Segways have been launched in the Island at Les Mielles Golf and Country Club.
The two-wheel electric vehicles are already being used – travelling at up to 12 1/2 mph – by police officers, postmen and others in different parts of the world, but are currently not allowed on Jersey’s roads.
Jon Le Brun, the managing director of the club who is now the Jersey agent for Segway, hopes that situation is about to change.
He is selling a number of versions of the machines, which cost in the region of £3,200.
There are on- and off-road versions as well as ones which are designed for use on golf courses.
In today’s JEP Motoring supplement, Mr Le Brun says: ‘The response has been incredible and we have had lots of people on them.
Segways can give mobility to many people.
For example, if their friends like going for a walk but they can no longer join them because of age or disability, they can use a Segway.
‘There are people who are unable to play a full round of golf who will be able to get back on the course with the help of a Segway.
For others, it’s an alternative to driving.
We are not trying to deter people from walking.’ Segways have also won the backing of Deputy Robert Duhamel.
He said: ‘I think they are absolutely brilliant.
My policy is to walk walking distances, drive driving distances and fly flying distances and the Segway allows you to go medium-range distances in a way that is non-polluting.
They are certainly stable and very simple to use.’
