age when you received your driver's license? ______ years

10. Approximately how many miles you drive each year? ___________ miles

1 How much do you walk or jog in an average week? (check all that apply)

For pleasure/recreation _____ distance _______ miles

For exercise _____ distance _______ miles

To commute _____ distance _______ miles

For errands _____ distance _______ miles

12. How much do you ride a bicycle in an average week? (check all that apply)

For pleasure/recreation _____ distance _______ miles

For exercise _____ distance _______ miles

To commute ______ distance _______ miles

For errands ______ distance _______ miles

13. Do you own a Segway^TM? ____yes ____ no

If yes, for how long? ____ years ____ months

What model? _____________________

How much do you ride the Segway^TM in an average week? (check all that apply)

For pleasure/recreation ______ distance _______ miles

To commute ______ distance _______ miles

For errands ______ distance _______ miles

PREBRIEFING-Phase II

The Segway^TM was unveiled in December 2001. The Segway^TM company's project name prior to its release was "Ginger" or "It." The company that makes the Segway^TM has said it is "the world's first electric, self-balancing transportation device" that uses "solid-state gyroscopes, tilt sensors, high-speed microprocessors, and powerful electric motors to keep it balanced. Working in concert, these extensively tested, redundant systems sense your center of gravity, instantaneously assess the information, and make minute adjustments one hundred times a second." The company says that the Segway^TM "was designed to respond to rider's movements-lean forward, go forward; lean back, go back-so that it could easily become an extension of one's own body." Many people hope that Segway^TM travel will replace short vehicle trips, resulting in reduced household expenses, increased vehicle longevity, lower healthcare costs due to reduced pollution-related illness, and reduced congestion. Currently, there are hundreds of people who own Segways^TM. Additionally, there are a lot of companies that allow you to rent Segways^TM or take group tours while riding a Segway^TM. For example, there are three such companies in Washington, DC.

The purpose of this research study is to investigate how people use the Segway^TM on sidewalks. The study will be in two parts-you will ride through an obstacle course and review a series of sidewalk videos. The study will last approximately 2 to 3 hours. If at any time you feel that you need to take a break, please tell the researcher at any time.

First, you will be taught how to use the Segway^TM safely in our testing environment. This will involve a short training session. Please feel free to ask any questions during this time. It is important that you feel safe and comfortable while you are using the Segway^TM on our course.

Next, you will be asked to use the Segway^TM along an obstacle course. You will have sufficient opportunity to study the obstacle course prior to beginning. The situations in the obstacle course are very similar to those you might see on a sidewalk in the real world. You will be asked to ride on a flat open sidewalk and through narrower portions with obstacles. Finally you will be asked to ride through a curb cut (or wheelchair ramp) on a short sidewalk. Sometimes, one of the researchers will be walking along the sidewalk while you go through the obstacle course. He/she is pretending to be a pedestrian, and you should treat him/her as such.

If at any time you feel that you are being asked to do something you feel is beyond your skill level or is unsafe, please let the researcher know immediately.

After you finish the obstacle course, a researcher will ask you some questions about riding the Segway^TM. Please be thoughtful and honest in answering-there are no right or wrong answers.

When the study is complete, please feel free to ask any questions you have. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will be very useful to traffic researchers and engineers who want to improve the safety of our roads and sidewalks.

ENVIRONMENT CHECKLIST-Phase II

TO BE REVIEWED BY RESEARCHER AND PARTICIPANT

Surface conditions

• Is the surface even?
• Are there pitting, potholes, or rough surfaces?
• Are there seams in the surface?
  • Are they detectable underfoot?
  • Are they flush or are they uneven in height or width?
• Is the surface generally dry? Is there any water collected on the surface?
• Are there drains or grating on the surface?
• Are the edges of the sidewalk curbs, seams, or other? Note the height or width of these transitions.
• Within approximately 20 feet, what surrounds the sidewalk on all edges at ground, waist and head level?
  • Grass, pebbles, stones, pavement dirt, concrete, water, etc.
  • Bushes, brambles, trees, tree roots, flowerbeds, rocks, etc.
  • Light fixtures, fencing, signage, etc.
  • Drinking fountains, trashcans, benches, signage, counters, bike racks, parked cars, etc.
  • Tree branches, signage, awnings, light fixtures, etc.

Obstructions

• Note the location of decorative features, plantings, landscaping, signs, light fixtures, or street furniture on or near the sidewalk.
• Note the possible presence of birds or animals on the sidewalk.
• Note the width and length of the sidewalk.
• Remove any debris present (e.g., rocks, paper, branches, etc.).

Researcher materials

• Note the presence of markings, signs, or equipment being used by the researchers (e.g., cameras, flags, tape, etc.).
• Note barriers or "no ride" zones created by the researchers.
• Note the presence of two or three researchers. Note the different roles of each researcher.
• Note the use of personal protective equipment (helmet, knee, wrist, hand, and elbow protection).

Traffic

• Note the location of parked and driving vehicles.
• Note the probable location of pedestrian traffic and how it will be redirected by the researchers.
• Note the location of the researchers on the sidewalk during the study.

Segway^TM

• Determine whether the Segway^TM is operationally ready in terms of
  • Overall condition.
  • Battery charge.
  • Function of controls.
  • Condition of tires and platform.
• Adjust height of handles as needed.

Course

• Note the location of obstacles, barriers, cones, etc.
• Note presence of sidewalk ramp.
• Note presence of a pedestrian (researcher) on the sidewalk.

TRAINING PROCECURE CHECKLIST-Phase II

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