Segway Submitted by: Activity Superstore Thursday, 15 August 2013 50% more people want to ride a Segway, according to the latest stats from Google Trends and gift experience specialist Activity Superstore, which liken the personal transport to a desirable sports car. Consumer interest in Segway experiences, from Segway rally driving to Segway city tours, has peaked by an impressive 50% on Google Trends this August and the numbers are still rising. Since 2011, Google demonstrates that Segway popularity has consistently grown by 10% year on year and despite the legal roadworthiness of the Segway, which restricts its public use due to being a motor vehicle, the worldwide use of the personal transport continues to grow. Meanwhile, gift experience provider, Activity Superstore (http://www.activitysuperstore.com/) saw a 45% increase in the number of Segway experiences booked, with Segway rally being the most popular Segway pursuit. “Now that the weather has cooled down, we’ve seen a sharp rise in purchases and redemptions for our gift vouchers,” said Ross Stevens, Marketing Manager. “But for whatever reason, people are going mad for Segways right now.” Segway experiences now make up 10% of online sales for the gift experience provider. The company’s Ultimate Choice gift vouchers are also 23% more likely to be redeemed for a Segway experience than any other type of product. In other Segway News Recently, London-based entrepreneur Nick Magliocchetti has formed the UK’s first Segway polo (http://wozcup2013.com/) team. Similar to horse polo, except that instead of playing on horseback, each player rides a Segway PT on the field, doing away with the need for multiple ponies and tailored leather boots. “It is a fantastic sport and there is a lot of skill required. These things go at up to 18 miles an hour and a lot of balance and strength is necessary,” said Mr Magliocchetti. The sport is steadily growing worldwide, touted by Mr Magliocchetti as a "game for gentlemen of tech.” But why the sudden surge in interest? Following months of public speculation, the first Segway PT was unveiled on December 3rd, 2001, before becoming available to buy in the latter part of 2002. Since then, Segways have had success in a number of niche markets, including transportation for police Page 1 departments, military bases, warehouses, corporate campuses and industrial sites, as well as, more recently, the leisure industry. But due to the weight and size of the personal transport, it is categorised as a motor vehicle by many authorities, while at the same time being unsuitable for road use, due to failing a number of safety requirements. This restricts the use of the Segway to private land and designated areas. However, as legislation has been repealed, or exceptions made, the Segway has been more widely used. And over time, the more the Segway is used, the more restrictions appear to be lifted in various countries around the world. So much so that competitors Toyota and Honda have launched rival products; the Toyota Winglet, a self-balancing two wheeled scooter and the Honda U3-X, a self-balancing one wheeled electric vehicle. However, with a 5,200 GBP price tag and numerous restrictions on their use, Segways remain an expensive luxury that few can afford. But this doesn’t prevent consumers from making other purchases for this desirable technology. “In the same way most people can’t afford to own a Lamborghini or Ferrari, they can afford to drive one on a track day experience,” added Mr Stevens. “Segway racing (http://www.activitysuperstore.com/Outdoor/Segway-and-Easy-Glider/c6sc48/) is exactly the same. If somebody can’t afford to buy a Segway, they can drive one for the day for a lot less.” While Venutre capitalist John Doerr speculated that it would be more important than the Internet and entrepreneur Jeff Bezos was quoted in 2001, saying that "...Cities will be built around this device,” the Segway has not yet lived up to the hype. However, public interest in the Segway has always existed, which is clearly demonstrated by Google Trends. The steady growth in interest year on year parallels the growing widespread use of the device, which, although gradual continues to increase awareness of the personal transports and its many uses to consumers. At present, the Segway is a highly desirable gadget, possibly due to its price tag. And much like a sports car, consumers desire to own one. Yet, those who cannot own one seem content to settle with a driving experience for a tiny percentage of the price. About Activity Superstore Activity Superstore was founded in 1997 and has given over a million UK customers fantastic experiences since then. That’s a million happy and excited people! Page 2 http://www.activitysuperstore.com/ Every year new and exciting activities are sourced by us and introduced to Next, Boots, M&S, Argos, Debenhams and WHSmith high street stores and websites, as well as our own online store. Contact: Adam Smith Marketing Executive [email protected] #01763 264510 Page 3 Distributed via Press Release Wire (https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/) on behalf of Activity Superstore Copyright © 1999-2021 ResponseSource, The Johnson Building, 79 Hatton Garden, London, EC1N 8AW, UK e: [email protected] t: 020 3426 4051 f: 0345 370 7776 w: https://www.responsesource.com.