Typical modes of transportation at active retirement communities include golf carts, tricycles, cars and community buses. Seeing octogenarians moving around on their personal transporters (commonly called Segways) would definitely be out of the norm.
But East Ridge at Cutler Bay, a life plan community has two residents doing just that.
Gary Sisler, 83, and Fran Plummer 86, have purchased their own personal transporters and, while others may opt for more traditional ways to get around, these two cannot wait to don their helmets and zip off standing up and balanced on two wheels. East Ridge’s streets meander through its 76 acres offering plenty of uncrowded roadways, wide sidewalks and beautiful vistas.
It all started when Sisler decided to treat Plummer to a tour along Fort Lauderdale’s Riverfront. She would have an opportunity to see her old neighborhood, off Las Olas Boulevard. He enjoys surprising her with new adventures and this was one of his more creative ideas.
He learned that the tour company, Fort Lauderdale Segway, would offer a lesson in its use as part of the tour price. It was agreed that they would only commit to the tour if they were comfortable on the Segway during their lesson.
Sisler said that he always had wanted to ride a Segway. His bucket list is filled with things like this — activities he said he would do if he were 20 years younger. But don’t let him fool you, he doesn’t let his age get in the way very often. Onstead, he simply enjoys each day.
“We passed with an A-plus,” Plummer said. “It was a bit challenging to ride on an incline as we went down the Riverfront but we did it, even handling the turns smoothly.”
Enthused by the experience, Sisler decided they should buy their own personal scooters to use at East Ridge. He used the Internet to find a North Carolina company selling Roboscooters that seemed perfect. Neither Sisler nor Plummer anticipated they would arrive unassembled, but huge boxes were delivered filled with their various components and instructions with a link to the online video assembly guide.
With Plummer’s “we can figure it out” attitude, phone calls to the dealer and watching the video guide, the pair assembled the scooters in two days.
While assembly was the first step, riding them was another challenge.
“You just have to build up confidence. It takes practice and balance,” Sisler said.
They quickly are becoming more comfortable using them. Safety is the priority, and therefore helmets are a must for the pair. Sisler adds elbow pads to his attire while Fran opts for a backpack because a purse won’t leave her hands free.
During the past few years, the popularity of personal transporters has grown steadily. They are fun to ride, and an added bonus is that they are green, being battery powered with zero emissions. Plummer charges hers on her East Ridge patio.
Sisler and Plummer enjoy the attention they get riding their scooters around East Ridge.
“Not only do we surprise our neighbors but the peacocks that live within the community’s tropical environs get startled. They don’t know if they should run or fly,” Plummer said with a laugh.
Segway-style riding is only one of their varied interests. The pair are always seeking out things to do that are fun and offer a sense of adventure.
“Age is no deterrent,” Plummer said. “When we read that personal transporters are recommended for people age 16-65, we certainly didn’t disclose our ages. We felt, why wait?” Fran said enthusiastically.
The pair isn’t alone. According to Roboscooters representative Millard James, at least 20-40 percent of sales are to seniors, ages 65 and older.
The Nike tagline, “Just Do It,” fits Gary and Fran’s lifestyle perfectly.
They are very involved in the East Ridge community but also take full advantage of local attractions in the Miami-Dade area.
Many a Saturday night they will head to SW Eighth Street, “Calle Ocho,” for their favorite restaurant and bar to enjoy the music and dance. “It’s not unusual that our enthusiasm inspires others to start dancing too,” Fran said.
Plummer attends regular line dancing classes offered at the Elks Club, American Legion, the Senior LIFT Center and Pine Crest Gardens while Sisler organizes “Jib Jab,” a political club at East Ridge.
“People know we’re the kind of people who like to have fun, seek new adventures and do a lot of laughing,” Sisler said. “When the East Ridge executive director, Ken Cormier, told us he hadn’t heard of any seniors at other retirement communities using Segways, it made us feel really good; we felt unique!”
For a personal tour of East Ridge at Cutler Bay, call 305-256-3564, or visit www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com.
