Pedals are a thing of the past. Throttles are out of fashion. The wind is flighty and unreliable. The vehicles of the future will be powered by something far more elegant - leaning. We’re talking about segways, the cutting edge transport solution that’s controlled by the user shifting their weight towards the desired direction of travel. If you live in North Yorkshire, or you’re planning a trip there, we can tell you that the future is already here. We might not see them in the city streets yet - although we predict that they’ll be a normal part of the urban landscape soon - but you can get ahead of the game by having a segway experience in the great outdoors of this beautiful part of the country right now.

They were designed for the city streets, to be a dynamic, highly mobile way of getting from home to the office, or delivering packets and parcels to addresses in the concrete jungle. But they’ve turned out to be a highly effective off-road vehicle. Thanks to their sophisticated gyro system, their large wheels, and their intuitive riding style, segways can remain stable on rough terrain and navigate all kinds of obstacles. And when it comes to rough terrain, there’s enough of it in North Yorkshire to really get your teeth into. This is one of the most sparsely populated areas in England, and it counts two national parks within its borders - the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. These landscapes, and the less dramatic but still impressive areas between, are incredibly rewarding places to have a go on a segway. You’ll get a glimpse into the future - at a price you can’t refuse!

Where are the best places to do a segway tour in North Yorkshire?

• Harrogate: This is one of the most fashionable towns in the North of England, so a futuristic vehicle whizzing through the streets might turn a few heads. But the segway rides in Harrogate are at Stockeld Park, on the way to Wetherby. Here, you have the opportunity to explore the grounds of a Grade-I listed country manor which dates back to the Georgian period. The house sits in 2,000 acres of parkland, plenty of room to take a spin and find out what it’s like to use one of these innovative vehicles. Fans of the ITV soap Emmerdale are in for a special treat, as this is a regular filming location for the show.

• Thirsk: We’ve mentioned that they can handle themselves pretty well off-road, and if that’s what you’d like to experience, you should set your sat nav for Thirsk. Outside this town is one of the premier off-roading sites in the country, where visitors enjoy kicking up mud in 4x4 vehicles, quad bikes, and now segways. You’ll take your personal transporter around a course fit for a rally car, where twists and turns alternate with natural and manmade obstacles. Getting onto these challenging tracks is great fun, but remember - these machines favour a cool and collected driving style. Don’t lose your head!

• Dalby forest: In the heart of the North York Moors National Park, this is a huge area of evergreen woodland, which hosts a popular high ropes course in the trees and a segway course between their huge trunks. You’ll have to swerve between them on the winding tracks, before you climb a hill to break the treeline and reach a viewpoint that gives you breathtaking views of the national park.

• Elvington: If you’re looking for a less wild introduction to this world, you’re in luck. Not far from the city of York, there’s a former RAF base which has been converted into Elvington race track. All kinds of vehicles are put through their paces here, but there are times when the tarmac is reserved for the use of segways. With a smooth surface, and some expert instruction, the track is perfect for learning about these machines, and you’ll go from nervous novice to fast and fearless in no time.

Requirements to do this activity

As the vehicles of the future, it’s only right that children should be able to learn how to ride a segway. They’re the ones who are most likely to use them in their ordinary lives someday, so it’s good news that there are no legal restrictions, in North Yorkshire or around the country, on the age at which a person can ride them. Having said that, there are some height and weight restrictions in place, which ensure that a rider can effectively control it. All riders need to weigh at least 45 kilograms, that’s 7 stone, and measure over 134 cm tall, in order to direct the vehicle by leaning. There's also an upper weight limit - a point up to which the gyro, suspension and steering can work correctly - and that’s 117 kilograms, or 18.5 stone.

When it comes to having a go on a futuristic vehicle, there’s no better way of enjoying it than by doing it with your friends or family. It’s fun to help each other navigate the courses of this county, or, when you’ve gained a bit more confidence, challenge them to a race! You can find experiences in this country where groups of up to 8, or even 12, people are welcome, each one of them riding their own vehicle. It’s a unique way to celebrate a birthday or a stag or hen party, to have some fun on a corporate away day, or just to try something new.

How long does the experience last?

It doesn’t take long to learn to use it, because these machines have been designed to feel like a natural extension of your body. In a session that lasts just 30 minutes, you can get to grips with the system and gain enough confidence to take it for a spin around the park, the race track, or the wild area of the county that you’ve chosen - it’s a blast! Or you can upgrade to a 1 hour adventure, in which the training and riding sessions will be followed by some games and free riding time.

Human innovation will never stop, and it’s time you got on board with the revolution. Make a booking and we’ll see you in this region!