In May 2008, my husband and I took a western Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon. We went on a couple of excursions for the first time and one excursion was a Segway tour in Cozumel. We had such a great time that we make it a point to take a Segway tour on all our trips, if you is available.
What Is A Segway?
A Segway is a personal transporter with speeds up to 12.5 miles per hour equivalent. This is equivalent to a 5-minute mile. You may have seen these used by mall security guards or in the movie Paul Blart Mall Cop, which I think gave Segways a bad rep. Taking a tour on a Segway is a unique opportunity to learn more about your vacation spot and cover more territory.
A Segway can usually go up to 12 miles on a single charge. There are a few limitations to riding one. The weight limitation is at a minimum of 100 lbs but not more than 260 lbs. Some Segway tour companies may have an age restriction. All will have you sign a waiver releasing them from any liability in the rare case you are injured.
Get Ready To Ride!
So now that I piqued your interest, it is time to see if there is a tour operator in the next location you vacation. A very popular destination may have more than one operator. When choosing a Segway tour operator you should choose one that is affiliated with Segway Inc. Authorized tours are listed on Segway Inc.’s website. Tour operators that are affiliated with Segway Inc are required to follow strict training and safety guidelines.
Learning to ride a Segway for the first time will only take about 30 minutes. Some locations will require you to watch a safety video. Afterward, you will get on the Segway and learn how shifting your body weight impacts speed and direction. Before you know it you will be Segwaying through neighborhoods!
Many times you will share the road with cars but your tour guide’s biggest responsibility is your safety. He/she will follow all road rules. Your tour guide will point out interesting spots along the way and take many breaks at significant points of interest where you can take pictures.
A Segway tour, in my opinion, is easier on the body than a bike or walking tour. You won’t get blisters and your butt won’t hurt. You can glide through the city and cover more territory. It is environmentally safer than taking a bus tour. You can Segway in the rain (as long as it is not too windy or lightening) or shine. I recommend wearing shoes that are comfortable for standing for long periods of time. Most operators have a small pouch attached to each riders’ Segway to hold personal items like a small wallet, keys, cell phone, and water bottle.
I encourage you to include a Segway tour on your next vacation!
Leeanne
My husband has done a segway tour but I haven’t. We’d need to get a sitter for our kids since they aren’t heavy enough yet, or probably old enough. But in the future, I hope we can all go on a segway tour.