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Fast Forward SummaryTM: A Segway is a self-powered self-balancing scooter that you stand on rather than sit in, reaching speeds up to 12 mph (20 kph). Computer controlled motors in the base of the machine keep it balanced, and it moves in the direction the rider leans. The Electric Tour Company offers group tours of the Sausalito waterfront via Segways, starting with a 45-minute training session for the devices. Tour last about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Videos below show what riding a Segway is like. The tours regularly run right by our office windows here on the waterfront, and we sometimes encounter a string of 10 Segways humming along as we walk back from lunch.
The Details
We've not taken this tour ourselves, but when we've seen people whirring by (that's the best way to describe the sound) they seem to be having a great time.
You need to call ahead for a reservation to take a Segway tour. April through October the tour start every day at 11:30 AM and last until about 2:15. November through March there are tours on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 AM.
Trips begin at 1000 Bridgeway in Sausalito, at the intersection of Bridgeway and Caledonia St. near the Taste of Rome Restaurant. Look for the Electric Tour Co. van, since they do not have an office in Sausalito. The 45-minute training activity to learn to ride the Segway is mandatory.
Tour sights include Sausalito houseboat piers, wooden boats docked by the Bay, the Bay Model (a giant working miniature version of San Francisco Bay used by scientists to study the environment), and former recording studios where famous albums were cut.
Note: The Bay Model is closed on Sundays during the winter, so if this is a major part of the Segway tour for you go on Wednesday or Saturday. You can also visit the Bay Model just by driving over to it, so the Segway tour does not give you any special access. The Bay Model does not require an admission fee, although they request donations.
They'll also give tour riders an overview of Sausalito history. No food is provided on the trip.
The first video below is a promotional piece from the company (unlike most of opur videos on oursausalito.com, which we produce ourselves). The second is a short travel video posted by a couple who took the tour, and is likewise not produced by us.
The promo video
Two visitors try out the Segways.
Requirements, Safety & Scheduling Issues
If standing up for about 2 hours -- even zooming around on bizarre science fiction vehicles -- doesn't sound comfortable for you, this is probably not going to be a fun activity. You have to be able to step up or down off the Segway without a handrail while keeping your balance.
They ask that passengers who are concerned about mobility issues call the company before making a reservation to discuss whether it's likely to be safe for them.
They need 8 people to have a tour. When you make your reservation you may be asked to give a 2nd choice date for your tour in case they don't get enough signups for that day. Make sure to ask about whether they can assure you of getting a date that will be acceptable to you, since you can only cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled tour and you have to prepay the $70 in full at the time of your reservation. After 72 hours they do not give refunds for cancellations.
Kids have to be 12 years old to go on this tour, and riders' weight has be between 100 and 250 pounds (45 to 113 kilos). Kids under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. Helmets are provided, and required for all riders.
Pregnant women are not allowed to ride the Segways.
They require that you wear sports-type shoes (no flip flops, open toes or heels), and you have to sign a liability waiver.
They have rain gear if you happen to schedule a rainy day visit, but they will only cancel a tour if there's a real rainstorm blowing. In light rain they will proceed. As always in Sausalito and San Francisco, it's best to wear layers of clothing so that you can adjust to lower temperatures if the fog comes in or higher temps when the sun comes out. On very foggy days where the views are "socked in" they may alter the tour route to try to give you alternate Sausalito experiences. If any of these weather issues concern you, ask questions of the company before giving them your deposit.
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