FELIXSTOWE: Everyone who tries it says it’s easier than riding a bike – and much more fun.

Segways are the craze that’s sweeping the continent but are as yet not allowed on streets and pavements in this country.

But this summer visitors to Felixstowe seafront will be able to give the two-wheeled gizmos a go – and see for themselves how the electric-powered vehicles can make getting around so quick and easy.

The new attraction has been brought to the resort by 21-year-old Ipswich-born Maria Harrison, who has formed her own company Suffolk Segways Ltd.

Maria, who has recently completed a media performance arts degree at Bedfordshire University, had been looking for a way to fill in her time between auditions and acting work.

“I had seen Segways on films and television, but had never ridden one,” she said.

“Then my dad bought one, having ridden them on a holiday abroad. I immediately got hooked!

“At the moment they are illegal on public roads and footpaths in Britain and you can only use them on private land, but I thought people would love to try them out.

“I needed something to do – there can often be a lot of time to fill between acting jobs – and so I approached the council to see if we could have them on the seafront.”

Maria, who lives in Rushmere Road, Ipswich, and is a former Copleston High student, has been given a license to use the old go-kart track between the prom and Sea Road. She plans to be there five days a week during the summer.

Andy Wright, head of community and economic services at Suffolk Coastal, said the council was thrilled to lease the site.

“The Segway is an exciting and innovative piece of technology providing a great opportunity to master a new skill,“ he said.

“Riders will be impressed with the unique design and the ease of use. Felixstowe seafront will be one of only a handful of locations across the country offering Segways so it will hopefully be a big draw for visitors coming to the resort and wanting to try something a little bit different.”

Safety equipment is provided to all riders and a briefing given on how to safely operate the vehicles.

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