62-year-old Andreas from Lippe, Germany, was repeatedly knocked down by illness. Through camping, geocaching and a Segway, he reclaimed his ability to move, explore, and look forward to tomorrow.
Andreas shared this Segway F2 Pro rider story with the Segway E-Scooter Community in his own words, so we’ve kept his voice wherever we could.
Hello everyone, I’m the new guy in this group. I’m from Germany, exactly from the principality Lippe. I’m the owner of a Ninebot Kickscooter F2 Pro since two years. This is my story.
Suddenly, I Could Hardly Walk
I’m Andreas, I live in the beautiful principality of Lippe, and I’m 62 years old. I’ve had Greek friends for about 15 years who have, so to speak, adopted me. Out of respect, I’m currently learning Greek. After over 40 years in the heating and sanitation trade, I had to change careers because of knee problems, and was able to turn my hobby, DLRG, into my new field of work — “bath and sauna supervision” at a thermal spa near Bad Salzuflen.
After almost five years there came the worst-case scenario: a fall damaged the tendons and nerves in my right shoulder so badly that I could no longer continue. While looking for something new, a short holiday on Corfu made things worse — suddenly I could barely walk, my legs could hardly carry me. The doctors diagnosed a nerve disease, probably triggered by long-undetected diabetes, plus heart problems. During rehab, I also had a stroke. At that point, I could only walk with a rollator.
All of this dragged me down and my zest for life faded.
They Held Me Up So I Could Dance
My friends’ son drove me to his village in Greece. He drove me around the area — to Thessaloniki, to the sea. He organized a party with live music, and suddenly he and his sister took me by the arms to steady me, so I could dance along. A lot changed there — I regained hope.
Back home, I happened to spend a night in my car. It worked so well that it brought back memories of camping with my parents. First I slept in the car, later in the roof tent. Standing and walking improved, but everything is still very limited, because the nerve disease holds back my muscle strength.
Two Days Later, I Had My Own F2 Pro
Now a problem arose: with the roof tent set up, I was no longer mobile — shopping and exploring were impossible. The thought of an e-scooter awoke. Could I stand on it and ride? I was able to test one at my camping neighbors’, and two days later I had my own Segway F2 Pro.
The low weight is the main reason I chose this model. Because of my muscle weakness, combined with a torn bicep muscle, I can only handle light weights. My F2 Pro is pretty much at the limit of what I can lift into the car. Its small footprint is simply ideal for my small car. My car is packed full of equipment — medication, non-perishable food, several power banks, plus a small compressor cooler box with a power station and a foldable solar panel. That way the scooter can also be recharged off-grid.
I Regained a Wonderful Freedom
My first ride went straight to my friends’ restaurant, over nine kilometers away. I could have driven there, but this way I could test my endurance — and in an emergency, someone could have brought me back. I started out very unsure and afraid of falling, which is why I always ride with a helmet and gloves. After a few rides, I found back the ease I used to have on motorcycle rides — which unfortunately aren’t possible anymore today.
I’ve regained a wonderful freedom, even if with limits. Popping out for a quick errand without hunting for parking is no longer a problem. While I’m camped with the roof tent up, the scooter acts as my supply vehicle, for excursions and geocaching expeditions.
I started geocaching about 15 years ago; once I’d found everything in the area, the hobby slowly fell asleep. At the peak of my illness, it was completely out of the question. Only when I’d managed, with great effort, to take a few steps without the rollator did I consider taking it up again. Since you sometimes have to step over a small tree trunk or climb a little rise, I train my balance and movement this way. I can’t get past a terrain rating of 1.5, though. Between caches, the scooter is a huge help, since my leg muscles don’t allow longer distances or inclines.
The Scooter Is My Supply Vehicle
Recently, my “Black Scooter” has gained a handlebar extension with an original Segway phone holder — my phone sits at the optimal distance so I can use the compass function to get close to the cache. In road traffic, the route program also displays the way nicely.
My favorite spots are by the water — ideally right on it. That’s why I like the North and Baltic Seas, the Weser, or the Netherlands. One of my best spots was at the Biggesee — I could stand just one meter from the water. There, for the first time, I got to test the scooter’s climbing ability while shopping. It mastered the route from the lake to Olpe with flying colors. On the way back, I just let it roll, so the battery got a huge charge from gravity. Okay, when the speed approached 30, I did brake a bit extra.
There isn’t really a single best cache, but on one recent tour I visited several caches on Fehmarn that were demanding in terms of terrain. For the first time, I rode across open terrain, partly over game trails. What finally stopped me was a field of deep sand — there, my vehicle couldn’t even be pushed anymore. The turn signals are important to me — when turning, I can keep my hands on the handlebar. I’ve also retrofitted a rearview mirror, integrated into the handlebar. I basically never ride in the rain. Gravel roads with larger stones make me uneasy, so I avoid them — or I’d rather push. Except for one time, my ride has handled every incline well in Sport mode.
Editor’s note: Segway does not recommend modifying your scooter or riding it off-road. Always ride within local speed limits and your scooter’s limits.
In the Morning, I’d Swim a Race with a Moose
“Black Scooter” is the result of long deliberation on naming the scooter as a trackable for geocaching — with the corresponding code on the front of the handlebar, people can discover my vehicle. I wouldn’t call it a relationship; it’s simply a practical helper in my life.
Next summer, I’d love to drive to Sweden — even if just for two or three nights, camping wild in the wilderness, no campsite, no neighbors, maybe by a small lake, swimming in the morning with a moose. And I’d also like to drive to Greece once more, riding the “Black Scooter” along the famous Paralia promenade toward the White Tower.
My scooter is a real enrichment to my life. I don’t want to miss it. I just love riding around with my “Black Scooter”.
“I’ve regained a wonderful freedom, even if with limits.”
Andreas K., Segway F2 Pro Electric Scooter, from Germany
Thinking about a scooter for your own adventures? Read about the health benefits of riding an electric scooter, follow two riders across the Alps on a Segway MAX G3, or browse more Segway Rider Stories.
Explore Segway Electric Scooters →
Planning Your Own Scooter Camping Trip?
- Know the local rules. E-scooter and eBike rules for roads, paths, trains and buses vary by country and region. Check them before you go.
- Wear a helmet and gloves on every ride.
- Check the weight before you buy. If you’ll lift the scooter into a car, make sure its net weight is one you can handle.
- Stick to suitable surfaces. Push the scooter through deep sand, loose gravel or rough trails instead of riding them.
- Keep it dry. The IPX5 rating helps provide protection against wet conditions. Do not ride on slippery roads, submerge it or ride through deep water.
This story was shared by a Segway rider with the Segway E-Scooter Community and is published with permission. The story is in the rider’s own words, lightly edited for privacy; distances are as reported by the rider.
Product specifications may vary by country or region due to local regulations. Please refer to your local regulations or official Segway documentation for your region.
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