[memason]

Anyone know of anyone using a Segway Scooter to get around the Villages? Since they make a version to use on the golf course, I'm wondering if anyone is using then there...

[Bambi]

Yes, there are Segways in the Villages. In fact, there is a Segway Club that was started last Spring and has approx. 100 members. Most of the members do not own Segways but the club has special deals with the dealer in Ocala and also in Mt. Dora. The dealers supply the Segs for the club functions.

Membership in the club is $5.00 a year. "Boot Camp" - to learn to ride them is $20.00 and held at the Carriage Museum. Fantastic experience "gliding" the 400 acres of beautiful trails, etc. After completion of boot camp, you can join one of the monthly tours at various locations such as Mt. Dora, Mission Inn, etc. The dealer delivers the Segways to your selected location.
We have even started a drill team.

My husband and I bought two Segways about three weeks ago and have glided about 150 miles. Today we went from the Savanna Center to Five Guys and then down the old rec. trail.

There is a Segway especially designed for golf. It is a heavier model than ours and has turf tires and a golf bag holder.

The Segways have several gyroscopes, sensors and is self balancing. It calculates your position and adjusts it's thrust 100 times per second to keep you upright.. They are powered by sealed lithium batteries, which allows them to be used "inside." The sensation is like gliding on a magic carpet. Takes about 5 minutes to learn. The club is also involved in the "Segs for Vets" program that supplies Segs for our disabled troops returning from Irag and Afganistan.

Florida statues consider them an Electric Mobility Personal Assistive Device. They can be used on sidewalks, streets under 25 MPH, inside Federal Bldgs. and you can cross streets over 25 MPH. The range on our Segways is 24 miles between charges - top speed 12.5 MPH.

It is so much fun - almost addicting.

[graciegirl]

We saw one gliding along Odell Circle just before we left to go OOP (Out of Paradise) in May.

It looks like so much fun!

[memason]

Thanks Bambi for your comprehensive post! We are still wannabes and currently living in Germany. Our hope is this is our last foreign assignment. Our intent is to move directly from Germany to the Villages, prbably in a couple years

We have been eyeing the Segways for some time, but with travel and work, have decided that now is not the best time to purchase one. However, after spending a couple weeks in the Villages [preview package], we think that would be the ideal place to have a Segway...sounds like others are in agreement.

Does the Segway club have a website, where I can make contact with other owners, prior to moving there?

Thanks....

[champion6]

Originally Posted by memason

Does the Segway club have a website, where I can make contact with other owners, prior to moving there?

Google is your friend... Segway Rider's Club of The Villages

[diskman]

At a medical facility, I recently noticed security riding a 3 wheel Segway. Seemed like a much safer idea!

[Bambi]

All segways only have two wheels- the wheels automatically balance the rider.. The next Segs4Vets opportunity for Villagers to ride a Segway is Oct. 20th. at Laurel Manors. The disabled vets love them because they can "keep up with their kids", can access places like nature trails again, and greet people at eye level.

[memason]

Thanks everyone, for the dialog. It's nice to know there are folks in the The Villages using Segways and that there is a club available.

[Bambi]

Next Segway meeting is Wed. Sept. 16th. 10 am at Hibiscus Rec. Center - open to anyone interested. Next fund raiser for Segs4Vets will be Oct. 20th.

[TomW]

It may be about time to reasses persoanl transportation. My wife and I bought a pair of Honda 50 motor scooters (100mpg - a little less with 220 lbs riding it in my case) and use them for short trips to the grocery, etc. We plan on incorporating them into our Villages lifestyle when we move there. Combined with a golf cart, that should be enough for TV. I see Segs here on Campus occasionally.

[memason]

Yeah, living in Germany, we see the 50cc scooters everywhere. It was even more so, when we lived in Japan. We also considered scooters, but the Segway just seems like so much fun. ...and, for some reson, I like to be different.

[petenj]

Originally Posted by memason

Yeah, living in Germany, we see the 50cc scooters everywhere. It was even more so, when we lived in Japan. We also considered scooters, but the Segway just seems like so much fun. ...and, for some reson, I like to be different.

FYI- Walt Disney World has a Segway Tour program. There are two different tours: one is at Epcot The World before they open to the public in the morning, and the other utilizes off road versions to tour the woodlands between and around Fort Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge. I took the off road tour and had a blast. They give you lessons first on a closed course and then take you out for the tour. The two guides were also knowledgeable in the local nature and Disney facts, so they plyed games and made the tour even more enjoyable.

[ChattanoogaTn]

Originally Posted by memason

Anyone know of anyone using a Segway Scooter to get around the Villages? Since they make a version to use on the golf course, I'm wondering if anyone is using then there...

Yes after joining the Segway Club here I purchased a Segway from a local Segway Dealer in Mt Dora. He is very courteous and delivered it to my front door as well as gave me a good deal.

I use it to chase my wife around the neighborhood making sure she keeps in shape.