Motorhomes (or RVs as our American friends like to call them) have become increasingly popular in New Zealand over the last 20 years. Once a rarity on our roads - mostly seen as a vehicle hired by international tourists (remember them, pre-Covid?) - today there are tens of thousands of motorhomes are owned and being enjoyed by Kiwis exploring the country.
A Segway Personal Transporter (PT) is a fantastic addition to any motorhome for so many reasons. Sure, an e-scooter or a bicycle (or two) can be kinda handy. But if you really want to get about when you've parked up and reached your destination - and actually be able to get to more places - it is the Segway PT that is the device you need. You might even want a pair. Once you've parked up your big motorhome the nimble Segway PT will zip you down to the local supermarket/corner Dairy/Fish & Chip shop/Bar or Pub....even down to the end of a wharf to catch a fish or out to the point to catch the sun setting.
There are a lot of reasons why Segway PTs are a fantastic personal mobility solution. The self-balancing Segway PT was designed from the ground up to be easy and safe to ride, and to go pretty much anywhere a person can walk - especially if you have a mobility impairment. The Segway PT is at home on a road, footpath or shared path, and yes of course it can climb right to the top of the steepest hills (including Baldwin Street in Dunedin, only the steepest street in the world). And it will safely take you up the 4WD track to the very summit of Mount Maunganui. By the way, a skilled rider can get to the top on a mini-Segway as well).
No other mobility device is going to take you places like those, or to places like this.
The powerful Segway PT has large diameter wheels provide a comfortable ride at speed, provide lots of grip, and the ability to cross all kinds of terrain (unlike, say, an e-scooter or a mobility scooters). If the standard Segway i2 SE tyre doesn't provide all you need then simply change to Enhanced Traction Tyres, or choose the Segway x2 SE with either ATV or balloon Turf tyres. Transverse snow, mud or sand and take your Segway PT places no bicycle or e-bike can ride. Plus, the Segway PT is light enough to lift, carry or tug over larger obstacles you may encounter along your way.
Motorhomes tend to have narrow doorways, so stowing a Segway PT inside is not so easy. Some models have storage bins on the side of the vehicle that can accommodate a Segway PT. Another option is to add a custom cargo compartment to your motorhome. This will keep your Segway PT(s) safe and secure no matter where you venture.
Here is a photo of a cargo compartment that a long-time Kiwi Segway PT owner has had built onto the rear of his motorhome that he uses to travel around the South Island. It can hold up to two Segway PTs at a time, together with plenty of other items.
Another Kiwi couple towed a small van behind their motorhome. Into the rear of the van was built a special space to hold a Segway PT. It is easy to load a PT in or out without any lifting by using Segway Ramps. Read and see more photos at our article The Motorhome RV and the Segway PT.
Other options includes single or twin manual or powered tow-bar carriers for Segway PTs, such as the TriLift.
Here is our article Carrying your Segway PT inside your car or on your tow bar.
Oh, and one more thing: when you take a Segway PT along for the ride, you meet a lot more people along the way.
