Relax - Zip around in Changi Airport's T3, Segway-style

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By Cheryl Lim

VISITORS to Changi Airport can now amuse themselves by zipping around on the Segway, a motorised two-wheeled personal- transportation device, in Singapore's only indoor Segway circuits.

The circuits - an 80m one in Terminal 3's (T3) departure hall, next to check-in row 1; and a 50m one in the same terminal's transit area '- are temporary. The service started on Dec 5 and will end on Feb 1 next year.

Both adults and children can ride on the device, as long as they are taller than 1m. A ride of three rounds costs $10 on the departure hall's circuit, and $15 on the other one.

Every $20 spent at the airport in a single receipt entitles visitors to two rounds on the departure hall's circuit at just $5.

The rides are part of the Changi Airport Group's efforts to provide a diverse range of leisure activities and entertainment for visitors, said its spokesman.

It will decide whether to continue with them at a later stage, based on their popularity, he said.

Reception has been 'satisfactory, considering the lack of active promotion', he added. Singaporean Evangeline Hum, 16, tried the Segway for the first time yesterday, while waiting for her flight.

She said: 'It's quite fun. I've seen it at Sentosa, but didn't try it then. I'd do it again.'

The Segway first arrived in Singapore in January this year, with the setting up of Segway Eco Adventure at Sentosa, which draws about 15,000 visitors monthly.

Visitors can ride the device in a circuit next to Sentosa Beach Station for $12, or on a guided tour along Siloso and Tanjong beaches for $38.

The Segway's local distributor, Gogreen, brought the device here 'to educate the masses about green mobility and zeroemission transportation providers', said its general manager, Ms Janice Lim. Created by American entrepreneur and inventor Dean Kamen in 2001, the device comes in different models for police, golfer, cargo and commuter use, and can reach speeds of more than 20kmh.

Rules vary in different countries. In Switzerland, certain models are allowed on the roads. In Portugal, the police force use it to patrol beaches.

Earlier this month, foodcourt operator Food Republic introduced it at its 313@Somerset branch, for its staff to ride on and peddle drinks to customers.

cheryll@sph.com.sg

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Zip around in Changi Airport's T3, Segway-style

my paper | Thu, Dec 31 2009

Visitors to Changi Airport can now amuse themselves by zipping around on a Segway in Singapore's only indoor Segway circuit.

Keywords

changi airport

segway