Segway comes to Rotherham. VIDEO AND VOTE

BUSINESSMAN Chris Moulds will introduce his futuristic Segway mobility devices  to Rotherham next week.

Chris, of Treeton, is behind a new business aiming to make Rotherham the UK capital for bizarre-looking electric contraptions and he will be giving them a public debut with test rides at the Fairs Fayre event, aimed at supporting the disabled and their carers, on Wednesday.

A veteran of the domestic burglar alarm trade, Chris became mesmerised by the ingenious Segway after first seeing one around six months ago and is now launching an ambitious plan to sell and lease them in South Yorkshire.

Watching Chris demonstrate how the Segway works outside his Treeton home, it is hard to comprehend how it can remain upright on its pair of parallel wheels.

But it is thanks to the technical wizardry of a series of sensors that the Segway is able to balance itself.

“It really is very natural as your confidence rises,” said Chris. “I’ve been all over the place already and I've had a fantastic time.

“This particular version can be taken off-road. It’s such good fun and an environmentally friendly form of transport at the same time.”

• Click here to watch a video of Advertiser motoring correspondent Tom Sharpe testing the Segway.

The Segway, designed in the United States, has an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. It can travel up to 24 miles between charges and reach speeds of up to 12.5mph.

Chris  plans to lease and sell the £4,500 Segway devices, which are capable of 12mph, from his home in Rotherham.

“Fairs Fayre will give people a great opportunity to have a go but the plan is to establish a regular base for the public to visit near to Meadowhall,” he said.

Chris's long-term plans should see groups paying to enjoy rides through local parks, even the Peak District.

He also feels that Segways—used by police forces in their native USA—could have a more practical application.

“Warehouse managers, security guards and park wardens could all make use of the Segway,” he added.

Sample a Segway at Fairs Fayre, Magna, between 10am and 4pm next Wednesday, with last admission at 3pm.

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