Easy Riders
Before he retired in 2004, Frances Smith kept to himself in the quaint borough of Connoquenessing.
Now, Smith has gained notice among its 500-plus residents as the quirky guy on a Segway.
He rides the vehicle for fun or on errands.
“You could say I go everywhere. You could say I go nowhere — but I ride it every nice day year-round,” said Smith, 68.
“I'm on the town council, too, (and) it gives me a different perspective. There isn't anything I haven't seen in the town three times this week.”
Although Smith and his wife, Linda, have the borough's only two Segways, the two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles are multiplying in other locales.
Touring near and farAccording to Bruce Knight, manager of Segway of Western PA in Foxburg, Segways are seeing more use — especially among tourists.“Three years ago, there were only 60 to 70 authorized tour providers in the U.S.,” said Knight, citing 467 guided tours now offered.Globally, the tours might occur in Eastern Europe or Paris. Closer to home, tours are offered by Segway in Paradise in Pittsburgh as well as by Knight in Foxburg, where outings are booked from April to October.Knight's guided group tours include an adventure tour, which follows about six miles of trails on RiverStone Farm. The 1,560-acre Foxburg farm is owned by Dr. Arthur Steffee and his wife, Patricia, who since the late 1990s have refurbished much of the town.A 5-mile heritage tour explores RiverStone's fields, barns and other outbuildings including an aviary, greenhouse and maple sugar house.“Every year we're increasing tours,” said Knight, explaining word-of-mouth has lured many customers since 2008 when the business opened.In many cases, customers return: Those touring on vacation might book a tour for their corporate group. The business attendees might come back with their families.“This year so far 40 percent of my riders are returns,” Knight said.
Although riding Segways outdoors can increase morale in the office, the vehicles are not just for fun. Knight sells Segways to individuals and businesses alike. Nationally, the vehicles are used for transportation and security at theme parks, factories and malls.At Slippery Rock University, President Robert Smith uses his personal Segway to navigate the campus.“I can get from one end of the campus to the other in quick time. The thing does 11 mph,” Smith said.“I can go right into a building, right into an elevator, right into a meeting room and park it against the wall.”Something of a pioneer, Smith bought his Segway in 2004, just three years after their introduction.“At the time, I thought it was just the perfect alternative transportation for getting around campus. I was a little surprised that more people didn't have one of their own,” he said.“I was doing it because there were some very clear pragmatic reasons to do it and I wasn't afraid — but my wife and I did have this conversation: ‘If they're going to make fun of you this is going to be a very expensive doorstop.'“But that didn't happen.”Smith's Segway has been so well-received on campus that last semester a group of student ambassadors for the school's alumni association created T-shirts with an image Smith on his Segway. The shirts sold out as part of a fundraiser.Although Smith was unsuccessful in convincing campus police to consider using Segways, the security team at nearby Grove City Premium Outlets has implemented the technology, which helps them navigate between the outlet center's 130 stores.Just as tire size distinguishes civilian Segway models for pavement or off-road use, the center uses a model adapted for police use.“We use police model Segways because they are a little more rugged and offer various options such as lights and a storage compartment for a first aid kit, which is helpful to have,” said Michele Rothstein, senior vice president of marketing for the chain of outlet centers.“Our ... Segways are very visible and we have received positive comments from shoppers and employees as this makes our security people more noticeable,” she said.“Plus, children like to see them. They think they are cool.”
For many consumers, a Segway's portability is part of its appeal, and Ernie Graham is no exception.A classic car enthusiast, Graham, 69, of Center Township takes his 4-year-old Segway to the many car shows he attends each year.Without the Segway, Graham would rely on a wheelchair or scooter to get around at the shows.“I'm not very mobile; I can't walk very far. When I go to car shows I can use it to ride around,” Graham said.Graham's limited mobility doesn't stop at home, where his Segway helps him keep pace with his grandson and his four wheeler.“He rides around the woods. I chase him on my Segway,” Graham said. “I can go out and ride on the bike trails with my grandson. I can't go as fast as he can go, but I can go just about anywhere he does.“I love my Segway. I'd give up my car before I'd give up my Segway.”
