WA-first Segway tours roll out of Barrack Square

Tourism operators at Barrack Square have launched a walking tour with a difference – you don’t actually have to walk.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi was on hand today to launch a new venture by Segway Tours WA, offering visitors guided tours of the Swan River foreshore using two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicles.

Segway tours have gained popularity in many tourist destinations around the world, but this is the first time the vehicles have been made available for use in Western Australia.

Segway Tours WA was established by brother and sister team Owen Williams and Belinda Hill, who have been planning the business since Mr Williams encountered the vehicles while on a trip to the USA some six years ago.

Mr Williams said the biggest hurdle faced was getting approval from the Department of Transport for the vehicles to be used in WA.

The state government passed legislation in April allowing the limited use of Segways in WA on shared paths under the supervision of approved tour guides.

Mr Williams said the passing of the legislation was the end of a long journey.

“It took about six years,” Mr Williams told Business News.

“The Segway fits into a grey area which we had to define, so now that the legislation is through it is classed as an electronic personal transporter, which is a separate definition for a vehicle.”

Visitors will be given the option to experience three tours initially; along the foreshore to Claisebrook Cove; past Kings Park to the University of Western Australia; or a shorter riverside tour along the foreshore and Barrack Street jetty.

The tours will be run daily, with up to six tours departing each day.

Tours at Rottnest Island will start in November, while an ‘Experience Zone’ has been established in the city for riders to test the vehicles and master their use before heading out on a tour.

The training course, located at Barrack Square, includes an obstacle course, bridges, a seesaw as well as humps and bumps.

Mr Williams said the company was currently examining other options around the city and would make announcements regarding new tour locations pending successful negotiations with respective town councils.