No plan to ban Segway tours in Dunedin

Segway tours have been slammed by some cities for "clogging" streets and endangering pedestrians but there are no plans to ban the two-wheeled vehicles.

Dunedin Segway Tours co-managing director Dave Roberts said the company owned six Segways and had been taking people on guided tours around central Dunedin for about a fortnight.

A Segway is a two-wheeled motorised vehicle consisting of a platform for the feet, mounted above an axle and an upright post surmounted by handles.

British newspaper The Guardian reported the ban of Segways from the waterfront of Spanish city Barcelona for the summer months after complaints from residents.

The move followed a Segways ban in the Czech capital, Prague, after residents complained they were "clogging" streets and making it unsafe for pedestrians, the report said.

A Dunedin City Council spokeswoman said council staff had met Dunedin Segway Tours operators to discuss health and safety and to identify the areas best suited for the tours.

"We have no current concerns with this operation."

Mr Roberts said a Segway had a top speed of 20kmh. However, the Segways would be cruising  at about 10kmh on the Dunedin tour.

Mr Roberts had not attempted to drive a Segway up Baldwin St but he expected it "wouldn’t be a problem".

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz