Segway beginner mode unlock codes

[stlcopper]

Hey guys, I work for IPC at a mall. We have been using Segways (i2's) for a couple months now, but they have a big problem. They are set on beginner (aka "turtle") mode, which limits the speed to only 5 mph. This normally wouldn't be such a big problem, but our facility is over one mile long and is a couple million sq. feet. We quite often get emergency situations that occur on the property. It has made it increasingly hard to respond in time to these incidents due to the slow speed setting. However, our management requires anyone certified to use a Segway when available, since we can bill the property owners more when they are being used ($0.75 per hour). We have interior corridors where the public are not allowed, and we can use them to access any part of the building. My question is, does anyone know the unlocking code used by IPC International Corporation (you must know a multi-button combination on the "infokey controller"), in order to take them off of the beginner mode? I can understand your concerns for patron's safety if we increase speed, however, as supervisor, I can assure you that they would only be used in the faster mode when in the restricted access areas. I can monitor this using the officer's tracking devices on their radios. Can anyone help?

[NRM_Oz]

I have seen these used more and more in event and mall work in Australia as not only are they a raised platform but aid mobility and vision along the road as well. 5mph - a granny in a walker may overtake you. Perhaps this has something to do with liability and people having races on them ?

Just curious - since to ride a bike here you must wear a helmet and the security companies who use them must wear helmets, are you required to wear bike helmets as well ? Perhaps beefing them up could be grounds for wearing a helmet as well ?

[HotelSecurity]

Hey guys, I work for IPC at a mall. We have been using Segways (i2's) for a couple months now, but they have a big problem. They are set on beginner (aka "turtle") mode, which limits the speed to only 5 mph. This normally wouldn't be such a big problem, but our facility is over one mile long and is a couple million sq. feet. We quite often get emergency situations that occur on the property. It has made it increasingly hard to respond in time to these incidents due to the slow speed setting. However, our management requires anyone certified to use a Segway when available, since we can bill the property owners more when they are being used ($0.75 per hour). We have interior corridors where the public are not allowed, and we can use them to access any part of the building. My question is, does anyone know the unlocking code used by IPC International Corporation (you must know a multi-button combination on the "infokey controller"), in order to take them off of the beginner mode? I can understand your concerns for patron's safety if we increase speed, however, as supervisor, I can assure you that they would only be used in the faster mode when in the restricted access areas. I can monitor this using the officer's tracking devices on their radios. Can anyone help?

Can't you get the information from the company that sells them?

[N. A. Corbier]

Can't you get the information from the company that sells them?

The IPC Branch Manager in St. Louis would probably have kittens if he read this. Segways have a customer-created lockout code, Neil, that prevents the Segway from going fast. It's generally so that Segway operators don't overcompensate and fall.

However, I can see IPC locking them in slow mode to prevent "high speed" collisions with patrons in a mall. The guard's need to travel quickly is not greater than IPC's liability for someone being hit with a Segway going at 12 MPH.

If your branch manager has seen fit to lock the units in beginner mode, and you do not have the code to unlock them, contact your branch manager. If you have been told no, and do it anyway, please keep all sets of your uniforms and gear on post.

This will make it easier to turn your uniforms in when IPC fires you for generating liability by disabling a safety feature. The first accident that occurs, it will be discovered that one of you unlocked the devices and was rolling around speeds greater than what IPC believes are capable of the device. That creates negligence on your part, as you circumvented a safety device without IPC's instruction or permission, and boom...

The mall is sued, you're sued, and IPC is sued.

The fact that you are required to respond to dynamic incidents using a device that travels 5 MPH when you travel upwards of 10 MPH because they can bill the client more should tell you something about IPC.

[Hank1]

Nathan is right! I would suggest NOT unlocking the codes. Should a accident occur and you unlocked the codes, you have opened up a large liability window. You expose yourself, your employer and client as well.

Be Safe,

Hank

[stlcopper]

Yes, we do wear helmets. I don't have to worry about the branch manager, simply because I am as high as it gets at our site. They said they would provide us with the unlock codes, however, they haven't shown up yet. I've had two officers assualted and a an attack on two patrons by a gang of more than twenty. Each time we couldn't respond quickly enough due to the d**n segways. They are more trouble than they are worth. We can be trusted with ASP & MK9 OC spray, trucks and AEDs, but we have to limt our speeds? They were only supposed to be locked at beginner mode for the first month, but no unlock codes yet. And, unfortunately, nobody returns my requests. They are asking for a serious lawsuit if another officer gets hurt because nobody could respond quick enough. I can understand your reasoning for thinking it is such a liability, but I can track how fast the officers are going and where. Therefore, I can hold them individually accountable if the rules are broken. If they didn't want them to go faster, they shouldn't have came in and told all of my officers that they would get to use them atr top speeds when in an emergency. Not to down my employers, but what a bunch of morons. They spend $5000 a piece $20,000 total, and its just a huge waste. I would rather have divided the money for new equipment or bonuses for my officers!

[cnick001]

In full honesty, in the case of a REAL emergency you would most likely be better off on foot. With the adrenaline and higher speeds you would be unaccoustomed to using the segway at, the potential for something going wrong is much greater. I've been an IPMBA certified EMS cyclist since April 07, and I will admit that I've seen more than a few perfectly competent riders crash their bikes while responding to a call just because they are unaccustomed to traveling at speed with the adrenaline of a hot call.
That, and I don't know about you, but I can run faster than 10MPH, even with a vest and duty belt.
Also just a tip to stay safe, it is worth considering a policy that helmets be removed on scene for any situation where a physical confrontation is possible. Sure helmets reduce the effect of any blunt force impact to the skull, but they can also be used against you. Someone intent on harm can easily grab the helmet and choke out one of your officers.
Stay safe, and enjoy your high tech toys,
Chris