So far Segway Human Transporters - those big-wheeled, self-balancing scooters touted as the Next Big Thing for getting around - have been difficult for consumers to buy.
But that's changing as the Manchester, N.H., company ramps up production for the consumer market.
Now you can rent them for a test spin at $39.95 an hour at a new type of dealership called NEVrland at Celebration near Walt Disney World.
Founded by onetime Tampa couple Keith Albrizzi and Claudine Andrews, NEVrland specializes in Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. Those are environmentally friendly vehicles such as the street-legal Daimler Chrysler GEMcar, which resembles a souped-up golf cart. Last month, NEVrland landed one of the first dealerships to sell Segways to the consumer market. The only other dealer so far is JM Lexus near Fort Lauderdale, although Amazon.com has been accepting orders for several months.
After rounding up 100 Segway buyers who live in Celebration for a test, NEVrland also got permission to rent a fleet of 10.
"They've been very popular," said Andrews, who ditched the couple's second car to make neighborhood trips on her own $4,950 Segway. "We suggest people call ahead to reserve one." The number is (407) 566-0911.
While a few cities such as San Francisco have banned Segways from sidewalks, state law in Florida considers them nonmotorized vehicles. That means they can be used on sidewalks and bike trails.
NEVrland, which had revenues of $800,000 in 2002, is in talks to open other dealerships around the state, including one at Fishawk Ranch in Hillsborough County.
Walt Disney World, which has a Segway demonstration at Innoventions in Epcot, recently purchased 30 of the transporters for its parking lot attendants and room service clerks who navigate the lengthy corridors of Disney hotels.
