GLENS FALLS, N.Y. -- Glens Falls police officers are patrolling the city a lot faster these days with the help of the Segway scooter.

Police Officer James Fiorini said, "I don't ride a bike. I always walk my beat. This here, though, cuts my time a lot. I can do my whole beat in 15 minutes. All the parking lots, the businesses, everyone saw me. Those benefits are good because I get more coverage and more often."

Standing on one of these makes you six to eight inches taller and more visible to people while out patrolling. Not only that, the scooter can travel up to 12 miles per hour and each battery lasts for 24 miles.

"I was on it for about five minutes and I got really comfortable with it," Fiorini said.

He's right. It really is pretty easy to use. Somehow our reporter managed to learn, without falling off.

On a serious note, officers say it's quieter, perhaps even more so than walking, and will help them do their jobs better.

Fiorini said, "I've come up on a lot of people who didn't know I was there, maybe not yet a criminal element, but that could happen at night."

Fiorini, who was apprehensive to ride at first, is now a skilled rider.

"It's a lot more enjoyable. It's very fun to ride," said Fiorini.

This scooter is on loan and another one is coming in for 4th of July weekend. The department is looking into buying now since they're getting such a good response. It'll cost about $6,000 but grant money should cover it.