By Keith Howel

"Very easy, very fun." That’s how French visitor Hervé Fuges describes his excursion in San Francisco on a Segway "human transporter"—a self-balancing, twowheeled electric vehicle that you pilot standing up. Tip forward and you move forward; lean back to move back. The farther you lean, the faster you go—up to a preset 12.5 miles per hour.

A Segway is the perfect vehicle for casual sightseeing, although pedestrians may exclaim that you and your buddies look like tourists from another planet. Tours start with a training session. (Age minimum is usually 14.) Most last two to three hours and cost from $55 to $140, depending on length and location.

CORVALLI S, ORE. Explore the city’s beautiful riverfront. ( 541) 740-3021, www.segwayofcorvallis.com.

HONOLULU Glide along Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head. (808) 941-3151, www.segwayofhawaii.com.

LAS VEGAS Roll by some 30 hotels as a guide reveals city secrets. (702) 877-3900, www.segwaylasvegas.com.

PORT LAND Wind along the banks of the Willamette River.
(503) 238- 2510, www.segwayofportland.com.

SAN FRANCISCO Cruise beside the bay and gaze up at the Golden Gate Bridge. (415) 474-3130, www.electrictourcompany.com.

SONOMA, CALIF. Discover the old town, visit wineries, and nibble cheese. (707) 938-2080, www.sonomasegway.com.

SPRINGDALE, UTAH Explore the gateway to Zion National Park.
(435) 674-7700, www.scenicsegways.com.