1st UK Public Tour & Evidence of Safe Use

[julesdarcy]

Congrats on getting the tour off the ground Al. I know it's not easy in a country where the Segway is not even legal. I hope everything goes well for you.

You say that only 2 can go on a tour at a time. Is that causing problems with groups that cancel when they hear the 2 per tour limit?

You also say that the tour rides on footpaths and cycle lanes. Are you restricted to using only them?

There is no tour cost on the website. How much is it?

Was there any reason why you restricted the tour to 1 hour?

How long do you spend on training customers?

Are there any businesses on the route and what is their reaction to your tour?

[alcardiff]

Originally Posted by julesdarcy

Congrats on getting the tour off the ground Al. I know it's not easy in a country where the Segway is not even legal. I hope everything goes well for you.

You say that only 2 can go on a tour at a time. Is that causing problems with groups that cancel when they hear the 2 per tour limit?

You also say that the tour rides on footpaths and cycle lanes. Are you restricted to using only them?

There is no tour cost on the website. How much is it?

Was there any reason why you restricted the tour to 1 hour?

How long do you spend on training customers?

Are there any businesses on the route and what is their reaction to your tour?

Hi Jules,

Although running with only 2 guests per tour is restrictive, by starting small it was easier to get agreement from the local authority and it gives me a chnce to 'learn the trade'. I was planning to increase to 6 for next season but advice from Tony of Bodyelectric in New Zealand (thanks Tony) and my own limited experience suggests that 4 to a guide might be a better prospect.

The site (Cardiff Bay Barrage) that we use consists of one long road flanked by a cycle lane and a series of pedestrian walkways. Compared to other tours our route is relatively short but the sights are fantastic with lots of points of interest and a short tour means that we can keep the price down (£20 per head) and look after a decent number of clients with fewer machines. Also, I feel that 1 hour on a Segway for a novice is plenty.

The training element takes about 15 minutes and follows the Segway Authorised Tour guidelines; some people take a little longer and the first part of the tour is a straight run on a cycle path with very little traffic so allows the guests to further get used to the machines before moving on to pedestrian areas.

The other main business on site is a 'road train' transporting members of the public around the Bay. The owner is pleased to see another attraction in the area and recommends our tour.

The website's not great at the moment but is a stop-gap to get a bit of info out there.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Al

[julesdarcy]

Sounds good Al. Interesting that your only competition actually recommends your tour!

I'm trying to set up a tour myself in Killarney and I feel like I'm walking in an atmosphere made of treacle. Dealing with semi-state bodies would drive you to drink.

How did you manage to get insurance if the Segways are not classified for UK roads?

Did you do any major marketing of the tour other than the radio slot? Where do most of your customers hear about your tour?

Thanks,
jules

[CovRob]

A month after my first enquiry I've had agreement from the Forestry Commission that I can take my i2 round the Grizedale Forest cycleways up here in the Lake District. For a national body I thought that was quite rapid for a result.

Tours; acceptance on land open to the public; slow progress, but progress nevertheless

[alcardiff]

Well done Rob, that's fantastic news; and I can't think of a better place to glide than the Grizedale forest

Onward and upward all!

Al