Quad, Segway & Co.

Two new developments in the vehicle market—the quad and the Segway—have also made their way into the tourism industry in recent years. More innovations are sure to follow.
The four-wheeled motor vehicle known as a quad has already established itself as a vehicle for rough terrain. The process of “adapting” the relevant regulations, and of securing permission to use suitable terrain such as forest tracks, is currently underway. The predecessors of today’s vehicles were similar models developed for military use, including vehicles designed for the German armed forces as early as 1962. After an interim phase with three-wheeled vehicles, the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki developed the first models of the type commonly used today. They are equipped with handlebars like motorcycles and, despite their wide range of applications—for example, in rescue services—are now built primarily for recreational use. Engine sizes range from 50 to 1,000 cc, with four-stroke single-cylinder engines producing up to around 50 kW. In Germany, helmets have been compulsory since 2006. More and more providers are making quad biking a popular feature of an action-packed activity holiday. A driving licence is required, and riders must be at least 18 years old. Any passenger does not need to meet these requirements. Quads can be rented individually, but guided quad tours lasting several hours are becoming increasingly popular as an adventure holiday experience.

The so-called Segway was designed quite differently. It was developed in the United States in 2001 as a two-wheeled alternative for urban transport, but this idea failed to catch on. Instead, it is now making inroads into the leisure market. It is powered by an electric motor and has a limited range. In Germany, it may currently be used on cycle paths and lanes, as well as on all roads except federal, state and county roads that do not have separate cycle paths. It is not suitable for travel over rough terrain. A moped licence is required to ride one. Movement is controlled by a sophisticated electronic stabilisation system, which also makes steering and braking straightforward. The rider stands while travelling and steers the vehicle solely by shifting their weight. Segways are especially popular in tourist centres, where they can be hired for energy-saving “experience tours”; guided tours are also available.