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Tampa Police & Fire Department, NBC Sports, AAA, and Tribe Productions Among Those Using Segway PTs to Go Green at Super Bowl XLIII

Posted on: Wednesday, 28 January 2009, 07:00 CST

Riders Are Benefitting From Enhanced Maneuverability, Visibility, and Mobility

TAMPA, Fla. and BEDFORD, N.H., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The scurry of preparation activity for Super Bowl XLIII this year is a shade greener as Segway Inc. announced today that six important entities are using Segway(R) Personal Transporters (PTs) to move about the complex in and around Raymond James Stadium. More than 25 Segway PTs are in use to support public safety, television and event production, and even assist stranded motorists to get back on the road.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/NE63540-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/NE63540-b )

"This is our third year supporting the world's largest single sporting event," Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc. said. "The expanded use of our product to these very distinct entities shows the versatility of Segway's small electric transportation solutions. We're honored to have these world class organizations seeking out and using environmentally friendly Segway PTs," he continued.

Police and Fire Officials Using Segway PTs to Respond

The most significant users of Segway PTs at Super Bowl XLIII events will be public safety officials who are using the product to respond to calls and perform supervisory tasks. The Segway PT is part of a myriad of official police and emergency response equipment to enable public safety officers to perform their jobs more effectively.

"The Tampa Police Department's number one priority is public safety and the Segway PTs are helping us accomplish that goal," said Tampa Police Spokesperson Laura McElroy. "The Segway PTs allow officers to move around the secured area at the stadium much more efficiently and respond more quickly to potential public safety concerns. The motorized units give officers high visibility and the ability to navigate through crowded areas and over various types of terrain," she said.

Medical Sports Group will also be using two Segway i2 models in support of emergency medical planning, prevention, and response services to the NFL.

NBC Sports Using Segway PTs to Green Production

In addition to public safety, production staff from NBC Sports are using Segway PTs to move about the complex. NBC Sports approached Segway about using Segway PTs during the two week period surrounding the Super Bowl to support operations tasks such as shuttling tape and scripts between four primary production locations - including the main stage within the stadium.

"We wanted to use the Segway PTs at this event so that we could use a few less gas-powered vehicles," Nicole Barbier, production manager at NBC Sports said. "Using the Segway PTs instead of gas-powered golf carts is about 4.5 times more efficient. Plus, it's putting a smile on everyone's faces while they go about doing their jobs more efficiently," she said.

The effort ties-in to other "Green is Universal" measures NBC is taking such as using biodiesel for generators, turning off monitors while not in use, and recycling everything that can be on-site.

Half Time Art Directors Use Segway PTs to Move Cleanly

While NBC Sports enjoys the efficiency and eco-friendly benefits of the Segway PT, the two art directors for the pre- and half time shows are doing the same. Mai Sakai and Sean Dougall from Tribe Inc. out of Venice, Calif. have been using Segway PTs to move between the event staging area and the field. They're using the Segway x2 outfitted with universal cargo mounts to enable them to carry light cargo as they prepare for the main event.

AAA Uses Segway PTs to Deploy "Green Team" and Offer Roadside Assistance

AAA Auto Club South realized that gridlock will inevitably occur at the event and for the first time will be using Segway PTs to provide free roadside assistance to stranded motorists covering auto lockouts, won't starts, flat tires and other services. The club recognized that the small profile Segway PTs - even when outfitted with side cargo bags - will be an invaluable asset for maneuvering between cars and trucks, people, and other festive obstacles. The added eight inches of height the Segway PT provides will enable "Green Team" riders to see above the crowds and cars.

"Each entity at Super Bowl XLIII is using the Segway PT for a unique purpose," Norrod said. "They're realizing they can be more productive and responsive while doing less harm to the environment. They're doing all this while having a better experience getting ready for the big game," he said.

Dave Holzapfel at Segway of Central Florida is supporting the effort here in Tampa by providing local assistance leading up to the event.

Members of the media are invited to visit www.segway.com/superbowl to watch a video of Segway PTs in use at last year's Super Bowl and see additional photos.

About Segway Inc.

Segway is the leader in the small electric vehicle (SeV) category; marketing a full line of Segway Personal Transporters (PTs) that are sold worldwide through a network of dealers, distributors, and retail partners. The Segway PT is extremely maneuverable and carries a single rider up to 24 miles on a single charge over a variety of terrain. It has impressive energy efficiency, costing only about a penny per mile of travel. Police and security agencies use the Segway PT to connect with the people they serve while being more responsive and effective in their jobs. Consumers use the Segway PT to commute to work, run errands, and enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way.

Segway Inc., based in Bedford, N.H., has a worldwide distribution network of more than 250 retail points in 61 countries. For additional information about Segway and to find retail locations, please visit www.segway.com or call 1-866-4SEGWAY. Media materials and digital images are available at the Segway Press Center at www.segway.com/news.

Segway and the Segway 'flyguy' logo are registered trademarks of Segway Inc. ("Segway"). Other marks including InfoKey and LeanSteer, are trademarks or common law marks of Segway. Any other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

contact: Eric Fleming Segway Inc. 603.222.6243 media@segway.com

SOURCE Segway Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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