Zero-Emissions at the Hessentag with Segways
Oberursel has set itself the target of having a zero-CO2 balance for the Hessentag, which means reducing the emissions as much as possible. Not an easy task considering the amount of distance that some of the town’s officials will be travelling during the 10 days.
So it makes sense that the Hessentagspaar – the couple representing Oberursel in traditional dress – we be using electric vehicles to get from one appointment to the next.
The Hessentagspaar (Charmaine Weisenbach & Christian Peter) take delivery of their Segways. Left: Dr.Constantin H. Alsheimer, Chief Executive of Mainover. Right: Hans-Georg Brum, Mayor of Oberursel
The vehicles, called “Segways” have been provided by local energy company Mainova, and the couple took delivery of them this morning before trying them out in front of the Rathaus.
The Segways carry one person each and are driven by tilting yourself in the direction that you want to travel in. They can reach speeds of up to 20km/h (approx. 12mph) and travel a distance of 38km on one charge.
In addition to the Segways, Mainova have also provided 5 electric mopeds for the Hessentag’s team of organisers to get around on, and 20 electric bicycles called “Pedelecs” for visitors to try out.
The Pedelecs can be borrowed against a deposit at either Oberurel’s station or in front of the Rathaus – 3.3km (2 miles) apart – and at the latter there will also be a chance for visitors to try out a Segway for themselves.
Obviously all of these will need charging up each evening, and the electricity to do this will be entirely produced by hydro-electric power, helping to keep that zero-CO2 target.
Tags: Hessentag, Hessentagspaar, Mainova, Oberursel, Segway
