Segway Ride to Spice up Evenings

You can have a unique ride in the city

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘Segway’ may be a little alien to the residents of the capital. This two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicle, popular in the West, is making inroads in the city centre, providing a dash of entertainment to the otherwise busy business hotspot, MG Road. The Segway park, adjacent to the Travancore Devaswom Board building, was conceived by Fratelli and Co, which specialises in the sales, service and distribution of Segways in the state.

The public can have a go at the two Segways arranged here and those of you who are looking for further adventure can try out the sets of bows and arrows kept on the other side.

 “The reason why we opened the park is to acquaint people with the machine and allay public fears. Many mistakenly believe that they will trip or fall once they are mounted on a Segway. It’s a wonder that our state still lags behind in exploring the possibilities of Segway when it is hailed to be a major tourist destination. This is a place where the vehicles can be utilised best,” says Abhishek Arjunan of Fratelli and Co.

 Abhishek started contemplating the idea when he returned to his home town after specialising in Interior Designing in Florence, Italy. The final outcome? Opening of the company in October 2014, which is centred in Kochi.

 “Here, we had suggested Segway rides in the city zoo, so that people can swiftly ride around at a cost of Rs 300 per head. However, this did not materialise. The fear factor was the reason,” says Abhishek.

 The battery-operated Segway is controlled using a detachable wireless info key to make it possible for the rider to mount on. It can be moved in any desired direction by the rider-forward, reverse or rotate mode. One machine alone costs over Rs 6 lakh. The Segway Park offers admission in two categories; one for Rs 30, comprising a training on the Segway ride and archery and the other one at Rs 100 for a 10-minute drive. Experts’ surveillance is assured and to perk up the visiting experience, a plan for a cafeteria is on the anvil.

 The park is open from 5.30 pm to 9 pm on all days, except Mondays. Entry is allowed for those who are above eight years old.

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