Legislation

As it currently stands in Ireland there has been no formal statement from the Authorities on the Segway PT. Much information has been exchanged with the Authorities and the matter is ongoing. With this in mind we must continue to advise customers that the Segway should be used on private property only.  Users should also be 16 years of age and have a minimum weight of 45kgs.

In the case of an individual with a mobility issue the Segway could possbly be used but we recommend that you contact us to discuss the legislation and any concerns that you may have. The segway is not sold as a medical solution and we stipulate the the user must be able to stand comfortably for extended periods, be capable of good judgement and be able to safely step on and off the unit unassited.

As a reference the extract immeadiately below is from the 2007 Finance Act which defines a Mechanically propelled Vehicle.

63.—Section 130 of the Finance Act 1992 is amended by substituting the following for the definition of “mechanically propelled vehicle” (amended by section 79 of Finance Act 1998):

“ ‘mechanically propelled vehicle’ means a vehicle that—

(a) has been designed and constructed for road use,

(b) is, at the time of declaration for registration, in compliance with any measures taken to give effect in the State to any act of the European Communities relating to the approximation of the laws of Member States in respect of type-approval for the type of vehicle concerned,

(c) is intended or adapted for propulsion by a mechanical means, or by an electrical means or by a partly mechanical and a partly electrical means, and

(d) is capable of achieving vehicle propulsion at the time of registration, to the satisfaction of the Commissioners,

including a bicycle, tricycle or quadricycle propelled by an engine or motor or with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power, whether or not the attachment is being used, a moped, a scooter and an autocycle, but not including a tramcar or other vehicle running on permanent rails or a vehicle including a cycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power not exceeding 400 kilogrammes in weight unladen adapted and used for invalids;”.

We are still working to obtain clarification and are pursuing legsilation in line with that of other EU states. In many cases the precednt is that the Segway PT is classed as a pedestrian at walking speeds and as a bicycle at higher speeds.

We believe that this a sensible and logical approach and for anyone that has used a unit and understands the principals of operation it is easy to understand how a Segway couldbe safely operated under such circumstances.

Sought and Obtained Rulings from:
- NHTSA/CPSC (U.S.): “not a motor vehicle under 49 U.S.C”
- Directorate-General (EC): “not a motor vehicle under Directive 92/61/EEC”
- Transport Canada (Canada): “not a motor vehicle under Motor Vehicle Safety Act”

Such rulings would need to be codified at State, Provincial or National levelsUnited States:

42 states plus District of Columbia have codified federal rulings and passed laws specific to Segway PTs pertaining to use;
2 states do not require statewide approval

US EPAMD Legislation
Defines the Segway PT as an Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device or EPAMD “Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device” (EPAMD) means a self-balancing, two non-tandem wheeled device, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 12.5 miles per hour or less.”

Europe:
12 countries have codified EC Ruling and have passed laws specific to Segway PT pertaining to use

Canada:
-Ontario recently enacted regulation codifying that the Segway PT is not a motor vehicle and use is permitted on sidewalks and roads by certain market segments

Europe by Country

The European Commission has exempted the Segway PT from its vehicle legislation releasing it from regulation as a road vehicle. Many European countries already allow access for the Segway PT, while others are evaluating and considering where the Segway PT can be used. In a May 2003 letter the Chairman of the Transport Committee of the European Parliament invited all Member States to authorize explicitly and as soon as possible the use of the Segway PT.

Austria – Approved in June 2004 to operate in bicycle lanes and pedestrian areas where bicycles are allowed.

Belgium – Under legislation passed in March 2007, the Segway PT is allowed to operate on cycle lanes up to 18 kmh and in pedestrian areas/pavements at walking speed. Classified as a “moving device” and exempted from vehicle requirement.

Czech Republic – As of June 2004 allowed to operate at walking speed in pedestrian areas.

France – In January 2003 the Segway PT was approved to operate on pedestrian ways up to 6 km/h during experimental phase.

Germany – The Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce in the German federal state of Saarland carried out the first study of Segway PTs in Germany. The study resulted in recommendations to classify the Segway PT as a new device called “electronic assisted mobility device” and allow it to operate on bike paths with no speed limitation and in foot traffic areas at walking pace. Based on the results, approval by Federal authorities is anticipated. In the meantime the states of Saarland, Hamburg, Bavaria, Hessen and North Rhine-Wesphalia have issued pre-approval permits to allow Segway PTs to operate in their jurisdictions.

Hungary – In an April 2002 letter the Ministry suggests use in pedestrian areas and cycle lanes.

Italy – In 2003 the Segway PT was approved to operate on pedestrian ways up to 6 km/h and on bicycle lanes up to 20 km/h during experimental phase.

Greece – In July 2005 Segway PT were exempted from type approval legislation.

Netherlands – The government has commissioned an independent organization to assess the rules on how the Segway PT can be integrated into existing infrastructure. Results and contents of the regulations are anticipated by October 2007.

Portugal – Segway PT are exempted from type approval legislation as of June 2006.

Spain – Segway PTs are currently allowed in pedestrian areas/sidewalks at walking speed (full integration in traffic law already announced by Ministry of Home Affairs – ref. letter 31 October 2006)

Switzerland – Following successful performance tests, type approval legislation is being amended to allow Segway PTs to circulate on public space.

United Kingdom - Segway PTs are currently classified as mopeds, therefore use on public roads is conditioned to moped type approval. There are ongoing debates in the House of Lords concerning the need to develop legislation for new technologies including those presented by the Segway. Recent meetings have been very positive and it is hoped that there will be more progressive discussions concerning the relevant legislation.