Friday, April 23, 2010

The Segway Glides Into Living Greener

By Sherry Swensk, LasVegasNOW.com, April 23, 2010

Many green-living commuters are choosing bikes and electric scooters over gas-guzzling, smog-puking cars these days. But there is another personal mode of transportation that is growing in popularity, especially in recreational areas and the security professions. It’s the Segway. Remember Paul Blart, Mall Cop? He rode one and handled it well, as I recall.

Dick Burke of Segway, Orange County says these funky upright two-wheelers are about as green as you can get, next to people-powered vehicles. They are lithium-ion battery-powered and run up to 25 miles on one charge, at up to 12.5 mph. They operate simply by shifting your weight and perform best on smooth surfaces, like streets and sidewalks (or mall floors). Police officers use them. Tour guides take tourists out sightseeing on them. And even golfers ride them on the course! They do make an off-road model, too for those rugged adventurous Segwayers.

They’re fun, they’re clean green, but they’re not cheap. The price tag runs into the thousands; it’s a serious green investment. If you’d like to check them out and take a test ride, Segway - Orange County will be at the Living Green Expo this weekend, April 24 & 25 at the South Point Hotel-Casino. Come on down and take a whirl. You may get hooked on the first spin!

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