![Paris without cars 2015 Unicycles](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Paris_without_cars_2015_Unicycles.jpg)
A personal transporter (also powered transporter, electric rideable, personal light
electric vehicle, personal mobility device, etc.) is any of a class of compact, mostly recent (21st century), motorised
micromobility
Micromobility refers to a range of small, lightweight vehicles operating at speeds typically below 25 km/h (15 mph) and driven by users personally. Micromobility devices include bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboard ...
vehicle for transporting an individual at speeds that do not normally exceed . They include
electric skateboards,
kick scooters
A kick scooter (also referred to as a push-scooter or scooter) is a human-powered street vehicle with a handlebar, deck, and wheels propelled by a rider pushing off the ground with their leg. Today the most common scooters are made of aluminum, ...
,
self-balancing unicycle
An electric unicycle (often initialized as EUC or acronymized yuke or Uni) is a self-balancing personal transporter with a single wheel. The rider controls speed by leaning forwards or backwards, and steers by twisting or tilting the unit side to ...
s and
Segways
The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter invented by Dean Kamen and brought to market in 2001 as the Segway HT, subsequently as the Segway PT, and manufactured by Segway Inc. ''HT'' is an initialism for "human transpo ...
, as well as gasoline-fueled
motorised scooters or skateboards, typically using
two-stroke engines
A two-stroke (or two-stroke cycle) engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes a power cycle with two strokes (up and down movements) of the piston during one power cycle, this power cycle being completed in one revolution of ...
of less than
displacement
Displacement may refer to:
Physical sciences
Mathematics and Physics
* Displacement (geometry), is the difference between the final and initial position of a point trajectory (for instance, the center of mass of a moving object). The actual path ...
.
[ Many newer versions use recent advances in vehicle battery and motor-control technologies. They are growing in popularity, and legislators are in the process of determining how these devices should be classified, regulated and accommodated during a period of rapid innovation.
Generally excluded from this legal category are ]electric bicycles
An electric bicycle (e-bike, eBike, etc.) is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. Many kinds of e-bikes are available worldwide, but they generally fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist ...
(that are considered to be a type of bicycle); electric motorbikes and scooters (that are treated as a type of motorcycle
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising ...
or moped
A moped ( ) is a type of small motorcycle, generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or automobiles. The term used to mean a similar vehicle except with both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle engine. Mopeds typ ...
); and powered mobility aids with 3 or 4 wheels on which the rider sits (which fall within regulations covering powered mobility scooters).
History
The first personal transporter was the Autoped
__NOTOC__
The Autoped was an early motor scooter or motorized scooter manufactured by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1922.
The driver stood on a platform with 10-inch tires and operated the machine using only the ...
, a stand-up scooter with a gasoline engine made from 1915 to 1922. Engine-powered scooters and skateboards reappeared in the 1970s and the 1980s. Twike
The Twike (a portmanteau of the words ''twin'' and ''bike'') is a human-electric hybrid vehicle (HEHV) designed to carry two passengers and cargo. Essentially a velomobile with an electrical hybrid engine, it can be driven in electric-only mode ...
and Sinclair C5
The Sinclair C5 is a small one-person battery electric recumbent tricycle, technically an "electrically assisted pedal cycle". It was the culmination of Sir Clive Sinclair's long-running interest in electric vehicles. Although widely described ...
were 1980s enclosed hybrid velomobiles that also used pedal power.
With the rapid improvements in lithium batteries in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a range of new types of personal transporters appeared, and began to spread into use in urban settings for both recreation and practical transportation.
Dean Kamen
Dean Lawrence Kamen (born April 5, 1951) is an American engineer, inventor, and businessman. He is known for his invention of the Segway and iBOT, as well as founding the non-profit organization FIRST with Woodie Flowers. Kamen holds over 1, ...
applied for his first patent for a 'human transporter', the Segway PT, in 1994. This was followed by other patent applications prior to its product launch in late 2001 and first deliveries to customers early in 2002.
Trevor Blackwell
Trevor Blackwell (born 4 November 1969, in Canada) is a computer programmer, engineer and entrepreneur based in Silicon Valley.
Blackwell is a developer of humanoid robots. Dr. Blackwell is the founder and former CEO of Anybots and a partner at ...
demonstrated a self-balancing unicycle based on the control-mechanism from a Segway PT in 2004 for which he published open source designs (see Eunicycle
A Eunicycle is a computer-controlled, partially self-balancing, motorized unicycle invented by Trevor Blackwell. It uses a computer control system similar to the one used by the Segway HT that servos its wheel to balance itself by keeping the ...
). Focus Designs
Focus Designs is an American based designer and distributor of self-balancing unicycles. It is known as the first company to build and release the first commercially available self-balancing unicycle. The company appeared in a 2012 episode of the ...
released the first commercially available self-balancing unicycle (which had a seat) in 2008 and in 2010 Shane Chen
Shane Chen ( zh, 陈星; born 10 February 1956 in Beijing, China) is a Chinese-American inventor and entrepreneur based in Camas, WA USA. He is best known for inventing the self-balancing hoverboard.
Early life and education
Chen grew up in Be ...
, an American businessman and founder of Inventist, filed a patent for the more familiar and compact seatless device which his company, Inventis launched in 2011.
Chen then went on to file a patent for a self-balancing scooter
A self-balancing scooter (also hoverboard, self-balancing board, segway or electric scooter board) is a self-balancing personal transporter consisting of two motorized wheels connected to a pair of articulated pads on which the rider places thei ...
in February 2013, and launched a Kickstarter fund-raising campaign in May 2013 with multiple companies, mainly in China releasing similar products. 500,000 units from 10 suppliers were recalled from the US market alone in July 2016.
Louie Finkle of California is credited with creating the first commercial electric skateboards, offering his first wireless electric skateboard in 1997 and he filed for a patent in April 1999, though it was not until 2004 that electric motors and batteries had sufficient torque
In physics and mechanics, torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. It is also referred to as the moment of force (also abbreviated to moment). It represents the capability of a force to produce change in the rotational motion of th ...
and efficiency to power boards effectively.[ In 2012 ZBoard raised nearly 30 times their target for a balance controlled electric skateboard on Kickstarter, which was well received at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2013.
In December 2016 '']The Verge
''The Verge'' is an American technology news website operated by Vox Media, publishing news, feature stories, guidebooks, product reviews, consumer electronics news, and podcasts.
The website launched on November 1, 2011, and uses Vox Media ...
'' magazine suggested that 2017 would be an "important year" for personal electric vehicles of all sizes.[ On 14 August 2018, a unicycle manufactured by InMotion caught ]fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material (the fuel) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products.
At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition point, flames a ...
in a British flat
Flat or flats may refer to:
Architecture
* Flat (housing), an apartment in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and other Commonwealth countries
Arts and entertainment
* Flat (music), a symbol () which denotes a lower pitch
* Flat (soldier), ...
. About 1 week later, InMotion issued a statement to discourage customers from buying parallel import
A parallel import is a non- counterfeit product imported from another country without the permission of the intellectual property owner. Parallel imports are often referred to as grey product and are implicated in issues of international trade, ...
s. From 1 July 2019 onwards, Singapore
Singapore (), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude () north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bor ...
enforces the fire safety standard known as "UL 2272" by banning the sales
Sales are activities related to selling or the number of goods sold in a given targeted time period. The delivery of a service for a cost is also considered a sale.
The seller, or the provider of the goods or services, completes a sale in ...
of non-certified products, and by publishing a list of legal
Law is a set of rules that are created and are law enforcement, enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior,Robertson, ''Crimes against humanity'', 90. with its precise definition a matter of longstanding debate. ...
products.
File:Autoped 1919 Ever Ready engine.jpg, upEngine of an Autoped
__NOTOC__
The Autoped was an early motor scooter or motorized scooter manufactured by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1922.
The driver stood on a platform with 10-inch tires and operated the machine using only the ...
, made 1915–1922
File:Red twike active in front of tree.JPG, Red Twike Active
File:Motoboard.jpg, MotoBoard combustion engine skateboard, mid 2010s
Terminology
The terminology for these devices is not yet stable () as the media and legislators discuss a rapidly emerging potential class of motor vehicle and its relationship to laws relating to other transport devices, including electric bicycles and mobility aids
A mobility aid is a device designed to assist walking or otherwise improve the mobility of people with a mobility impairment.
There are various walking aids which can help people with impaired ability to walk, and wheelchairs or mobility scoot ...
such as mobility scooters.[ Commonly used terms are used for these new devices include:
Media: ''rideable'', ''electric rideable'',] ''electric personal transporter'', ''personal electric vehicle'', ''personal transporter'' ''portable electric vehicle''. ''portable personal vehicle''
Legislative: ''personal mobility device'' (Singapore, Australia - Victoria Transport Policy Unit) ''personal e-mobility device'' (Underwriters Laboratory
The UL enterprise is a global safety science company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, composed of three organizations, UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement and UL Solutions.
Established in 1894, the UL enterprise was founded as ...
), ''electrically motorized board'' (California, United States), ''personal light electric vehicles'' (European Union), ''electric personal assistive mobility device'' (Washington state
Washington (), officially the State of Washington, is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. Named for George Washington—the first U.S. president—the state was formed from the western part of the Washington ...
, United States), ''powered transporters'' (UK).
Other languages: ''Engins de déplacement personnel'' (French)[
]
Types
Motorized scooter
The earliest example of a motorized scooter, or standing scooter with an internal combustion engine, was the 1915 Autoped
__NOTOC__
The Autoped was an early motor scooter or motorized scooter manufactured by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1922.
The driver stood on a platform with 10-inch tires and operated the machine using only the ...
, made in the US until 1919 and in Germany until 1922.
Electric standing scooter
An electric standing scooter with a small platform with two or more wheels driven by an electric motor
An electric motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Most electric motors operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a wire winding to generate for ...
which fold for portability.
Electric skateboard
An electric skateboard is an electrically powered skateboard controlled by the rider shifting their weight and in some cases also a hand-held throttle.
Self-balancing scooter
The self-balancing scooter is a category of personal transporter which includes all self-balancing powered portable devices with two parallel wheels; these include the Segway PT, the Segway miniPRO and self-balancing hoverboards.
Electric unicycle
An electric unicycle is a single-rider electrically powered unicycle that balances itself automatically using computer-controlled accelerometer
An accelerometer is a tool that measures proper acceleration. Proper acceleration is the acceleration (the rate of change of velocity) of a body in its own instantaneous rest frame; this is different from coordinate acceleration, which is acc ...
s, gyroscopes, and a magnetometer.
Hybrids
The Onewheel
Onewheel is a self-balancing single wheel electric board-sport, recreational personal transporter, often described as an electric skateboard. Unlike the electric unicycle, the rider's feet (and body) are typically pointed at a perpendicular angle ...
has elements of an electric skateboard (it is powered) and a self-balancing unicycle (it has one wheel).
File:Boy riding Solowheel.jpg, upright=0.9, Boy riding an electric unicycle
An electric unicycle (often initialized as EUC or acronymized yuke or Uni) is a self-balancing personal transporter with a single wheel. The rider controls speed by leaning forwards or backwards, and steers by twisting or tilting the unit side to ...
File:Autoped 1919 Ever Ready 1.jpg, Gasoline
Gasoline (; ) or petrol (; ) (see ) is a transparent, petroleum-derived flammable liquid that is used primarily as a fuel in most spark-ignited internal combustion engines (also known as petrol engines). It consists mostly of organi ...
-fueled four-stroke single
Single may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
* Single (music), a song release
Songs
* "Single" (Natasha Bedingfield song), 2004
* "Single" (New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo song), 2008
* "Single" (William Wei song), 2016
* "Single", by ...
Autoped
__NOTOC__
The Autoped was an early motor scooter or motorized scooter manufactured by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1922.
The driver stood on a platform with 10-inch tires and operated the machine using only the ...
Ever Ready
File:Female rider on Egret One eScooter.jpg, Electric kick scooter
A motorized scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by either a small utility internal combustion engine or a small electric hub motor in its front and/or rear wheel. Classified as a form of micro-mobility, they are generally designed with a lar ...
in use
File:Culoz-FR-01-équilibriste aventureux.jpg, upA self-balancing hoverboard
Concept devices
The Honda UNI-CUB
The Honda UNI-CUB is a concept 2-axis self-balancing personal transporter for use in barrier-free indoor environments, and shown at the Osaka Motor Show 2013.
History
As a successor to the 2009 Honda U3-X, it was demonstrated at the Osaka Motor ...
and its predecessor the Honda U3-X
The Honda U3-X is an experimental self-balancing one-wheeled personal transporter shown in 2009.
History
It was unveiled by Honda's CEO on September 24, 2009, and it was announced that it would be shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. ''Time'' ...
are concept seated devices that are fully stable that can travel sideways as well as in the forwards/backwards axis.
Technology
Batteries
Most devices are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion
A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery which uses the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy. It is the predominant battery type used in portable consumer electronics and electric vehicles. It also se ...
vehicle batteries, and often 18650-size batteries controlled by complex battery management systems. Lithium polymer batteries
A lithium polymer battery, or more correctly lithium-ion polymer battery (abbreviated as LiPo, LIP, Li-poly, lithium-poly and others), is a rechargeable battery of lithium-ion technology using a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electro ...
are being tested for higher performance.
Many devices now contain one, or sometimes two, batteries in the range, which fall within the sizes that can be carried on an airline. Airlines may restrict carrying some devices due to the earlier product defects. As a rule, every 100 WHours of capacity will provide 6–7 miles of range.
These batteries, which have good energy density, energy-to-mass ratio provide the range, torque
In physics and mechanics, torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. It is also referred to as the moment of force (also abbreviated to moment). It represents the capability of a force to produce change in the rotational motion of th ...
, operational life required, unlike the previously available lead–acid, NiMH NIMH may refer to:
*Nickel–metal hydride battery (NiMH), a type of electrical battery
*National Institute of Mental Health, an agency of the United States government
*National Institute of Medical Herbalists, a professional organisation in the Un ...
and NiCad technologies.
Brushless motors
Many of these devices use brushless DC electric motors with permanent magnets attached to the moving hub which turns around a fixed armature which offer high efficiency, good speed-torque characteristics and low weight. This motor is often built into the wheel itself, eliminating gears and drive belts. Many devices have a motor in the 250-500 watt
The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1 joule per second or 1 kg⋅m2⋅s−3. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The watt is named after James ...
s range which provides good performance for an adult rider on the flat and on an incline, with sportier models using motors in excess of 1500 Watts.
Brushless DC motors, which often have regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows down a moving vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed. In this mechanism, the electric traction mo ...
, also need complex motor controller
A motor controller is a device or group of devices that can coordinate in a predetermined manner the performance of an electric motor. A motor controller might include a manual or automatic means for starting and stopping the motor, selecting forw ...
s.
Use and regulation by country
Asia
Hong Kong
Early 2019 according to secretary Chan, the Government is conducting a "consultation research (顧問研究)". That does not mean that personal transporter is legal. The Transport Department
The Transport Department of the Government of Hong Kong is a department of the civil service responsible for transportation-related policy in Hong Kong. The department is under the Transport and Logistics Bureau.
The Transport Department was cre ...
issued a 2015 statement that under the Road Traffic Ordinance, a personal transporter is classified as motor vehicle, since it is mechanically propelled.
According to police
The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder. Their lawful powers include arrest and th ...
statistics, there were 9 complaints, 1 arrest and 1 accident
An accident is an unintended, normally unwanted event that was not directly caused by humans. The term ''accident'' implies that nobody should be blamed, but the event may have been caused by unrecognized or unaddressed risks. Most researche ...
between 5 July and 19 November 2019.
Israel
In 2006, the Segway PT was approved for use on sidewalks and other pedestrian designated locations, and on roads without sidewalks, with obstructed sidewalks or sidewalks that lack curb cuts
A curb cut (U.S.), curb ramp, depressed curb, dropped kerb ( UK), pram ramp, or kerb ramp ( Australia) is a solid (usually concrete) ramp graded down from the top surface of a sidewalk to the surface of an adjoining street. It is designed primaril ...
. The user must be over 16 years old. No license is required. The maximum allowed speed is , enforced by electronic restriction put in place by the importer.
Japan
In a court, Segway PT was classified as a motorcycle, owing to the power output; however, there is no report of registration. Segway Japan, an authorized dealer, sells Segways only to corporations to use in facilities.
Saudi Arabia
In Mecca
Mecca (; officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, commonly shortened to Makkah ()) is a city and administrative center of the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, and the holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow ...
they were banned after a video of a pilgrim, using it during hajj on a hoverboard was posted on social media.
Singapore
In December 2016 the Land Transport Authority started a 6-month trial where devices were allowed on trains and buses at all times.
Personal transporters are not allowed on public road
A road is a linear way for the conveyance of traffic that mostly has an improved surface for use by vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) and pedestrians. Unlike streets, the main function of roads is transportation.
There are many types of ...
s. A bill
Bill(s) may refer to:
Common meanings
* Banknote, paper cash (especially in the United States)
* Bill (law), a proposed law put before a legislature
* Invoice, commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer
* Bill, a bird or animal's beak
Plac ...
in early 2020 bans all personal transporters on sidewalks / footpaths, and requires shops to give notices regarding this ban. Since sometime in 2019, riding personal transporters in the HDB common areas could result in a fine
Fine may refer to:
Characters
* Sylvia Fine (''The Nanny''), Fran's mother on ''The Nanny''
* Officer Fine, a character in ''Tales from the Crypt'', played by Vincent Spano
Legal terms
* Fine (penalty), money to be paid as punishment for an offe ...
up to S$5,000. The fine also applies to bicycles and motorized bicycles.
Europe
The European Committee for Standardization
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN, french: Comité Européen de Normalisation) is a public standards organization whose mission is to foster the economy of the European Single Market and the wider European continent in global t ...
(CEN) has been in the process of defining a standard for personal transporters, referred to as 'personal light electric vehicle', including both self-balancing vehicles and standing vehicles with maximum speeds of up to and is expected to complete its work by the end of 2017. In the meantime some countries have allowed personal transporters to be used on public roads with certain conditions:
Åland islands
A law revision by the Government of Åland concerning "small electrically powered vehicles" means the Segway PT and all other mainly one person electrical vehicles have been classified as bicycles since 14 March 2012.
Austria
The type Segway i2 is (width 63 cm) narrower than the width limit and has a low-enough maximum speed to come under laws relating to electric bicycles and therefore has to use cycle lanes and paths, otherwise street lanes. The type Segway x2 reaches with its bigger wheels 84 cm width and is, therefore, an electric vehicle, that needs a license and insurance. Neither type may use sidewalks (lengthwise) or pedestrian zones (unless exemption stated).
Belgium
In Belgium the law was recently adjusted allowing electrical motorized devices to the public road. Art 2.15.2.
Devices with a max speed of can ride on the cycle path. One can also use these devices on sidewalks at a walking pace. Devices with a higher maximum speed are subject under the existing rules for motorised vehicles. An insurance and protective wear will be required in any cases.
Croatia
Use of a Segway PT is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrians and bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc. Segways can be rented for city tours in cities of Zagreb
Zagreb ( , , , ) is the capital and largest city of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb stands near the international border between Croatia and Slov ...
, Split
Split(s) or The Split may refer to:
Places
* Split, Croatia, the largest coastal city in Croatia
* Split Island, Canada, an island in the Hudson Bay
* Split Island, Falkland Islands
* Split Island, Fiji, better known as Hạfliua
Arts, entertai ...
and Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik (), historically known as Ragusa (; see notes on naming), is a city on the Adriatic Sea in the region of Dalmatia, in the southeastern semi-exclave of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterran ...
.
Czech Republic
= Legal status
=
Until February 2016, legal status of Segway was controversial and unclear. At least since the autumn of 2010, the Ministry of Transport enforced the interpretation that a rider on the Segway is considered as a pedestrian (with possible reference to the legal definition of a pedestrian which mentions "persons on skis, rollerskates or other similar sport equipment" and with an uttered rationale that the device is quite ineligible to fulfil requirements for vehicles). The central Prague district Praha 1 and the city of Prague
Prague ( ; cs, Praha ; german: Prag, ; la, Praga) is the capital and List of cities in the Czech Republic, largest city in the Czech Republic, and the historical capital of Bohemia. On the Vltava river, Prague is home to about 1.3 milli ...
, supported by some of transport experts including academician Petr Moos, strongly opposed this interpretation. The ministry was preparing a legal change which would mention PT Segway and skateboards explicitly in the definition of a pedestrian (which should cover also unicycles and roller shoe
Roller shoes are shoes that have wheels protruding slightly from the heel, allowing the wearer to alternate between walking and rolling.
There are a number of tricks that can be done with them, including pop wheelies and spins.
These shoes comm ...
s implicitly). The city of Prague proposed to bring PT transporter to the act as a quite new and special category of road traffic vehicles/participants.
The amendment act 48/2016 Sb., in force since 20 February 2016, defines a new strange term "osobní technický prostředek" (= personal technical device/medium) for "personal transporter with selfbalancing device" and "other similar devices". However, the text of the act uses the term "osobní přepravník" ("personal transporter") in that sense instead. The factual regulation is similar to users of skis and rollerskates, i.e. they fall under rules for pedestrians and in addition, they can use cyclist lanes and cyclist paths. Compared to rollerskates, PTs have their speed limited to "speed of walking" at walkways. Municipality can restrict their traffic by municipal decree, but such a restriction needs to be marked by road signs. Since 21 March 2016, a new ordinance of the Ministry of Transport, 84/2016 Sb., which introduced several new road signs, is in force:
CZ-A12c Osoby na osobních přepravnících (2016).jpg, A 12c Osoby na osobních přepravnících (Persons on personal transporters)
CZ-B30a Zákaz vjezdu osob na osobních přepravnících (2016).jpg, B 30a Zákaz vjezdu osob na osobních přepravnících (Entry of persons on personal transporters prohibited)
CZ-IZ 8a Zóna s dopravním omezením (zákaz vjezdu osob na osobních přepravnících (2016).jpg, IZ 8a Zóna s dopravním omezením (Zone with traffic restriction - a variant example of the sign)
Kick scooters are explicitly considered as bicycles by law. Personal transporters which are not "self-balancing" are not treated specifically.
= Usage
=
Segways are used by municipal police corps in several cities as Prague
Prague ( ; cs, Praha ; german: Prag, ; la, Praga) is the capital and List of cities in the Czech Republic, largest city in the Czech Republic, and the historical capital of Bohemia. On the Vltava river, Prague is home to about 1.3 milli ...
, Plzeň, Olomouc
Olomouc (, , ; german: Olmütz; pl, Ołomuniec ; la, Olomucium or ''Iuliomontium'') is a city in the Czech Republic. It has about 99,000 inhabitants, and its larger urban zone has a population of about 384,000 inhabitants (2019).
Located on t ...
, Karlovy Vary, Znojmo
Znojmo (; german: Znaim) is a town in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 33,000 inhabitants. Znojmo is the historical and cultural centre of southwestern Moravia and the second most populated town in the South Moravian ...
and Slaný
Slaný (; german: Schlan) is a town in Kladno District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 16,000 inhabitants. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.
Administ ...
. Since 2014, ambulance Segway is used by the private rescue service Trans Hospital.
Owners and operators of rental Segway transporters are associated in the "Asociace Segway ČR" which had 9 members in August 2014, all their rental shops are in the centre of Prague
Prague ( ; cs, Praha ; german: Prag, ; la, Praga) is the capital and List of cities in the Czech Republic, largest city in the Czech Republic, and the historical capital of Bohemia. On the Vltava river, Prague is home to about 1.3 milli ...
. In October 2012, this association prescribed rules for its members which contain a list of prohibited hazardous frequented localities. Some other operators are not associated and don't respect the rules. Metro daily newspaper in a May 2015 article presented an estimate that there are ca 300 Segways in Prague streets.[Robert Oppelt]
Segwaye jsou horší než hazard a nevěstince, říká starosta Prahy 1
Metro.cz, 14 May 2015 However, since November 2016, Segways are prohibited in the broader centre of Prague.
13-03-30-praha-by-RalfR-107.jpg, Tourists on Segways in Prague, March 2013
File:Klárov, strážník na segwayi.jpg, Prague Municipal Police officer on Segway
Segway Trans Hospital (03).jpg, Ambulance Segway PT is used by the small private rescue service Trans Hospital from Řevnice
Řevnice () is a town in Prague-West District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 3,600 inhabitants.
Geography
Řevnice lies about southwest of Prague. It lies on both banks of the river Berounka. Most of the town ...
, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, or simply Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Historically known as Bohemia, it is bordered by Austria to the south, Germany to the west, Poland to the northeast, and Slovakia to the southeast. The ...
, since 2014. It is intended for use at festivals, concerts and similar events.
= Local restrictions
=
Massive usage of Segways, as well as restrictions, are still limited to the area of the broader centre of Prague
Prague ( ; cs, Praha ; german: Prag, ; la, Praga) is the capital and List of cities in the Czech Republic, largest city in the Czech Republic, and the historical capital of Bohemia. On the Vltava river, Prague is home to about 1.3 milli ...
.
On 15 September 2014 Praha 1 placed to the Kampa park the first Czech road signs which prohibit entrance of Segways. The sign consisted of the message "No entrance for pedestrians" with an additional text sign "JEN ZAŘÍZENÍ SEGWAY" (only Segway devices). These signs were criticized by media and by the Ministry of Transport as confusing and incomprehensible.
Praha 1 prohibited for Segways also the passage of Richter House between Michalská street and Little Square at the Old Town, in 2015 or earlier. Unofficial marking on the floor was used for this prohibition.[Zákaz vjezdu vozítek segway upravují v Praze dvě dopravní značky](_blank)
České noviny, 8. 12. 2015, ČTK
Pražský deník, 8. 12. 2015
In July 2015, Praha 2 prohibited Segways in the area of Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad ( Czech for "upper castle") is a historic fort in Prague, Czech Republic, just over 3 km southeast of Prague Castle, on the east bank of the Vltava River. It was probably built in the 10th century. Inside the fort are the Basil ...
Fortress. A round sign with the text "SEGWAY" inside was used.[Na Vyšehrad nesmí vozítka segway. Praha 2 jim to zakázala](_blank)
iDnes.cz, 28. 7. 2015, ČTK, Metro.cz
Since 15 August 2015, the director general of the National Library
A national library is a library established by a government as a country's preeminent repository of information. Unlike public libraries, these rarely allow citizens to borrow books. Often, they include numerous rare, valuable, or significant wo ...
prohibited Segway riding in the area of Clementinum
The Clementinum (''Klementinum'' in Czech) is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently the complex hosted the National, University and Technical libraries; the City Library was also nearby on Mariánské Náměstí. In 2009, th ...
in Prague Old Town, however Segways were allowed to be led from the side. Similarly, Segways were prohibited in the area of the Tyrš House at Malá Strana
Malá Strana (Czech for "Little Side (of the River)", ) or more formally Menší Město pražské () is a district of the city of Prague, Czech Republic, and one of its most historic neighbourhoods.
In the Middle Ages, it was a dominant center o ...
, the main building of the Czech organization of Sokol
The Sokol movement (, ''falcon'') is an all-age gymnastics organization first founded in Prague in the Czech region of Austria-Hungary in 1862 by Miroslav Tyrš and Jindřich Fügner. It was based upon the principle of " a strong mind in a ...
.
On the grounds of new legal definitions and authorization, on 19 July 2016, the Prague Council approved a decree (in force since 3 August 2016) that Segways (strictly speaking all "personal transporters" as defined by law) are forbidden in the whole Prague Conservation Area ( Old Town, New Town, Hradčany
Hradčany (; german: Hradschin), the Castle District, is the district of the city of Prague, Czech Republic surrounding Prague Castle.
The castle is one of the biggest in the world at about in length and an average of about wide. Its history ...
, Malá Strana
Malá Strana (Czech for "Little Side (of the River)", ) or more formally Menší Město pražské () is a district of the city of Prague, Czech Republic, and one of its most historic neighbourhoods.
In the Middle Ages, it was a dominant center o ...
, Josefov
Josefov (also Jewish Quarter; german: Josefstadt) is a town quarter and the smallest cadastral area of Prague, Czech Republic, formerly the Jewish ghetto of the town. It is surrounded by the Old Town. The quarter is often represented by the flag ...
, Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad ( Czech for "upper castle") is a historic fort in Prague, Czech Republic, just over 3 km southeast of Prague Castle, on the east bank of the Vltava River. It was probably built in the 10th century. Inside the fort are the Basil ...
) as well as in a broad center of the city: the whole district of Prague 7
Prague 7 is a municipal district (''městská část'') in Prague, Czech Republic.
The administrative district (''správní obvod'') of the same name consists of the quarters Letná, Holešovice, Bubny, Bubeneč, Troja as well as a small part o ...
(Holešovice
Holešovice () is a district in the north of Prague situated on a meander of the River Vltava, which makes up the main part of the district Prague 7 (an insignificant part belongs to Prague 1). In the past it was a heavily industrial suburb; ...
and part of Bubeneč
Bubeneč is a district in the north-west of Prague. 52% of the district is in Prague 7, but most of the built-up area is in Prague 6. Sparta Prague football club and their stadium Generali Arena is situated at the south-eastern edge of Bubeneč, ...
including Stromovka Park), big part of Prague 4
Prague 4, formally the Prague 4 Municipal District (''Městská čast Praha 4''), is a second-tier municipality in Prague. The administrative district (''správní obvod'') of the same name consists of municipal districts Prague 4 and Kunratice.
...
(Nusle
Nusle () is a district of Prague. It became part of the city in 1922.
Location
Part of Nusle is in Prague 2 while most is in Prague 4. Nusle is located south of the city centre in ''Nuselské údolí'' (Nusle Valley) on the Botič brook. It bo ...
, Podolí, Braník, Krč
Krč is a district in the south of Prague, located in Prague 4. It became part of the city in 1922.
History
Krč ( la, Carrium) was first mentioned in written documents in 1222. During the time of the Hussites, the area was seized by the ''Pražs ...
, Michle
Michle is a district of Prague city, part of Prague 4
Prague 4, formally the Prague 4 Municipal District (''Městská čast Praha 4''), is a second-tier municipality in Prague. The administrative district (''správní obvod'') of the same name c ...
), Karlín
Karlín (german: Karolinenthal) is a cadastral area of Prague, part of Prague 8 municipal district, formerly an independent town (which became part of Prague in 1922). It is bordered by the river Vltava and Holešovice to the north, Vítkov ...
, parts of Žižkov
Žižkov is a cadastral district of Prague, Czech Republic. Most of Žižkov lies in the municipal and administrative district of Prague 3, except for very small parts which are in Prague 8 and Prague 10. Prior to 1922, Žižkov was an indep ...
and Vinohrady
Královské Vinohrady (in English literally "Royal Vineyards" german: Königliche Weinberge) is a cadastral district in Prague. It is so named because the area was once covered in vineyards dating from the 14th century. Vinohrady lies in the muni ...
etc. However, the restriction became efficient after the prohibition road signs are installed. According to the marking project by TSK (the Prague road management organization), 610 zone signs were installed at 250 places, at the expense of 4 million CZK. Implementation of the marking should begin past the official comment procedure, in the second half of November 2016. However, the official information campaign "Segway No Way" started in August already. On 24 November 2016, the Magistrate gave its decision about the signage and the first such sign was installed on 25 November 2016, the remaining in the next two weeks.
Denmark
The Segway PT is classified as a moped
A moped ( ) is a type of small motorcycle, generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or automobiles. The term used to mean a similar vehicle except with both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle engine. Mopeds typ ...
(''knallert''). As such vehicles must be fitted with lights, license plates and mechanical brakes, the Segway is effectively banned from public roads. A trial where the Segway would be classified as a bicycle has been announced running from 1 June 2010 to 1 April 2011. The trial was extended to 1 December 2011, and later to the end of 2014.
Finland
In September 2015 authorities in Finland recommended that personal transporters should be made legal for use on roads, making a distinction between devices with a maximum speed of which would be treated as pedestrians and ones with a maximum speed of which would be treated as bicycles.
Segway PTs are classified as low-power mopeds and therefore require license plates, effectively banning the use on public roads. On 31 March 2015, The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland started progress to propose changes to law to allow Segways under 25 km/h on sidewalks and reclassifying them as bicycles. Like bicycles, Segways would be required to include safety reflector
A safety reflector is a retroreflector intended for pedestrians, runners, motorized and non-motorized vehicles. A safety reflector is similar to reflective stripes that can be found on safety vests and clothing worn by road workers and rescue ...
s and a bell to alert pedestrians and the driver is required to wear a bicycle helmet.
France
In 2017, 284 people were injured by Personal transporter and 5 were killed.
Since 2019, France has specific regulations/law for Personal transporter.
Previously segway PTs, also named "gyropode", were sometimes, but not always, considered as pedestrians and obey the same rules and laws. Nonetheless, Segways which do not have type certification to be driven as a motor vehicle are not part of any of the class of vehicle defined by the traffic code. For this reson, they have an unclear legal status.
Riders must go with the direction of traffic
Left-hand traffic (LHT) and right-hand traffic (RHT) are the practices, in bidirectional traffic, of keeping to the left side or to the right side of the road, respectively. They are fundamental to traffic flow, and are sometimes referred to ...
.
In Paris
Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), ma ...
, motorized scooter
A motorized scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by either a small utility internal combustion engine or a small electric hub motor in its front and/or rear wheel. Classified as a form of micro-mobility, they are generally designed with a lar ...
riders could be fined for riding on sidewalks (135 euro
The euro ( symbol: €; code: EUR) is the official currency of 19 out of the member states of the European Union (EU). This group of states is known as the eurozone or, officially, the euro area, and includes about 340 million citizens . ...
s) or parking it antisocially (35 euros).
France introduced in 2019 a change in the Code de la route specific for the Personal transporter, depending on the speed the Personal transporter can reach.
This new law
* forbids driving a Personal transporter outside built-up area (non-urban road) unless it is on a bicycle lane
* allows driving a Personal transporter within built-up area (urban road) but bicycle lane is mandatory if it exists
* forbids drivers of personal transporter speeds greater than 25 km/h
* makes mandatory lights, brakes, and horn
* forbids passengers
* forbids sidewalks.
Germany
In Germany self-balancing hoverboards are not allowed on public streets.
It is not legal to ride solowheels on public roads (includes sidewalks, parks, forest tracks, etc.) in Germany as of June 2017. Because it is considered as a type of motor vehicle the rider would need a test certificate from the Technical Inspection Agency (Technischer Überwachungsverein) to get insurance. Additionally, the driver would have to pay taxes according to the certificate. However, the Inspection Agency has no valid classification for it, no certificate can be obtained. Hence, riding a solowheel on public road would mean to ride without certificate, without insurance and to evade taxes. It may have severe penalties (up to one year in prison ) when a solowheel rider is caught by the police. In contrast, for the Seqway as a two-wheeled vehicle with handlebar, there is a classification that allows to get a certificate and thus, the compulsory insurance.
The Segway PT i2 is generally allowed on bicycle paths and public roads within city limits since 25 July 2009. Outside city limits, the Segway may not be used on federal motorways, federal highways, state roads, and district roads. Bicycle lanes must be used if present. Riding a Segway on sidewalks and in pedestrian zone
Pedestrian zones (also known as auto-free zones and car-free zones, as pedestrian precincts in British English, and as pedestrian malls in the United States and Australia) are areas of a city or town reserved for pedestrian-only use and in whi ...
s for city tours requires a special permit. The Segway is classified as an "electronic mobility aid", a new class of vehicle defined specifically for the Segway PT. Segways used on public roads must be equipped with front and rear lighting, reflectors, a bell, and an insurance plate.
Hungary
The ''Központi Közlekedési Főfelügyelet'' (Central Traffic Authority Board) does not consider Segways to be vehicle, and considers skateboard
A skateboard is a type of sports equipment used for skateboarding. They are usually made of a specially designed 7-8 ply maple plywood deck and polyurethane wheels attached to the underside by a pair of skateboarding trucks.
The skateboarder ...
ers, and people moving luggage trolleys pedestrians. Segway riders may use sidewalks and follow rules for pedestrians.
Ireland
Segway PTs are permitted in most public places. They are permitted in certain areas on bicycle paths around Dublin
Dublin (; , or ) is the capital and largest city of Ireland. On a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the province of Leinster, bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, a part of the Wicklow Mountains range. At the 2016 c ...
and Cork
Cork or CORK may refer to:
Materials
* Cork (material), an impermeable buoyant plant product
** Cork (plug), a cylindrical or conical object used to seal a container
***Wine cork
Places Ireland
* Cork (city)
** Metropolitan Cork, also known as G ...
.
Italy
Use of a Segway PT is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrians or bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc.
Luxembourg
Segway PTs are legal on bicycle trails and roads. They are the equivalent to electric bicycles and obey the same rules and laws.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands the use of self-balancing hoverboards is illegal on all public roads, it is only allowed on private property. The main reason given is that the vehicle is motorized but has no steering wheel and no place to sit. Therefore, the vehicle does not fall in any category allowed on public roads.
In The Netherlands, any motorised skateboard is not permitted on public roads, including those driven by an electric motor.
In April 2008, the Dutch Government announced that it would ease the ban it had imposed in January 2007 that made it illegal to use a Segway PT on public roads in the Netherlands. Until recently, a tolerance policy was in place due to the inability of the authorities to classify the Segway as a vehicle. However, certain handicapped people, primarily heart and lung patients, are allowed to use the Segway, but only on the pavement. From 1 July 2008, anyone over the age of 16 is permitted to use a Segway on Dutch roads but users need to buy custom insurance. Amsterdam police officers are testing the Segway. In Rotterdam, the Segway has been used regularly by police officers and city watches.
Norway
Because of the top speed of 20 km/h, the Segway was classified as a moped in Norway. Prior to 2014, there were requirements for registration, insurance, age limit, drivers licenses and helmets to operate a Segway in the country. Therefore, Segways were not originally able to be used legally on public or private roads or on private property in Norway. Segways became legal in Norway on 1 July 2014 on all public roads with speed limits 20 km/h or less, sidewalks and bicycle lanes for ages 16 and older without requiring registration or insurance.
Poland
From 20 May 2021, regulations on the movement of personal transport devices and electric scooters will apply.[Ustawa z dnia 30 marca 2021 r. o zmianie ustawy – Prawo o ruchu drogowym oraz niektórych innych ustaw]
Dz.U. z 2021 r. poz. 720
. They are included in Art. 33-33d of the Road Traffic Law. The driver of the personal transport device is obliged to use the cycle path
A bike path is a bikeway separated from motorized traffic and dedicated to cycling or shared with pedestrians or other non-motorized users. In the US a bike path sometimes encompasses ''shared use paths'', "multi-use path", or "Class III bikewa ...
if it is designated for the direction in which it is moving or intends to turn. The driver of the personal transport device, when using the path for bicycles and pedestrians, is obliged to exercise particular caution and give way to pedestrians. He may use the footpath or road where there is no cycle path. If he uses them, he is obliged to drive at a speed close to that of a pedestrian, exercise particular caution, give way to a pedestrian and not obstruct his movement.
Portugal
Segway PTs are legal on public paths from age 18 (and below, when accompanied by adults) as an equivalent to pedestrian traffic and are used by local police forces, and by Polícia Marítima] (a Navy unit), for beach patrolling. They are also used (rented) by tour operators across the country, and by shopping security guards.
Sweden
It was unlawful to use a Segway PT on any public road or pavement in Sweden until 18 December 2008 when the Segway was re-classified as a ''cykel klass II'' (class 2 bicycle). On 1 October 2010 the Segway and similar one person electrical vehicles were re-classified as bicycles.
As of September 1, it is no longer permitted to park the electric scooter on footpaths and cycle paths or to drive on footpaths and pavements.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, devices with a maximum speed of have an age limit of age 14 years with a licence, and 16 years without a licence.
The Segway PT is classified as a moped with usage of all bicycle circulation areas. Only the PT i2 and x2 (SE) has been approved for use in Switzerland, no NineBot Elite or mini Pro. Every self-balancing vehicle must be fully redundant. The PT may be used on roads provided that it is equipped with a Swiss Road Kit and a license plate. The Swiss Road Kit has front and back lighting, a battery source, and a license plate holder. Use on sidewalks and pedestrian zones is prohibited. An exception is made for handicapped individuals, who must obtain in advance a special authorization from the Swiss Federal Roads Office. The Segway PT i180 may also be registered for use on specific request. However, the PT i180 must be equipped with a left/right turn indicator system before it may be admitted for road use.
United Kingdom
In England and Wales use of these devices on a sidewalk is banned under Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835
The Highway Act 1835 (5 & 6 Will 4 c 50) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was one of the Highway Acts 1835 to 1885.
Parish boards
The Highway Act 1835 placed highways under the direction of parish surveyors, and allowed t ...
. With reference to its use of the carriageway
A carriageway (British English) or roadway (North American English) consists of a width of road on which a vehicle is not restricted by any physical barriers or separation to move laterally. A carriageway generally consists of a number of tra ...
it falls into the category of 'motor vehicle' (defined as 'a mechanically propelled vehicle, intended or adapted for use on roads' by section 136 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom, which provided powers to regulate or restrict traffic on UK roads, in the interest of safety. It superseded some earlier legislation, including the majority of ...
) (see ) and as such would be covered by the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 and hence approval through European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval
European, or Europeans, or Europeneans, may refer to:
In general
* ''European'', an adjective referring to something of, from, or related to Europe
** Ethnic groups in Europe
** Demographics of Europe
** European cuisine, the cuisines of Europe a ...
. The government has been petitioned to allow these devices on the road, and trials are currently being carried out in a restricted number of towns allowing the use of rental (but not privately owned) electric scooters. While in opposition in 2008, the Conservatives
Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy that seeks to promote and to preserve traditional institutions, practices, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civilization in ...
and Liberal Democrats lobbied the Labour
Labour or labor may refer to:
* Childbirth, the delivery of a baby
* Labour (human activity), or work
** Manual labour, physical work
** Wage labour, a socioeconomic relationship between a worker and an employer
** Organized labour and the labour ...
Government to change the law to allow Segways to use public cycle lanes. In July 2010, a man was charged under the Highway Act 1835
The Highway Act 1835 (5 & 6 Will 4 c 50) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was one of the Highway Acts 1835 to 1885.
Parish boards
The Highway Act 1835 placed highways under the direction of parish surveyors, and allowed t ...
in Barnsley for riding his Segway on the pavement, and was prosecuted and fined £75 in January 2011. His conviction was upheld by the High Court on appeal.
In Scotland
Scotland (, ) is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a Anglo-Scottish border, border with England to the southeast ...
, it is illegal to ride on public pavements (sidewalks) under the Roads Act, 1984.
North America
Canada
In Toronto
Toronto ( ; or ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021, it is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. The city is the anch ...
motorized vehicles are not allowed on sidewalks, except for mobility scooters for people who need them.
Restrictions on motorized vehicle use are set by provinces individually. In Alberta, Segway PTs cannot legally be driven on public roads including sidewalks abutting public roads. Segways cannot legally be driven on city-owned bicycle paths in Calgary. Segways are allowed on private land with the landowner's permission. In British Columbia, Segways cannot legally be operated on B.C. roads or on sidewalks because they cannot be licensed or insured as a vehicle in B.C. In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation started a pilot program allowing Segways to be used by people 14 years or older with a disability, Canada Post door-to-door delivery personnel, and police officers. It was originally planned to end on 19 October 2011, but was extended by two years, and then extended again an additional five years (to 19 October 2018), due to limited participation. Prior to the end of the pilot program, the Ministry of Transportation will assess the data and information gathered from the pilot decide whether to allow Segways and how to legislate them.
United States
In California
California is a state in the Western United States, located along the Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the most populous U.S. state and the 3rd largest by area. It is also the m ...
, as of 1 January 2016 'electrically motorized boards' can be used by those over 16 years old at speeds of up to on streets where the speed limit is under as long as they wear a helmet and comply with drive/drug laws. Boards must be speed limited to , be designed for the transport of one person and have a power of less than 1000 watt
The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1 joule per second or 1 kg⋅m2⋅s−3. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The watt is named after James ...
s. Use of these devices on the sidewalk is left to cities and counties to decide. Having monitored this new law for 5 years, California Highway Patrol
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is a state law enforcement agency of the U.S. state of California. The CHP has primary patrol jurisdiction over all California highways and roads and streets outside city limits, and can exercise law enforcem ...
will submit a final report to the legislature in 2021. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public land-grant research university in Los Angeles, California. UCLA's academic roots were established in 1881 as a teachers college then known as the southern branch of the California S ...
included Hoverboards in a general restriction on the use of bicycles, scooters and skateboards using walkways and hallways in November 2015.
In New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the Un ...
, self-balancing hoverboards are banned under existing legislation; however, community advocates are working with lawmakers to legalize their use but there is no current explanation from the lawmakers relating to electric skateboards.
The Segway PT has been banned from use on sidewalks and in public transportation in a few municipalities
A municipality is usually a single administrative division having corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate.
The term ''municipality'' may also mean the go ...
and the company has challenged bans and sought exemption from sidewalk restrictions in over 30 states. Advocacy groups for pedestrians and the blind in the US have been critical of Segway PT use: America Walks and the American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a nationwide organization in the United States. It is an organization mainly made up of blind and visually impaired people who want to achieve independence and equality (although there are many sighted ...
oppose allowing people, even those with disabilities, to drive the Segway PT on sidewalks and have actively lobbied against any such legislation. Today, Segways are allowed on sidewalks in most states, though local municipalities may forbid them. Many states also allow them on bicycle lanes or on roads with speed limits of up to .
In 2011, the U.S. government Department of Justice—amending regulations that implement title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—ruled that the Segway is an "other power-driven mobility device" and its use must be permitted unless the covered entity can demonstrate that users cannot operate the class of devices in accordance with legitimate safety requirements.
A fact sheet published by the US Justice Department states: "People with mobility, circulatory, respiratory, or neurological disabilities use many kinds of devices for mobility. Some use walkers, canes, crutches, or braces. Some use manual or power wheelchairs or electric scooters. In addition, advances in technology have given rise to new devices, such as Segways that some people with disabilities use as mobility devices, including many veterans injured while serving in the military. And more advanced devices will inevitably be invented, providing more mobility options for people with disabilities." There is some allowance in only some very specific circumstances where usage would be considered unsafe. Semi-ambulatory Americans have previously benefitted from Segway use, even in New York City. Segs4Vets provides Segway PTs to permanently injured military veterans.
San Francisco
San Francisco (; Spanish for " Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the fourth most populous in California and 17th ...
banned the Segway PT from sidewalks over safety concerns in 2002. The District of Columbia categorizes Segways as a "personal mobility device" which means Segway users follow D.C.'s bicycle laws, which do not require Segway users to wear helmets and other protective gear. Users are not allowed to wear headphones with the exception of hearing aids or other devices that only require the use of one ear.
Mexico
In Mexico there is no regulation that limits Segway use in public spaces.
Oceania
Australia
The authorities stated in late 2015 that self-balancing hoverboards must not be ridden on the carriageway or sidewalk in the state of New South Wales
)
, nickname =
, image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates:
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, es ...
since they are categorised as motor vehicles but don't comply with any existing vehicle class. They did also say that "our road safety experts in the Centre for Road Safety are currently working with their counterparts across the country on national laws and safety standards for these personal electric transport devices, so we can figure out how and where people can use them safely". Other states in Australia have yet to make a clear decision or announcement on legality and enforcement, and are relying on existing laws in place. They are free to use on private property.
In Australia laws are determined at the state & territory level, each differing in their adoption of the Australian Road Rules
The Australian Road Rules are a set of model road rules developed by the National Road Transport Commission which form the basis for state and territory road rules across Australia. The first edition of the rules was published on 19 October 19 ...
. It is generally illegal to use Segway PTs in public places and on roads throughout Australia.
In the Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory (commonly abbreviated as ACT), known as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until 1938, is a landlocked federal territory of Australia containing the national capital Canberra and some surrounding townships. I ...
, use of Segways is illegal on roads and other public places, but, , was permitted around Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake in the centre of Canberra, the capital of Australia. It was completed in 1963 after the Molonglo River, which ran between the city centre and Parliamentary Triangle, was dammed. It is named after Wal ...
and other tourist attractions, subject to training, safety equipment and speed limit requirements.
In New South Wales, the Segway has been confirmed by the Roads & Traffic Authority
The Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) was an agency of the New South Wales Government responsible for major road infrastructure, licensing of drivers, and registration of motor vehicles. The RTA directly managed state roads and provided fundin ...
as being illegal on both roads and footpaths. "In simple terms, riders are way too exposed to mix with general traffic on a road and too fast, heavy and consequently dangerous to other users on footpaths or cycle paths." Although this does not render them totally illegal (they may still, for example, be used on private property), their uses are limited enough that they are not sold to the general public.
In Queensland
)
, nickname = Sunshine State
, image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, establishe ...
, the use of the Segway became legal on 1 August 2013. Queensland transport Minister Scott Emerson noted that it makes sense for Segways to be allowed on public paths across Queensland, given users wear helmets.
In Western Australia
Western Australia (commonly abbreviated as WA) is a state of Australia occupying the western percent of the land area of Australia excluding external territories. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to th ...
, the law enables Electric Personal Transporters (EPT) (Segways) to be used as part of a supervised commercial tour, being run by an operator that holds the appropriate approvals. You may use an EPT on private property. Tour operators should approach the Local Authority where they wish to operate the tour. Local authorities have ultimate responsibility for approving tour operators within their respective areas.
New Zealand
In New Zealand the Segway PT is classed as a mobility device
A mobility aid is a device designed to assist walking or otherwise improve the mobility of people with a mobility impairment.
There are various #Walking aids, walking aids which can help people with impaired ability to walk, and wheelchairs or ...
, in the same category as a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. Mobility Devices must be ridden on footpaths where possible, at a speed that does not endanger others, and give way to pedestrians. This ruling might not be consistently applied: in 2011, police in Taupo had to stop using Segways because there is no separate vehicle classification that applies to them, requiring their registration as roadworthy in the same manner as cars.
Gallery
See also
*Alternatives to car use
Established alternatives to car use include cycling, walking, kick scooters, rollerblading, skateboarding, twikes and (electric or internal combustion) motorcycles. Other alternatives are public transport vehicles (buses, guided buses, trol ...
*Electric bicycle laws Many countries have enacted electric vehicle laws to regulate the use of electric bicycles. Countries such as the United States and Canada have federal regulations governing the safety requirements and standards of manufacture. Other countries like ...
* Light electric vehicle
*Personal public transport
Personal public transport (PPT) is a network of private rental vehicles for users to drive, distributed at fixed locations throughout an area and available to the general public in such a way that each user has the ability to determine the route ...
* Personal rapid transit
References
External links
CEN/TC 354/WG 4 Light electric vehicles and self-balancing vehicles
(DIN.de)
CEN/TC 354 - Non-type approved light motorized vehicles for the transportation of persons and goods and related facilities
*{{cite web , url=http://acrs.org.au/files/papers/arsc/2015/DowlingR%20071%20Use%20of%20personal%20mobility%20devices%20for%20first%20and%20last%20mile%20travel.pdf , title=Use of personal mobility devices for first-and-last mile travel: The MacquarieRyde trial , website=Proceedings of the 2015 Australasian Road Safety Conference
Business plan CEN/TC 354 Non-type approved light motorized vehicles for the transportation of personal and goods and related facilities
Battery electric vehicles
Green vehicles
Hybrid vehicles
Mobility devices