The ups and downs — and epic fails — of cruising on a Segway

If you have visited Prague's old town square, you may noticed a proliferation of people — mostly tourists — riding around on Segway scooters. Segway tours have mushroomed in the city over the past few years, as dozens of guides buzz around, weaving through tourists as they hunt for customers.

Now, city officials in the Czech capital are cracking down on the use of Segways, announcing a ban on the two-wheeled vehicles in the historic city centre. 

Here's a look at some memorable moments from around the world that underscore the love-hate relationship between intrepid riders and their two-wheeled vehicles.

Usain Bolt hit by cameraman

In probably the most notorious Segway slip-up ever, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt was taken out by a cameraman who lost control of his Segway at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing in August 2015.

Bolt was not the first to be struck by a Segway (and probably won't be the last)

Former Polish president Lech Walesa was hit by a cameraman on a Segway in November 2009, during celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

Veterans stage two-wheeled demonstration against Disneyland 

In June 2009, a group of disabled veterans in Orlando, Fla., protested against Disney's decision not to allow anyone — including disabled veterans — to bring Segways into its parks. After a lengthy legal battle, a California appeals court sided with Disney in 2013, ruling that the two-wheeled vehicles were too dangerous to be used inside the parks.

Segways are replacing carts on the golf course

Segways for golfers were introduced at a course in Arvada, Colo., in 2010, providing an alternative to the traditional four-wheeled golf cart. The Segways for golfers feature a golf bag rack, scorecard holder and turf-friendly tires.

Putting a new twist on polo playing

Get out of the water and onto your Segway! These players in Cologne, Germany, compete in a Segway polo friendly match in May 2015.

Two-wheeled paramilitary police patrol 

Chinese paramilitary officers take part in an anti-terrorism drill in July 2008, preparing for the Olympics held that summer in Beijing.

This Thai police officer was on patrol around a bar area in central Bangkok in August 2015.

Segways can help with a quick getaway

People in California ride Segway scooters on a bike path as a small brush fire burns on a hillside in January 2014.

But be careful you don't wipe out!

Actor and comedian Kevin James takes a tumble at Texas Motor Speedway in 2009 after racing NASCAR stock cars with his Segway to promote the movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop. James was not injured in the fall

Segway tours in Washington, D.C.

Prague is not alone in witnessing a proliferation of Segways for tourists, as guided Segway tours are increasing in popularity in cities around the world. Here, a two-wheeled tour makes its way past the U.S. Capitol in March 2012.

World's first off-road Segway-park

Kids in Aarhus, Denmark, enjoy a ride at SegWorld, the world's first indoor off-road Segway park, in 2011. 

"We have 6,000 square metres and have built a copy of Yellowstone National Park, with mountains and waterfalls and tracks ranging from granite to sea-shells — all sorts of things," says founder Paul Teichert. "You get the feeling you're actually driving in the park."