AddSeat Balance Wheelchair – Segway PT Based

AddSeat – Active Balance Wheelchair Based on Segway PT

The AddSeat is a self-balancing electric wheelchair from Swedish manufacturer AddMovement. The AddSeat seating system is combined with a Segway PT platform and uses its electronic balancing, drive and battery technology.

This places the AddSeat within the generation of classic Segway PT-based balance wheelchairs and Seat-Segway systems.

How Is the AddSeat Controlled?

The AddSeat uses an active control concept. Acceleration and braking are controlled by shifting the centre of gravity, while direction is controlled through the steering bar.

• centre of gravity forward: move forward and accelerate
• centre of gravity backward: decelerate, stop or reverse
• steering bar left or right: change direction

The Segway PT electronic balancing system continuously keeps the vehicle balanced on its two parallel wheels.

Distinctive Sliding Seat System

A characteristic feature of the AddSeat is its sliding seat. The seat can move along its guide in the direction of travel, helping to change the vehicle's centre of gravity.

This means that the centre-of-gravity movement required for acceleration and braking can be achieved with less upper-body movement than with a rigidly mounted seat.

This can be particularly relevant for users who want an active balance wheelchair concept while requiring additional support for body movement.

Individual suitability should nevertheless always be assessed during a practical test ride.

Parking Supports for Stable Transfers

The AddSeat uses parking supports to stabilise the vehicle when parked and particularly during transfers into and out of the seat.

Before driving, the parking supports are returned to their driving position and the vehicle operates through the self-balancing Segway PT system.

Adaptable AddSeat Seating System

Depending on model and configuration, AddSeat features can include:

• sliding seat
• adjustable seating position
• height-adjustable seating on suitable versions
• replaceable seat cushion
• adjustable footrest
• removable steering bar
• parking supports for stable transfers

Actual equipment depends on model, year and vehicle configuration. The individual vehicle description is therefore decisive.

Segway PT as the Technical Platform

The Segway PT remains a central part of the AddSeat vehicle concept. Balance control, electric motors, gearboxes, batteries and InfoKey are based on the underlying Segway PT system.

This is particularly relevant for maintenance, diagnostics and spare-parts supply.

AddSeat i2 or x2?

Depending on configuration, AddSeat systems can be built on different Segway PT platforms.

An i2-based AddSeat is more compact and particularly suitable for paved surfaces, indoor areas and urban mobility.

An x2-based AddSeat uses significantly wider tyres and is more strongly oriented towards varied and unpaved surfaces.

The x2 version requires more space for doors, storage and vehicle transport because of its greater width.

High Manoeuvrability

The two-wheel self-balancing Segway PT platform allows the AddSeat to turn on the spot.

This can provide a significant manoeuvrability advantage in indoor environments, shops, lifts and other areas with limited space.

AddSeat or Bi-Go?

Both AddSeat and Bi-Go use Segway PT technology and an active control concept.

A significant difference is the seating system. The AddSeat uses a sliding seat that assists centre-of-gravity movement.

The Bi-Go uses a deliberately more straightforward seating and frame concept.

The more appropriate solution depends on seating position, physical capabilities, transfer requirements, desired equipment and budget.

AddSeat or Genny 2.0?

AddSeat and Genny 2.0 both belong to the generation of Segway PT-based balance wheelchairs.

They use the same fundamental balancing technology but differ significantly in seating frame, centre-of-gravity control, parking system, steering and construction.

AddSeat or Genny Zero?

There is a fundamental technical difference.

The AddSeat uses a Segway PT as its technical platform, including its balancing, drive, battery and InfoKey systems.

The Genny Zero is an independently developed modern balance wheelchair platform and is not based on Segway PT technology.

A current comparison should therefore consider handling and seating comfort as well as the age and condition of the technical platform, battery technology, spare-parts availability and long-term serviceability.

AddSeat or Hoss R1?

The main difference is the control concept.

The AddSeat uses active centre-of-gravity control for acceleration and braking.

The Hoss R1 is joystick controlled and does not require weight shifting for vehicle control.

The appropriate solution depends particularly on trunk stability, arm and hand function and the preferred method of control.

AddSeat Batteries and Segway PT Technology

Because the AddSeat is based on the Segway PT platform, it uses the corresponding Segway PT battery system.

Particularly with older vehicles, the condition of both batteries is an important factor for range, reliability and future operating costs.

PT Pro provides diagnostics, repair and suitable technical solutions for Segway PT batteries.

InfoKey for AddSeat

As a Segway PT-based vehicle, the AddSeat uses the Segway PT InfoKey.

PT Pro can diagnose and repair suitable InfoKeys and program appropriate replacement and second InfoKeys. Suitable proof of ownership for the relevant vehicle is required for programming.

AddSeat Spare Parts and Service

Depending on the technical case, PT Pro provides spare parts and service for both the AddSeat seating system and the underlying Segway PT technology.

This includes:

• AddSeat accessories and seating components
• Segway PT batteries and battery technology
• InfoKey diagnostics, repair and programming
• gearboxes and drivetrain components
• tyres, wheels and rims
• electronics and sensors
• steering and attachment components
• diagnostics, maintenance and repair

AddSeat Test Ride

A practical test ride is particularly important with an actively controlled balance wheelchair.

It allows the user to assess seating position, transfer, sliding-seat function, trunk stability, centre-of-gravity movement, acceleration, braking, steering, manoeuvrability and handling on different surfaces.

Transporting the AddSeat

On suitable AddSeat versions, the steering bar can be removed for transport. Other seating components can also be adjusted depending on model.

The specific vehicle should nevertheless always be checked against the available car or transport vehicle. Vehicle width, loading opening, loading height, weight and any required ramp or lifting system should be considered.

Registration and Public-Road Use

With Segway PT-based balance wheelchairs, vehicle configuration, speed, registration status and available documentation can affect legal use.

The legal status should therefore always be assessed for the specific vehicle and according to the applicable national regulations.

Who Can the AddSeat Be Suitable For?

The AddSeat can be particularly relevant for users looking for an active Segway PT-based balance wheelchair who may benefit from a sliding seat that assists centre-of-gravity movement.

A current purchasing decision should also consider the age and condition of the Segway PT platform, batteries, spare-parts availability and long-term serviceability.

PT Pro therefore recommends a practical test ride and direct comparison with other balance and electric wheelchair concepts.