Last week, several of our staff got to experience Columbus’ newest way to see downtown and learn about our city’s great history in two hours…on a Segway.

Beginning June 1, SegAway Tours of Columbus will begin operating daily tours of the capital city out of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. While you operate a Segway i2, the tour takes you through Columbus and parkland along the Scioto River. Some of the stops include the Santa Maria, Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Dispatch building, several theaters, the Arena District and Short North.

I was a bit nervous as my first Segway experience at top speed was not one filled with grace and ease, but owner and operator David Weller gave us great instruction and plenty of test runs on flat ground before we took off. The helmets you wear have a headset built in so you can hear David’s comedic history lesson as you go.

Along the way, David let us know about upcoming bumps in the road and would hold up caution and stop signs to help you gauge speed. By the tour’s end I had mastered the Segway and learned more about the city and some of its historic landmarks in two hours than ever before. Ever wonder how Columbus got its name? Or what that rock next to the Statehouse along the Scioto River is there for? Do you know how many times and the reasons why President Lincoln visited Columbus? You’ll find out on this tour.

Karina Nova from local CBS affiliate 10TV joined us. Here’s video from the segment that aired last week:

You can book June tours now by calling 614-222-3005 or emailing Tours@SegAwayToursofColumbus.com . The cost is $55 per rider for a two-hour tour and the maximum number of riders per tour is six. The only restrictions are that you must weigh between 100-260 lbs. and have a parent’s signature if you are under the age of 16.