Minimum Age For Tour?

[hotpink]

Hi All,

I am getting some flack from the local government at one of our tour locations because of our 10 years old minimum age requirement for our tour there (we do require any minor to be accompanied by their parent or guardian). Any information would be helpful on what the minimum age is for other tour operators and does anyone know if Segway has a minimum age recomendation?

Thanks!

[gbrandwood]

Originally Posted by hotpink

Hi All,

I am getting some flack from the local government at one of our tour locations because of our 10 years old minimum age requirement for our tour there (we do require any minor to be accompanied by their parent or guardian). Any information would be helpful on what the minimum age is for other tour operators and does anyone know if Segway has a minimum age recomendation?

Thanks!

I'm surprised that as a tour operator you are not aware of Segway INC's most basic requirements (included in the documentation that comes with all Segway PTs). The minimum age recommended by Segway INC is 16 years old. Please, do not think I am attacking you by saying this, I am genuinely surprised you do not know this.

Our insurance will go down to 12 years old but we stick with 14 (and still require that an adult is present). All tours are different and all approaches differ. What works well for some might not work well for others. And just because someone is 14 years old, doesn't mean they are guaranteed a ride. We have turned people away for safety and attitude problem reasons.

We use x2s which are heavier than the small Segway - and whilst I'm sure some 10 year olds could operate a Segway x2 without too much difficulty, we take our riders up and down hills through the woods etc. which means the extra maturity and usually weight comes in handy.

[CovRob]

As Gareth does, we operate a minimum age rule of 14 along with the minimum weight of 45Kg, 7 stones, 100lb requirement.

[Florida Ever-Glides]

I know of tour operations that allow 6 year olds. Stupidity has no boundries. Most insurance carriers have good age recommendations...

[gbrandwood]

Originally Posted by Florida Ever-Glides

I know of tour operations that allow 6 year olds. Stupidity has no boundries. Most insurance carriers have good age recommendations...

I know of one such place in the UK who say they're an offical operator, and proudly have a video of a 6 year using one of their Segways on their website. Not good.

[RedTourGPS_LisbonPT]

We operate with a minimum age requirement of 14 years old. We recently had this discussion with the rest of the staff, and that's what it was agreed.

Plus, the rider has to be between the 45kg minimum and the 117kg maximum weight.

All minors should be accompannied by an adult who is responsible for their behaviour and safety.

Regarding attitude issues, we have the 2 warning rule. We warn you once, in a polite way, we warn you not to do it again, in a polite way, the third time, you are walking back to our shop.

This is all explained to the customers prior to the tour start and we rarely have problems.

Cheers.

[GW Tours]

14 is also what my insurance carrier requires. Additionally, the minimum weight is 100LBS.

[Maja]

How do they come up with these limits? I'm planing to try it for the first time and would like to take my little sister (age 14), so I'm wondering could I be able to do that?

[noalox]

Hi Maja,

Welcome to the group. As you would expect there are a myriad of opinions on this issue. Ultimately you have to decide for yourself what is appropriate for you and yours.

A Segway is a machine - a unique machine, but a machine none-the-less. There is a way to make it go, stop, and steer. Are you and your sister the type that learns new things easily? If so, then you will have no trouble whatsoever learning the Segway. Don't fight it. Accept what the machine is doing under your feet.

As to the age thing I have a touring company that primarily takes people off-road. My minimum age is 12. We rarely go on roads and seldomly encounter cars and pedestrians, and never have stop lights, curbs, and taxi cabs with a death wish. All we need to watch for are bumps, trees, and other segway's. Another tour will have it's own challenges. Investigate what the terrain will be for the tour you are considering.

I have found that the Segway is actually very easy for young people to learn to use. It's the maturity level in dealing with situations encountered during the tour that is the challenge. Is your sister a mature young woman and able to discern how to deal with potential issues along the way? If so, go and have fun!

Bottom line is that you are going to be riding a machine in a unique surrounding. Could you or your sister be hurt during the ride. Sure. Does that happen often? From my experience, no. Quite rare, in fact.

Use some common sense and be watchful of your surroundings. And then have a lot of fun! Segway's are a blast. Enjoy!!!

Originally Posted by Maja

How do they come up with these limits? I'm planing to try it for the first time and would like to take my little sister (age 14), so I'm wondering could I be able to do that?