Sandpoint police take Segways for a spin

SANDPOINT - Municipal officers Kathy Hughes and Scott Murphey earned some serious attention Aug. 25 while testing out some new wheels.

Although the two only had their Segways for one week when the free trial period ends, they had already grown attached to them. And the public seems to have taken a liking, too. During their first day of testing, the officers earned plenty of waves, smiles, stares and questions from passing drivers and pedestrians.

"People kept stopping us to ask questions," Hughes said. "A lot of them asked if they could take a ride - especially the kids."

The transportation devices are nothing if not distinctive. Lacking a traditional throttle and break, Segways are controlled solely by the rider's movement. Hughes and Murphey simply lean forward to accelerate, backward to brake and left or right to turn. Gyroscopes in the wheels keep the vehicle upright and allow for tight movements - even 360 degree spins - that aren't possible on traditional vehicles.

"They have an equilibrium that feels a lot like human balance," Murphey said.

The devices are battery-operated with a range of about 15 miles and a max speed of 12.5 miles per hour. With a recharge cost of only about 30 cents in utility fees, the Segways are an environmentally-friendly and efficient alternative to the officers' regular foot patrols.

Police Chief Mark Lockwood said that although the department doesn't yet have plans to purchase the Segways, they're still an intriguing possibility. The vehicle's $7,000 price tag can be potentially mitigated with grants and lease options, and they allow the officers to cover their normal ground in three times the speed. That allows for more a thorough and consistent police presence, especially downtown.

However, the Segway's most attractive feature is its use as a public engagement tool, according to Lockwood. Residents find the transport intriguing and fun, putting a more personal face on the police force.

"The community interaction that they have encouraged has been great," Lockwood said. "These things are definitely head-turners."