Zipping around Reno

Driving a Segway is like being in a science fiction movie. You glide over the ground on a small electric platform without controls. The machine reads your body language and takes you precisely where you want to go. It looks like a cross between a golf cart and a pogo stick, and it's more fun than either.

If this sounds like a testimonial for the two-wheeled device created by New Hampshire inventor Dean Kamen, it could be. But will my wife let me buy one?

One recent sunny morning I was introduced to the Segway on an exhilarating - and educational - downtown sightseeing excursion by Reno Fun Tours. Cinda Heron, co-owner of the tour company, says people are drawn to the tours by the Segways, "but they find out that they see many sights and learn about Reno history on top of riding this really cool thing."

Our tour began in the valet parking lobby of the Silver Legacy Hotel, where guests were given about 20 minutes to become comfortable with the Segways by maneuvering around indoors on carpet. Unlike a bicycle, the Segway - not the rider - does the balancing, using dynamic stabilization technology.

Out on the sidewalk, we headed toward South Virginia Street, Reno's casino row. Heron, who was our guide for the morning, explained how Bill Harrah built his casino empire and showed us where the Reno Harrah's incorporated a bank building into the hotel complex, leaving the bank's facade intact. We glided past Reno's new baseball stadium and stopped near the courthouse, where thousands of divorces were granted during Reno's heyday as a divorce capital.

With ample sidewalks and a long river walk, Reno seems suited for the Segway tours. We crossed the Truckee River several times, watching kayakers paddling and dogs fetching balls. As we stopped for drinks at a riverside coffee shop, Heron was asked about the tours and the Segways by a variety of passers-by who gawked at our two-wheeled transports. During the tour, the Segways elicited a variety of responses, ranging from admiring glances to people asking for a ride.

After coffee, we headed down the river walk. Standing on my Segway, I was a foot taller. I had to duck under a few tree branches, but also got a better view of the river. I opened up the Segway to its top speed of 12.5 mph and felt as if I were riding a Harry Potter contrivance. It's easy to control, but the Segway does require caution.

Rather than recite a spiel, Heron talked as if she were explaining the city to visiting family or friends. Although I've lived in Reno for 10 years, I picked up new information, such as why nuns had their own tunnels downtown and the location of a top-rated, out-of-the-way Mexican restaurant.

Now if I can just get my wife on a Segway. {sbox}

Reno Fun Tours: Silver Legacy Hotel, 407 N. Virginia St., Reno. Tours limited to people at least 16 years old and weighing less than 250 pounds. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. $65 for the 2 1/2-hour tours. (775) 223-4173, renofuntours.com.

Mark S. Bacon is a freelance writer. E-mail him at pinkletters@sfchronicle.com.

This article appeared on page Q - 41 of the San Francisco Chronicle