Segway Tours and Rentals Page 8.

A new way to explore Downtown A business based in Detroit that’s taking a winter tour of the warmer states is making a stop in Jacksonville. Segways2U rents the electric-powered personal transporters to people who want to enhance the pedestrian experience without entirely losing the feet-on-the-ground aspect. Maureen Kearns has brought 11 of the eco-friendly, battery-powered pedestrian devices and has set up shop at the Landing near Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub. Kearns said they decided to stop here because of the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl and they’ll be renting the Segways through Jan. 2, when they’ll pack up and head farther south. Just about anyone can learn to operate a Segway in a few minutes, it can travel anywhere that’s good for walking and it’s a great way to tour Downtown, she said. “People are really enjoying taking them over the Main Street Bridge,” said Kearns. Segways2U is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting. Rental rates start at $20. For information, visit www.segways2u.com or call 313-477-8941. The Jacksonville Daily Record/Dec.19, 2011 mmarbut@baileypub.com (904)356-2466

Maureen Kearns has a small fleet of Segway personal transporters for rent at the Landing.

10/12/2011 The Saturday segway tour was so much fun and you are a great tour guide. I would like to give segway gift certificates for Christmas. -Vicki B. 03/23/2012 We had a great experience on the segways. Want to come back soon and do it again. I'm sure others will see how much fun we had and will want to experience it too. -Bonnie S. 2/23/2013 Our Segway history tour was fantastic...you made it everything we were expecting and more. -Ricki D. 2/16/2013 Thanks for a wonderful excursion! -Rita and Jerry K.

Michigan couple 'Segway' to adventure New shop to rent transports in downtown Punta Gorda By DREW WINCHESTER, STAFF WRITER PUNTA GORDA - The "adventure" began on the shores of the Detroit River, where Keith Steele and Maureen Kearns started renting their Segways to people looking for a different way to explore the heart of the Motor City. Steele and Kearns decided they would spend part of the year in their beloved Detroit, then take their fleet of Segways on the road in search of warmer climates in the winter. They made stops in Myrtle Beach, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and other waterfront communities before settling on Punta Gorda as the winter home of their new business, Segways2U, and now the couple are just days away from opening the doors. "We felt Punta Gorda was ideal for Segways," Steele said. "It's very 'Segway-able.'" The Segway is a two wheeled transportation device that operates on gyroscopic and fluid-based motion sensors, allowing the operator to control the device by leaning forward and back. The vehicle first appeared in the early 2000s. The devices presented an opportunity to segue into the next phase of their lives for Steele and Kearns, who were in far different industries in Michigan: Steele worked in manufacturing, while Kearns worked behind a desk. But Kearns' work with a nonprofit group that focused on tourism in Detroit led them to the realization that operating a Segway business would be an interesting and rewarding way to spend the rest of their lives. Thus, the "adventure" was born. "We wanted to utilize the Segways yearround, and we wanted to travel," Kearns said, adding, "I didn't want to sit at a computer anymore; I wanted something active. So this is our adventure." The addition of Segways to downtown Punta Gorda is a perfect fit, according to Julie Mathis, director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Mathis said the community's focus on outdoor activities goes hand-in hand with the Segway, especially for attractions like the Harborwalk. "There's all sorts of opportunities for a business like that in this community," Mathis said. "It's another way to keep people outside." Segways2U should be open for business this weekend. It'll offer not only rentals, but also guided tours of historical venues around downtown. Segways can be rented by the hour or a half-day. Steele and Kearns provide lessons for those who are new to the Segway. "We really want to add to the community," Steele said. Nancy Prafke, CEO of Team Punta Gorda, said the citizens group had no official opinion about the new Segways, but thought they'd make a nice addition to the loaner bicycle program. "I think this is another choice of transportation for people to see our wonderful community," Prafke said. Segways2U is located at 207 Cross St., Punta Gorda. For more information, call 855-U-SEGWAY(8-734929), or visit www.segways2u.com. Email: dwinchester@sun-herald.com ? SUN PHOTO BY DREW WINCHESTER