SALEM — A couple of entrepreneurs hope to ride the next wave of tourism with Witch City Segway.
Jeff Langone and his brother-in-law Brad Biscornet are awaiting approvals from the City Council to clear the way for them to provide Segway tours around the city.
"It's amazing the yelps and screams we get," said Langone, who has taken the electric vehicle out in Salem in recent weeks. "There is a bit of a wow factor."
In October, they expect to offer 10-minute promotional rides on the small electric vehicles for $10 and launch fully next spring.
In anticipation of the vehicle's arrival in larger numbers, the City Council will take its first look tonight at an ordinance drafted by City Solicitor Beth Rennard that would regulate use of electronic assistive mobility devices.
"There's only five states in the United States that don't have any type of regulation," Rennard said, referring to Massachusetts' lack of legal guidance. "So we needed to make our own regulation."
The council must approve the ordinance twice before it becomes enforceable. Rennard expects its passage sometime this fall.
Langone and Biscornet hatched their plan for the business after returning from a May vacation in San Antonio, where they rented Segways to sightsee, Langone said. That's when Biscornet suggested doing the same thing for a living.
By June, they had started visiting potential communities, such as Lowell, Lexington and Concord. After a 10-minute walk around Salem, they knew it was the right fit with its history and culture.
"We said, 'This is the city,'" Langone recalled. "It's electric. You walk out. You felt an energy. It's a hip, happening community."
Witch City Segway is their first foray into business. Langone said he works for the city of Revere, and his partner is a graphic designer.
"It's something different," he said.
Langone understood their mode of transportation wouldn't be for all tourists.
"It's another option," he said.
But riding a Segway saves time and energy, he said, noting that he's used Segways in Boston and Florida.
The owners of Witch City Segway have a location selected at 283 New Derby St. Langone hopes to be the state's second company certified through Segway, through which they will receive formal training. The first is Segway of Boston operating in Cambridge, and Witch City Segway will have a working relationship with the older business, Langone said.
Langone said they'd welcome Salem's new ordinance, because it would clearly define how the devices could be used around the city.
"We're working hand in hand with the city to make sure all their needs and concerns are addressed," he said.
Tour groups would number up to 10 with one tour guide. Their fleet will number up to about 14, the extras to be used for promotions or safety demonstrations.
"Everybody rides single-file like the ducklings in Boston," he said. "The tour guide obviously sets the pace, the pace of a brisk walk in the downtown area. "
Riders, who must be 14 and older, will get a quick demonstration and get to try the vehicle before heading out on a tour. They must wear helmets while they use the Segways.
"We're hoping people do enjoy it," Langone said.
Witch City Segway won't have its route or prices set until the city completes all the approvals, but they anticipate tours lasting about two hours and finishing before dark. They hope to take their guests out to the Willows and Winter Island.
While the bulk of the business will largely be seasonal, Langone said, Witch City Segway hopes to rent the vehicles to groups for private tours or bachelorette parties.
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