After Paul Feeney mover closer to the place where he worked, he started enjoying the battery-powered scooter, called Segway. According to the sales representative of multinational seller of computer equipment, software, and information technology services, Sun Microsystems, the scooter makes the 1.4 mile journey a lot of fun. Besides, Segways save a lot of money on the commute to the workplace.

For the first time the Segway Personal Transporter was introduced into the market in 2001. Its inventor was Dean Kamen, who mentioned that the self-balancing vehicles would become a breakthrough in short distance journeys. However, now the device is appealed to police, security crews of large malls, as well as airport workers. The sales of Segways are constantly increasing as a result of the gas prices increase.

According to Matt Sermarini, who holds the position of spokesman for Riva Motorsports of Pompano Beach, Fla., one of the Segway dealers, the company was able to sell almost 200 scooters in 2006, 250 Segways in 2007 and 175 devices during this year's first five months.

More and more attention is paid on the self-balancing, stand-up scooters worldwide. Mr. Feeney mentioned that people, who at first yelled "Dork", are now asking "How much does that cost?" He also added that probably the biggest disadvantages of the Segway scooter are its $5,000 price, and its geekiness.

Some customers like James Hourchard, who has three self-balancing, stand-up battery-powered scooters, tell people who ask about the cost that there is no difference in the electric bill. "People always (wanted) to know how they work and what they do, but now I've had people ask about gas and say, 'Is that a lot cheaper?" outlined Mr. Houchard. He added that Segway is like an energy saver, but its cost still remains a surprise.

"Five-thousand dollars is an issue," mentioned Jim Norrod, Bedford, N.H.-based Segway Inc. president and CEO. Despite the device's high price Mr. Norrod predicted that the sales will continue increasing in 2008.

Carol Valianti, a spokeswoman for Segway Inc., mentioned that dealers have identified a continuous 30 to 40 percent increase in walk-in traffic earlier this year as more people are in search for alternatives to expensive gasoline. Segway Inc. is currently keeping the information regarding the scooter sales private. The main motivation that still drives the sales figure upward is energy savings.

One of the Segway's customers, John O'Connor, from Kalispell, Mont., says that after he purchased the company's scooter in April 2008, he was able to save at least $100 on gas for traveling. "Gas prices are going up, and it just turns my stomach. So I thought, 'I'm done — I'm not going to do it anymore," said O'Connor, 53. He and his wife decided to sell of their cars.

The company doesn't entirely cure the pain of gas price increase, due to the fact that its device has to be recharged every 25 miles. In addition the scooter cannot save its riders from the elements or carry a lot of cargo. Besides the top speed of the device is 12.5 mph.

"I could probably ride 10 minutes in 10-below-zero weather and not get so cold that I couldn't stand it. If the trip was a lot longer, I probably wouldn't want to do it," mentioned O'Connor.

According to Richard Doherty, who works as an analyst with the Envisioneering Group research firm and who also analyzed the company's situation on the market for several years, people started purchasing the Segway after the price for a gallon of gas reached $4 earlier this year.

"When SUV owners start driving slowly to save precious drops of gas, using a Segway looks more and more appealing - especially for middle of the day and weekend trips near home," mentioned Doherty. "They're saying that a Segway now costs about what you'd pay for the annual maintenance on many car models. It just makes sense, if it is fair weather and you can make your trips by Segway," he added.