New Segway Rental/Tour Business

[Florida Ever-Glides]

Starting any new business can be fun and rewarding. The same can be said for a new Segway related business. Rentals and guided tours are becoming a cottage industry. But like any new business, there are certain risks that can wipe you out very quickly. If you decide to open a Segway rental/tour company take your time to do it right. You should allow approximately six months to prepare to open. There are so many issues that need to be resolved that are unique to each potential location. Research everything very carefully. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you take it slow and careful, placing the priorities in order you can have a successful and fun Segway related business. Also remember, it's also a lot of hard work. I work 7 days per week from 6:30am-6:30pm. It's not a walk in the park but it's fun and personally/financially rewarding.

If you need assistance on any general questions or comments on your ideas, I will be happy to assist in a very 'general' way.

Good luck to all future Segway professionals. Please keep it safe.

Tom Jacobson

[lbinet]

Hi Tom
I will be starting a Segway Rental / Tour business in my area. I plan to open in June. I already have a business plan in place and I’m ready to go. But, I would like to learn some of the finer points about operational detail and what kind of problems I can expect. I would greatly appreciate any info you can provide. I’d be willing to pay a consult fee if required. Let me know the best time I can reach you. Send an email with your phone number to: webmaster@LBI.net and I will call you or you can call me at 609-698-2199. Best time to call is after 7:40pm anytime.

Paul Neal
LBI.net

[lbinet]

Tom
Thank you.

Just for the record…
I posted a message asking for some help from Tom about the segway rental/tour business. He called me within 30 minutes, and we talked for about an hour. Obviously we all here at segwaychat know that Tom knows his stuff, But…
The first thing he said when he called me was, He wont take any money for helping me. No consulting fee. This shows where his hart is.."SEGWAY". IT was really nice of Tom to do that.

Thanks Again!!
Think Big Tom...LOL

Paul Neal
LBI.net

[Itsi Atkins]

I agree, Tom helped me by speaking with the company that wants to rent Segways in NYC. I hope they take his advice and thanks to Tom and Florida EverGides for taking the time to help others.

[mondif]

Gee! I would just like to rent a Seg. so that my company can be convinced to buy one or two or ...Try to break the paradigm in New Jersey. Can anyone help me? quote:Originally posted by Florida Ever-Glides

Starting any new business can be fun and rewarding. The same can be said for a new Segway related business. Rentals and guided tours are becoming a cottage industry. But like any new business, there are certain risks that can wipe you out very quickly. If you decide to open a Segway rental/tour company take your time to do it right. You should allow approximately six months to prepare to open. There are so many issues that need to be resolved that are unique to each potential location. Research everything very carefully. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you take it slow and careful, placing the priorities in order you can have a successful and fun Segway related business. Also remember, it's also a lot of hard work. I work 7 days per week from 6:30am-6:30pm. It's not a walk in the park but it's fun and personally/financially rewarding.

If you need assistance on any general questions or comments on your ideas, I will be happy to assist in a very 'general' way.

Good luck to all future Segway professionals. Please keep it safe.

Tom Jacobson

[mondif]

I would like to rent a Seg for use with-in the company that I work for, but they are very conservative and well you read where this is going. If I could rent a unit I just know that this company would buy. Can anyone help me with this request to rent? Heck they paid to let me go and try one so there is interest. I just need a little help pushing some folks over the fence. Frank

[Stan671]

Frank, I may be able to come and visit your location with my HT to show it's capabilities, talk about it and give demo rides to whomever you want. But I won't lend my machine to anyone, sorry.

Stan Dobrowski

[andrewhanna]

Hey tom-

I have read your posts on segwaychat.com for the last copuple of weeks, and I just finished viewing your website, And i must tell you that you should be rewarded on having such a sucessful business! I admire you, and I would liketo open my own segway rental company in miami, Fl (where I live). Can you please give me some info that I must know about starting a segway rental. Things such as start up fees, profits, etc.

Thank you so much,
Andrew Hanna[8]:)

[SegwayRentals]

Hi Tom,

I am starting my own Segway Rental shop out here in CA. I was wondering if you can give me any info on starting a rental company (example cost, fees, profits etc.) Also any expert advice would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim Lake

[Matt]

Hey All,

I have talked with Tom and he has agreed to lead a Segway Tour Operator's Workshop at SegwayFest! 2004. The Workshop, though we are still finalizing the structure will feature 3 primary elements:

1) A discussion that he will lead on starting and running a successful Segway Touring Operation based upon his international award winning tour business in Sarasota (Florida EverGlides)

2) A 45 minute training course on how to adaquately train tour participants prior to their initial glide on a Segway

3) A 45 minute "tour" of the Hyatt property demonstrating the various facets of interactive tours so that you can see first hand how to undertake running a tour in your area.

Due to the nature of the workshop, it will be limited to 10 people and there will be a $50 charge to cover Tom's time and materials. We expect it to fill up fast (actually, we already have a number of the spots covered). If there is sufficient demand we may offer it more than once, but right now we are scheduling it for Sunday morning.

[Burke]

Hi, Jim. Welcome to Segway Chat.

Where in California will you be operating, and what are you planning to do? Tours or unsupervised rentals? Just curious! Your profile doesn't say much. Thanks.

Janice

[SegwayRentals]

I plan on having several locations. Some will offer Tours Only, some rentals only and some both.

Jim

[Burke]

Are you the guy who's doing Catalina Island? We heard from a beachgoer last weekend that the City Council (or whoever governs Catalina) has just recently approved some pilot project with guided Segway tours and that everyone wonders how they'll be on the hills. I can't imagine it wouldn't work. What goes up, must recharge on the way down!

Janice

[SegwayRentals]

No. I am planning on doing other locations.

[BruceWright]

I could probably go from Avalon to the Airport on a Segway! It's only about 6 miles.

That big hill at the beginning is the only real obstacle.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[RobsterClaw]

I am thinking about starting a Segway business in Colorado....I know, not the best time to start a business...and I was wondering whats steps you went thru with your local county or city to get approval is any. Also are there any tips on starting my business plan...start with only 4-6-8-10 segways...etc.

thanks

[Copenhagentours]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am planing to operate a guided tour here in Copenhagen, Denmark. The city is ideal for just such a tour as it is competely flat and has an extensive bicycle lane infrastructure in place.

I have an i2 already and I plan to get 8 more to begin with. My biggest concern is that Segways are not legal for use in Copenhagen as they have not been given any classification.

There has been a tour operating in Stockholm for the past four years where the Segway is also unclassified. The tour operator there has just braved the legal limbo and has been very successful in operating the tours over the past few years.

Now I am trying to get some paperwork together to submit to the authority's here so I can get permission to start touring.

If anyone has any suggestions or any information that could be useful, statistics, pro's of the tour etc it would be greatly appreciated.

[Just Seg-it]

Hello Tom, I´m new to this chat. I have a project for opening a Segway tour in Madrid, Spain. I´ve been working on it for about a year. I agree with you on taking things slowly to make sure your not getting in something you should´nt. The project has gone through approvals by several entities like the the Chamber of Commerce here in Madrid, IMADE (who promotes new business for the Madrid area) and Deloitte (international business assessment.

My project has also been selected for a prize contest by BBVA (bank in Spain who´s director opened the NYCEX today and is in the U.S. to speak on economic recovery from the crisis). One of the aspects of this contest is to gain votes from people who think of it as a good project.You can read up on all the details on this web page: Just Seg-it BBVA Open Talent


I would appreciate if you would read it* (*translation on the second commentary) and tell me what you think of it. If you like it you can also vote for it on the little box that reads: VOTAR It would also be great if you can tell me how I can get other people to vote for my project. It is important that I get as many votes as I can.

I have high hopes of getting this project started. I´ll be turning 50 this July and I´m having a heck of a time trying to find work so I´m hoping to provide it for myself with this endeavour. It looks like you are well thought of in the Segway community, so I would really appreciate any help or ideas that you can provide.

All the best,
Jan van der Mersch

[CovRob]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am planing to operate a guided tour here in Copenhagen, Denmark. The city is ideal for just such a tour as it is competely flat and has an extensive bicycle lane infrastructure in place.

I have an i2 already and I plan to get 8 more to begin with. My biggest concern is that Segways are not legal for use in Copenhagen as they have not been given any classification.We have the same problem here in the UK. I started my tour company last summer and, like all the other Segway operators in the UK, had to find a private landowner who would grant permission for them. I am fortunate in living in a popular tourist destination and also having access to massive areas of countryside.

In Wales there is a tour around Cardiff Bay docks. Alan from Cardiff Bay Segway took a long time to consult and reassure the local council that he was offering a suitable product. The one major hurdle in the UK to running a Segway tour is liability insurance. The tour MUST be on private property to obtain cover.

I wish you luck with your project and look forward to your updates.

[Madsegs]

You do not need lots of segways to start (but you may not be able to cater for bussiness groups without them). I started with 5 cattering for myself and 2 couples or a family of 4.
Bussiness groups are the most difficult and show little or no respect for the segways (they are not paying) so the low starting number allows you to get settled, confident, find your market and experience.
You will probably run at a loss for some time (1 year plus) so be prepared.
You have a better chance of a good return on the current stock markets than a segway tour operator so do it because it is what you want to do, NOT TO MAKE MONEY.
Run it yourself (if possible) as people you hire are working for money and the enthusiasm lasts just a few months (and the additional costs).
I spent EVERY minute of empty tours travelling around Madrid on a segway for nearly a year (far too many coffies involved on the breaks) on the yellow key so that i was visable (not fast), met the locals (i know all the homeless, beggars, actors.....) and learnt loads about my city.
Let people ask for information (and they will as you are on a segway) as when they learn that you are gliding around because you love it they will be more interested than a pushed flyer.
Place you website clearly on the segway from front and behind (i use UK yellow/reflectice numberplates) as this is will be your best form of free advertising (for me the best including paid adverts).
Automate your reservations with a confirmed deposit so people do not stand you up or waste your time (link at the bottom of mine from the programmer if interested).
When confronted with the cost (as most segway tours are more costly than renting a car for a day) compare it to karting or horse riding as people often place it in a walking/bike tour catagory.
A segway tour is for the segway and seeing the sights is second. If they learn correctly and are given the time to play around safely they will see more later in the tour.
Insist that they push the limits of the segway on the beginers key (i include steps within 5 minutes of training -down, and a titanic later-hands free and leen full forward on the bar...NOT FOR I2) as this gives them confidence.
The more they understand the segway the more you will show them later in the tour.
If you have a bussiness (if you dont forget it), plan include the price of replacing batteries 3 years in on 60% of your fleet (even if you are not doing well).
Work on 20% capacity (Bplan)the first year at most on tours offered.
Do lots of other segway tours in different cities if possible (take your own if you need to save cost but some people are not prepared to help).
city centers are not for groups of 10 or more segways. You will upset pedestrians and have a sharp incline in accidents, see less, less personal all for the same price (or less as groups want a discount).
Segways DO have maintanance it´s just not oil like a car.
Geroge Bush is not the only person to fall off a segway and accidents will happen. I have had 36 falls in 3+ years BUT 90%+ of customers that have used a segway before my tour have seen one of more. Keep a detailed report of why, where and what could prevent them in the future. Outside of training people do not just turn into each other for no reason.
After training look for white knukles, sweaty palms (yes even on hot days) and overconsentration as they need more guidance and a slow pace.
Please ask questions or add some as this could take me a whole day and this is just my experiences.

[stauff55]

I was all set to start a tour in a state park. Park management was ok but it got rejected at the state level. Anyone working in a state park that can give me some guidance on how to change some minds would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich

[Bob.Kerns]

I was all set to start a tour in a state park. Park management was ok but it got rejected at the state level. Anyone working in a state park that can give me some guidance on how to change some minds would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich

There are tours at Angel Island State Park here in California (SF Bay). They were originally run by Segway of Oakland. Steve Steinberg there might be able to give you some suggestions and insights, though, of course, CA != NY.

[Arele]

Hi Tom -
We're woodridgesegwaytours.com wanted to know if you have a simple rental agreement I can look at see if it differs from the one Im looking to use in a month.
We have 250,000 visitors coming to the area on the website and we are excited starting our first season with 20 units.

We also will be renting and shipping our units to about 50 camps in the area - this is for night activity for the kids to ride on lit basketball courts or indoor gyms - do you have any thoughts how I might make that activity more interesting rather than have them just go in circles like an obstacle course or something what would I need to bring with to make it more interesting.

I can be reached at Ari@regencymang.com

[stinggray]

I was all set to start a tour in a state park. Park management was ok but it got rejected at the state level. Anyone working in a state park that can give me some guidance on how to change some minds would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich

You might want to talk to http://www.ecomotiontours.com/ I believe they were one of the first tours in a state park.

[deifos]

Hi Tom, I'm currently working on a project to start a new segway business tour in Colombia South America, my friend and I, already have a business plan and have already acquired the proper permits to move the segways around the area. however I have a few questions and I would really appreciate if you could assist, my friend has already talk to the person incharge of segway tours Puerto Rico but I would also like to talk to someone with experience on my end.

I see that your posting is pretty old but I hope you are still around.

All the best.

[falerna]

I am contemplating becoming a Segway dealer and tour operator, in a major US metropolitan area that presently has no dealer and only one tour in the city. Can anyone give me a brief rundown on the business perspective of starting and operating such a venture? I am no stranger to business operations and marketing, and I believe that many opportunities exist for sales, service, and tours, for both individuals and businesses. Are there any rules-of-thumb for percentages of sales vs service vs tour revenue? Can revenue be predicted based on the number of machines being operated, the size of the local population, or the number of tourists? I am prepared to make this a full time job, if I can get the numbers to work.

I have owned an i2 for almost a year after becoming disabled, and it is one of the most amazing machines I've ever encountered. To make a living from this would be a dream come true. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[SegNation]

I am contemplating becoming a Segway dealer and tour operator, in a major US metropolitan area that presently has no dealer and only one tour in the city. Can anyone give me a brief rundown on the business perspective of starting and operating such a venture? I am no stranger to business operations and marketing, and I believe that many opportunities exist for sales, service, and tours, for both individuals and businesses. Are there any rules-of-thumb for percentages of sales vs service vs tour revenue? Can revenue be predicted based on the number of machines being operated, the size of the local population, or the number of tourists? I am prepared to make this a full time job, if I can get the numbers to work.

I have owned an i2 for almost a year after becoming disabled, and it is one of the most amazing machines I've ever encountered. To make a living from this would be a dream come true. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Getting into the Segway tour arena can be very rewarding financially and personally. I love running my company and we are growing very quickly.

The first thing you should do is contact Segway Inc about starting a dealership in your area. I would recommend starting with a reasonable number of Segways (6-10) and focus on marketing to hotels and visitor centers. I personally know several dealers, and you will have to sell quite a few units before turning a profit, so be aware of that and focus much of your marketing efforts on building your tour business.

Create a business plan and keep a close eye on your competition. Take several tours with your direct competition and a few more tours with companies in other cities. I have found it very useful to create a partnership relationship with a couple competitors and my dealer, and this helps me to book larger parties (sharing Segways) and prevents us from undercutting each others pricing too much.

I see that you plan on making this a full-time job. Excellent decision!!! It will be very tough the first 6 months, so plan on being in the red financially for at least that long. Once you start to grow a customer base, sales will start to flow in from repeat customers, hotels, conventions and corporate events and team-buildings.

Best of luck!

Christopher L Clary
Segway Nation
www.SegwayNationInc.com

[843Swegways]

New to the site, wanted to say hello. Im conducting a research study on the segway rental business in various locations, including The US, South Africa, London, and Spain. im covering everything from GPD to segway imports/exports, population, business concept, forecasted financial spread sheets, etc. if anyone could give me any help/stats/info on this matter, it would be greatly appreciated. i will bill more than happy to share the final product with everyone, it should provide some really useful market analysis for everyone to use. Im mainly focusing on the US, but will cover the other areas as well. i appreciate any/all help. thanks!