ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

We've had a Segway here for a number of years. It's regularly used on our exhibition floor by both staff and visitors without signing waivers, without helmets and, to date, without any incidents. 

I think our success with it has been in our training program for staff. All staff and volunteers are required to obtain a "Segway Licence". This licence is not so much about learning how to use the Segway, it's more about being able to adequately train visitors in its use. 

We only allow visitors over the age of 18 to use it, which generally means parents and parents are not likely to want to make a fool of themselves in front of their kids by mucking about or falling off. Also, the visitor is VERY heavily supervised while using the Segway, basically held onto until they get the full hang of it. They're never allowed to go very far or very fast and they get an absolute buzz out of the whole experience. 

It sure is a great way to fully engage the visitor in a novel application of science. It also give adults a special thing for them to experience, rather than the visit being perceived as only for their kids. 

Sarah Bugg
Executive Projects Manager
Scitech

My email: [log in to unmask]
My direct line: +61 8 9215 0702
My mobile: 0407 071 334


 phone: +61 8 9215 0700  |  fax: +61 8 9321 2869  |  web: www.scitech.org.au  |  post: PO Box 1155 West Perth WA 6872
 SCITECH - increasing interest and participation by Western Australians in science and technology. 
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Karen Hager
Sent: Friday, 10 September 2010 12:52 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Segway demos/rides

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

I would like to hear how other organizations use Segways either in a demonstration, or with visitors in general.  How do you handle risk/liability?  Do your visitors have to wear a helmet or sign a waiver?  Any help is most appreciated.

Thanks,
Karen

Karen E. Hager
Director, Science Engagement
Ontario Science Centre

Tel: 416.696.3175
Cell: 647.888.5099
Fax: 416.696.3181
Email:  [log in to unmask]

Visit us on the web at www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]