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The Office of Physical Plant recently acquired seven Segway Human Transporters to help move employees and tools around the campus.
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Phillip R. Melnick, assistant director of operations, demonstrates how easily a Segway balances upright.
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Segways are battery-operated scooters that use gyroscopes and an internal computer to govern transportation. Operators lean forward to make the Segway go foward and lean backwards for reverse.
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Melnick estimated that the approximately $4,800 machines would pay for themselves in terms of time savings within less than two years.
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The saddlebag on the front of the Segway can carry 60 pounds of tools. Using a Segway can help OPP personnel get across campus faster without using a van.
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Segways are not built for use in inclement weather so when snow covers the roads and sidewalks, the Segways will be on hiatus.
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The battery-operated Segway charges up by plugging into a wall outlet. It costs about 10 cents worth of electricity to completely power up this model.
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