The ability to zip from one attraction to another on a set of high-tech wheels—in other words, on a Segway—is an intriguing prospect for any busy, bunion-cursed travel writer. While I’d seen one of the eco-friendly personal transportation devices before, I’d never ridden one.

So, when I stumbled across a brochure for City Segway Tours while planning a trip to Washington, D.C., I was all over the sightseeing company’s guided 3-hour excursion. Then, about a day after my reservation had been confirmed, it dawned on me: I’d actually have to steer one of those things.

As you may have gleaned from my Dining Around Key West post, I’m a big scaredy-cat. I’m also not the most coordinated person in the world. Taking such traits into account, it’s easy to understand why I was a bit apprehensive as I walked into the City Segway Tours office on 9th Street N.W. in Washington’s Penn Quarter district.

Fortunately for first-timers like me, training is provided, along with a colorful, not-so-stylish helmet. After everyone in my group (a troop of four Segway virgins) had selected a headpiece (pink for me), we watched a short introductory video about the self-balancing gadgets then headed outside to practice. For the next 20 to 30 minutes, our tour guide worked with each person to ensure he/she was comfortable.

Accompanying me was my best friend, Jen, who is kind of like the Bizarro Maria—though we share some commonalities, in a lot of ways, she’s the total opposite of me. Bold, carefree and, most importantly, well-coordinated, she picked up Segway-ing without breaking a sweat. I, on the other hand, almost ran into one of the alley walls the first time I attempted to accelerate, a feat accomplished on the Segway by simply leaning forward.

“Segway” stems from the word “segue,” which basically refers to a smooth transition from one state to another. Technically speaking, the vehicle responds to the rider’s slightest movements by way of a gyroscopic sensor, which detects tilting and signals any departure from perfect balance to the device’s computer. (Smooth transitions and perfect balance can be difficult for the clumsy, so it’s easy to see why I initially had some trouble.)
 
For me, our alley rehearsal was kind of a blur; suddenly we were on the move, our procession of Segways traveling past gawking pedestrians and through major intersections. Thankfully, it was a short journey to our first stop: the White House. Our small group paused on Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. as the well-informed guide began relating some of the presidential mansion’s history. Next on the agenda was the National Mall, but before heading onward, we all practiced a few more Segway maneuvers on the street in front of the White House, which, as you may have guessed, is closed to automobile traffic.

I’d chosen the last tour time of the day, so dusk arrived around the time our guide finished her brief overview of the Mall. Jen and I liked the evening option because the sidewalks weren’t very congested and we didn’t have to worry about being out in the sun all afternoon. Alternatively, architectural highlights such as the United States Capitol and Library of Congress—both of which are covered on the D.C. City Segway tour—truly sparkle in the light of day.

As a child I’d visited the District several times, both with family and on school field trips, but unfortunately, the recollections of my early trips to the nation’s capital were few and far between. Without question, the Segway expedition clued me in on a few points of interest worthy of further investigation; however, I felt the tour, in contrast to a bus or walking trip, didn’t leave much time for sightseeing while on the move. Instead of focusing on my historical surroundings, I often found myself on the lookout for potholes and roving, unattended children I might possibly run over. But, that’s just me, the worrywart. Ever the daredevil, Jen was snapping pictures as she effortlessly weaved through clusters of distracted tourists, so obviously her ability to multitask exceeded my own.

Of course, our guide allowed for plenty of breaks for photo ops and even offered to take a few snapshots of my companion and me. Some of the images didn’t turn out because of the lighting, but Jen and I weren’t too concerned. Our 6-day trip included plenty more time for exploring the D.C. on foot. The wheeled adventure took place on Day 1 and merely served as a fun introduction to the capital. And, as an added bonus, my offbeat, highly enjoyable Segway roll provided me with a D.C. memory that, unlike so many others, I’ll undoubtedly never forget.

City Segway Tours offers excursions in D.C., Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco as well as abroad. Tours are given rain or shine; however, tours may be suspended in winter depending on weather conditions. Children under 16 are permitted on the tour, but a bicycle is provided in lieu of a Segway. In addition, you’ll find other Segway sightseeing companies operating in many U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Naples, Raleigh, Reno and San Diego.