I thought I'd drop a word in as I own a segway so know about it's capabilities. (I'm talking about the original HT, not the new PT which is steered differently)
Before I go on, I'm sorry if this ends up sounding like a commercial, but I want to point out what it can do before talking about what I think of the idea of using one around WDW.
The Segway (HT) comes with three keys, a black key limited to a slow turning speed and a maximum of 5mph, a yellow key which allows up to 8mph and a slightly faster turn of speed and lastly the red key that allows up to 12.5 mph and a fast turning circle.
The segway has been designed to have minimal impact when used on the pavement, with it's systems made to minimise the chances of hurting a pedestrian.
I have have stopped a segway from being able to run into me with one finger as just pressing back on the stalk causes it to "brake" and I've had one run over my foot without causing any damage or discomfort.
Now, if I had an ECV coming at me at full speed I'd be much more worried than a segway doing the same thing.
That said however, I don't think any powered device should be used by guests in the parks unless absolutely necissary.
The amount of times I've been hit by an ECV driver who got a licence to drive by putting a few benjamins in Disney's hand is, well, you get the idea.
So I personally would trust a person on their own Segway above a person who rented an SCV for the day anytime.
But I can understand why Disney are putting a blanket ban into effect. I wouldn't be happy with a Segway going at full speed around the parks (in fact even Castmembers are limited to the Yellow Key) and even if you make someone sign a document to say they will only use the black key in the park, how could you stop them changing keys and switching to the yellow or red one once inside.
It'd be a logistical nightmare to manage as you'd have to have castmembers looking for segways "speeding".
So, after all that rambling what I get down to is this. I'd trust a segway rider more than a ECV driver but the logistics would make letting guests use them as general transport would be unworkable.
Maybe Disney could offset it by having Licences to ride on Disney property. Say they get the guest to go through the same training as a Castmember, charge them an absolute crap load, then give them a licence valid for the guests current visit. Hmm, could be a good money earner for Disney and they could price it high enough so that only the really serious would do it.
Anyway, long story short (too late!) and talk of whether it's should be considered a mobility asistance device aside, as things currently are I don't think it's viable to allow Segways to be ridden by guests unsupervised.
