NORWICH, Conn. -- Norwich police Officer Tom Nickerson said it only took him a few minutes to adjust to operating a Segway.

The two-wheeled, electric-powered people-mover designed by scientist Dean Kaman is the new way for police to perform patrols, he said.

“It's only been a couple of days,” said Nickerson. “Like I said, it’s given me a lot of visibility and a lot of mobility with very little effort.”

When he leans forward, he said, it moves forward. We he leans back, it goes back. He said he can go up to 12 miles per hour, which is four times faster than the walking beat.

He said the $6,000 tool is a big hit downtown.

“I was thinking of getting one myself, but I don't have a practical use for it,” said Jeff Lord.

“I think Norwich is small enough to do a test downtown,” said Laura Lillian Dickerson. “I think it'll be great.”