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Independent University Study Investigates Turf Impact of Segway® GT
Results Confirm Segway GT is Much Gentler on Turf than Golf Cart
BEDFORD, NH - February 9, 2006 - An independent turf study conducted by researchers at Universities of Arkansas and Tennessee comparing the impact of a Segway® Golf Transporter (GT) and a golf cart on golf course turf was released at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Golf Industry show today. The conclusion of the 30-day study showed that the Segway GT is gentler on the turf than a golf cart and using the Segway GT helps to maintain better turf coverage, color and quality than a golf cart, while minimizing soil compaction.
"We were surprised with the results of our study—even though the Segway GT has narrow tires and makes sharp turns, repeated stopping, starting, and turning with the Segway GT resulted in significantly less turf wear and lower surface hardness compared to a standard golf cart. Since it's friendly to the turf, the Segway PT can safely travel on fairways in some situations where golf carts aren't allowed, speeding up game play," commented the researchers Douglas E. Karcher, University of Arkansas and John Sorochan, University of Tennessee.
The study results indicated:
- Turf Coverage
- Turf trafficked with the Segway GT maintained 8 to 16 percent greater coverage than that trafficked by a golf cart.
- Use of the Segway GT maintained better turf coverage at start/stop and turning points than a golf cart. The area tested with the Segway GT retained 49 percent more coverage at turning points and 9 percent more coverage at start/stop points, than the areas tested with a golf cart.
- Turf Color
By the end of the study, turf that was trafficked by a Segway GT had a significantly darker green color than turf trafficked by the golf cart. - Surface Hardness
Golf cart traffic increased surface hardness (soil compaction) more than the Segway GT. - Turf Quality
Turf trafficked with the Segway GT had significantly higher average quality rating scores than that of a golf cart.
"The Segway GT creates less turf damage than a golf cart because of its proprietary traction control software and unique features like enhanced traction tires, a lighter payload and a smaller footprint," said Klee Kleber, vice president of marketing, Segway Inc. "The results of this study prove that the Segway GT is turf-friendly and a valuable addition to golf course fleets."
The turf study was conducted in late summer 2005 at sites in Knoxville, Tenn. and Fayetteville, Ark. The experiment was conducted on plots of "Tifway" bermudagrass that were maintained as golf course fairways. A standard golf cart and a Segway GT unit were used to ride over the turf plots an identical number of days per week, for as many as 90 times per day. Weekly evaluations were then made to each plot to quantify percent turf cover, average turf color, turf quality, surface hardness and visual wear.
Segway Inc. contracted the independent study and provided the Segway product used in the study.
About Segway
Segway Inc. develops intelligent motion control technology known as Segway® Smart Motion™ that is embedded in the light electric transportation devices it manufactures, such as the well-known Segway® Personal Transporter (PT). Segway Smart Motion provides intelligent motion control that enables a device to monitor its environment, control its motion and make decisions about how it should move.
Segway markets a full line of zero-emissions Segway PTs for sidewalk and cross-terrain use that deliver impressive energy efficiency – equivalent to 450 miles per gallon/191 kilometers per liter of fuel. The company’s line of Segway Robotic Mobility Platforms (RMPs) offers reliable, durable mobility solutions for robotic applications.
Segway Inc., based in Bedford, N.H., U.S.A, 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.
