Officer Jeff Eck said it’s as easy as standing and only takes five minutes to learn how to ride.
The Segways were donated to the department by the Police Athletic League, Butler County Prosecutor’s Office and grants.
The average cost of a Segway is about $6,000, depending on accessories such as bags and padded foot areas similar to those on the Hamilton Segways. Eck said they may eventually add a flashing light.
Once all four Segways, from Segway of Cincinnati, are in Hamilton, they will be shared between four two-member teams of community-oriented officers. They will be patroling the areas of German Village, Lindenwald, Main Street, 2nd and 4th Ward areas and the north and west sides.
“I float around and wait for calls,” Eck said.
Officer Paul Webb said riding a Segway is more work than it looks. The activity works the calf muscles and balls of the feet.
To charge a Segway costs about 12 cents. One charge can last 24 miles, which Eck said lasts him an eight-hour shift.
Community reaction to the Segways has been positive so far. Eck receives lots of laughs and even teaches people how to ride it. Don Mack of Middletown was visiting Hamilton on Friday afternoon and saw the Segways a number of times.
“It’s a great idea; it’s quicker and instead of running you can ride,” Mack said. “For the downtown area, you can’t beat it.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
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