I think the fact that you're actually physically exerting yourself makes up for a lot of that. It may look a bit silly, but it's still more likely to garner in

I think the fact that you're actually physically exerting yourself makes up for a lot of that. It may look a bit silly, but it's still more likely to garner interest and respect than derision (unless people know how much you paid for it maybe!) With a Segway on the other hand, the silly look just gives the impression that you'll do anything to avoid having to actually use your muscles to propel yourself around.