The Segway, in case you are not familiar with it, is the most modern "scooter-like" vehicle in existence. Actually, calling it a scooter is am insult since the vehicle is actually an incredibly powerful computer complete with servos and gyros that keep it perfectly upright even though it rides on only two wheels. It was released a few years ago amidst much "hype" of it going to revolutionize the world, much of which never materialized frankly because I feel people are mostly afraid of new technology like this. Still, the Segway is here to stay, for now at least, mostly as a novelty item.
However, interestingly enough the "city tour" industry seems to have embraced the technology while at the same time adding some "techno glam" to the "city tours". Houston is no different with at least two different companies offering such tours. We called both companies and ultimately settled on Gliding Revolution (http://www.glidingrevolution.com/) because we liked their website a bit better (and you know me and websites!)
We arrived at our appointment time to find a real cool and friendly staff eager to take us about the town. In case you are wondering, they were ALL about safety and after a brief but complete class on "Segway driving skills", both my wife and I felt comfortable on the vehicle. At that point, escorted by the excellent guides from Gliding Revolution, who completely watched for traffic and ensured safety, we were off to enjoy the city. Had we walked the same distances we covered on the Segway, we would have been exhausted and would have needed three times the amount of time that the Segway tour took.
All in all, the experience was fantastic and I would definitely repeat it if in Austin again. I can't wait to visit other cities and enjoy their Segway tours.
Actually, I can't wait to have a Segway of my own, although I am not sure where exactly I would use it! Ah, if only the mall and grocery store would let me "glide" around!
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