Don’t let the title fool you—this blog isn’t about bicycle tours, rather it will detail ways you can experience military-based technology on two wheels. I’m referring to the Segway Human Transporter. I introduced (or re-introduced) you to it in my previous blog… so now that you know what they are. Here’s some information on how you can spend some time on one without shelling out $5,000 (the amount it retails for) to do so.
In California you can take a Segway tour of celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Likewise you can see the city lights of Atlanta; the incredible skyline of Chicago; and the historical landmarks of Washington, D.C. (not to mention France, Italy, Australia and Thailand) all while gliding effortlessly on board a Segway. But, in my opinion there is no better place to take a Segway tour than Hawaii (no surprise).
Segway of Hawaii is run out of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu (near Waikiki Beach), so if you are visiting the island getting to the pickup area is a piece of cake. The “shop” has about 30 Segways so if you absolutely have your heart set on an exact tour time, it is a good idea to call ahead. One more tip: if you have never boarded a Segway you need to sign up for a training lesson.
During the training session a Segway guide will spend about 30 minutes demonstrating the do’s and don’ts of the device. For example, DO put on your helmet before starting to ride. DON’T scream at pedestrians as you roll up behind them. DO learn the proper way to dismount a Segway, so your body parts aren’t crushed in the process. Once your guide feels you are not a danger to yourself or others on the device then the tour begins.
The Segway tours are guided tours, which means that there is no unsupervised joy riding. Following your guide is simple given that Honolulu is loaded with handicap-accessible ramps, which makes negotiating through busy intersections a breeze. Your tour takes you past the Hilton Hawaiian Village and through famed Ala Moana Beach Park, which has extra-wide bike paths, perfect for a band of Segways to maneuver on. What’s more, if you have a tough time sticking to the path, the Segway has no problem gliding on grass, sand, rocks or curbs.
And the beauty of the tour is that you are able to cover a ton of ground without having to stop and rest your legs. The Segway allows you to travel farther without getting tired, plus you are afforded unobstructed views of Hawaii’s spectacular scenery. Forget about being cooped up in a car or tour bus with a glass window separating you from the sea breeze and tropical scents. The Segway allows you to see, touch, taste and smell your surroundings while remaining mobile.
Segway of Hawaii offers a variety of tour packages, including “Honolulu: History and Culture,” a “Downtown Glide Ride” or “Waikiki Glide Ride,” and an expanded “Waikiki/Kapiolani Park/Diamond Head Adventure” that takes about 3 hours to complete. Prices range from $89 to $110 and are in addition to the mandatory $49 training session.
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