Segway Tours in the West

"Very easy, very fun." That’s how French visitor Hervé Fuges describes his excursion in San Francisco on a Segway "human transporter"—a self-balancing, two-wheeled electric vehicle that you pilot standing up. Tip forward and you move forward; lean back to move back. The farther you lean, the faster you go—up to a preset 12.5 miles per hour.

A Segway is the perfect vehicle for casual sightseeing, although pedestrians may exclaim that you and your buddies look like tourists from another planet. Tours start with a training session. (Age minimum is usually 14.) Most last two to three hours and cost from $55 to $140, depending on length and location.

CORVALLIS, ORE. Explore the city’s beautiful riverfront. ( 541) 740-3021, www.segwayofcorvallis.com [3].

HONOLULU Glide along Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head. (808) 941-3151, www.segwayofhawaii.com [4].

LAS VEGAS Roll by some 30 hotels as a guide reveals city secrets. (702) 877-3900, www.segwaylasvegas.com [5].

PORTLAND Wind along the banks of the Willamette River. (503) 238- 2510, www.segwayofportland.com [6].

SAN FRANCISCO Cruise beside the bay and gaze up at the Golden Gate Bridge. (415) 474-3130, www.electrictourcompany.com [7].

SONOMA, CALIF. Discover the old town, visit wineries, and nibble cheese. (707) 938-2080, www.sonomasegway.com [8].

SPRINGDALE, UTAH Explore the gateway to Zion National Park. (435) 674-7700, www.scenicsegways.com [9].

Photography by Jeffrey Goldsmith

This article was first published in January 2008. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.