I saw a suggestion for the Segway Tour on the incredible thread of "100 things to do in Paris".

I searched the topic of Segway Tours, and there doesn't seem to be anything recent.

In any event, is the Segway Tour suitable for a kid who is (turning) 14? Is it safe? Has anyone done it with someone this age?

I'm taking my daughter for the first time, and am looking for a good intro tour to the city - thought this would be fun if it's safe. (I called the company and was told the child has to be at least 100 lbs, believe it or not, I don't know how much my daughter weighs and she's in school now -we live overseas- so I have to wait to ask her, but I think it's borderline...)

thanks.

Yes! I took our daughter on a Segway tour of Paris when she was 15 and she loved it. We did it again the following year plus another time on a visit to Toronto.

Perfectly safe and a kid her age will have it all figured out before you do! LOL

We used Fat Tire each time. They have a quiet pedestrian only courtyard beside their office where you get 1/2 an hour training and instruction before you go. They have a route planned out to the Louvre and back that takes advantage of pedestrian only areas and quiet streets.

Don't let some Nervous Nelly types try and dissuade you and tell you to take a bike tour... these things are a joy to ride and a great way to sight see. And bikes are so 20th century! ;^)
I've now done the Paris tour 3 times and if I go back tomorrow... I'll do a 4th!

If you have any other questions.. just ask.

http://citysegwaytours.com/paris/tou...ay-segway-tour

BTW... regarding weight. I don't think they are that fussy. Our daughter is very petite and had no problem. I suspect the weight has to do with the Segway itself... it likely needs a certain amount to function properly. If during the 1/2 hour practice session it appears that it wouldn't be safe, the guide would tell you. They don't want customers getting hurt.

I let my 14 year old son go alone on the segway several years ago. I would have killed myself on one of those machines. The tour guide knew he was alone and took him under his wing. He had a blast. met lots of interesting people along with a girl his age. He was surprised that you could have lunch with people he didn't know and have such a good time.

Take the Fat Tire Bike Tour. The Paris one is the original of the tours (they have London, Barcelona and Berlin). Not a nervous nelly issue, a question of fun and activity.

If your daughter is 45 kilos, she's 99 pounds and that means 45.5 kilos would be just over 100 pounds. If she's less than 45 kilos, she can't take the segway.

Thanks to all of you for information and advice. I did sign up for the Segway tour and while my daughter was jumping up and down from excitement, I am scared out of my mind!! I have this thing about speed and cars in the way.....

Hopefully it'll be safe. Believe it or not, our scale is broken so I couldn't weigh her exactly. I told the company that she's between 43 and 45 kilos and they said it would be fine. I hope they're right because I understand it does have to do with safety - her weight propels the segway apparently (again, I've never been on one so I have no clue how it works but this is what they told me) and helps her keep her balance. If she's too light, it's totally unsafe.

Anyways, as you say ParisAmsterdam, they won't let her do it if they see it's unsafe - I'm just worried about any possible disappointment if they deem her too light!

Thanks again.

Weight does not propel the machine... electric motors do that. The weight has to do with the sensors and gyroscopes that keep the thing balanced and upright.

There's really nothing to be afraid of. You practice in a quiet courtyard. The Segway does all the work. Most of the way to the Louvre is on sidewalks or bike pathways. On the way back you are on a street or 2 but it's mostly one way and nobody can pass the pack of Segways anyway. Besides... by that time you'll be a pro!

Speed is not an issue... they are limited to a top speed of 12 kph. Big Russ can go faster on his old fashioned bicycle! LOL

Relax... you'll have fun! ;^)