A personal transporter device and corresponding method of operation are given that utilize an exercise mode. A transporter assembly includes a platform, a ground-contacting module, and a motorized drive. The platform supports a user. The ground-contacting module is connected to the platform. The motorized drive powers the ground-contacting module to drive the assembly in a selected direction over an underlying surface. A controller is coupled to and controlling the motorized drive, and also has an exercise mode for opposing a user-provided human power input with a selected level of resistance. When the device is a dynamically stabilized transporter, the controller also controls the motorized drive so as to dynamically stabilize the transporter assembly.