Restrictions on use

Asia
China: Police have begun using a locally made analogue of the Segway to patrol certain public areas, such as Tian'anmen square.[12] Israel: In 2006, the Segway 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. The user must be over 16 years old. No license is required. The maximum allowed speed is 13.5 km/h (8.4 mph), enforced by electronic restriction put in place by the importer.[13] Companies offering tours of Jerusalem use the second generation i2 model, equipped with Lean Steer Technology.[14] In 2009 the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo was the first in the world to offer Segway guided tours in the zoo.[15]
[16]

Malaysia: On Penang island and in Malacca, Segways are available for short term hire.

Japan: In a court, Segway 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.[17]

Europe
Segways are used in Europe, but mainly in niche markets (such as guided city tours); they are not commonly used as a means of transportation. Their use on public streets is allowed in most countries, but often with restrictions. A few countries require vehicle insurance and a license plate. land islands: Thanks to a law revision by the Government of land concerning "small electrically powered vehicles," the Segway and all other mainly one person electrical vehicles, are classified as bicycles since 14 March 2012. Austria: In Vienna, Segways can be rented in the Prater amusement park. A Segway dealer in central Vienna also offers Segways for rent. Croatia: Use of a Segway is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrian and bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc. Segways can be rented for city tours in cities of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Czech Republic: Use of a Segway is allowed wherever pedestrians and bicycles are allowed. Segways can be rented for city tours, for example on the Old Town Square, Prague. Denmark: the Segway is classified as a moped (knallert). As such, vehicles must be fitted with lights, license plates and mechanical brakes, the Segway is effectively banned from public roads.[18] Recently, 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.[19] Germany: Use of a Segway PT i2 is generally allowed on bicycle paths and public roads within city limits since 25 July 2009.[20] Outside city limits, the Segway may not be used on federal motorways, federal highways, state roads, anddistrict roads. Bicycle lanes must be used if present. Riding a Segway on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones 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. The driver must have procured a vehicle insurance and hold at least an M type (moped) license. Ireland: Segways are permitted in most public places. A Segway tour of the Phoenix Park is available. They are permitted in certain areas on bicycle paths around Dublin and Cork. The Airport Police Service stationed at Dublin Airport use the Segway i2 police patroller model. In 2011, a private tour operator started a City of Dublin Segway Tour. In October 2012 the Garda Siochana began using two examples in the Grafton Street area, funded by the Dublin Business Community.

Italy: Use of a Segway is allowed within city limits wherever pedestrians or bicycles are allowed, i.e., sidewalks, bicycle paths, parks, etc.[21] Lithuania: Policemen in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga use segways to patrol. Also segways are available to rent for tourists in Vilnius. Malta: Policemen have started testing Segways on patrol in Valletta. Informed sources said the Malta Police are considering the purchase of a number of Segways fitted for police work, including a siren and space for radio and other equipment. Valletta[22] Netherlands: 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 on public roads in the Netherlands.[23] Until recently, a tolerance policy was in place due to the inability of the authorities to classify the Segway as a vehicle.[24] However, certain handicapped people, primarily heart and lung patients, are allowed to use the Segway, but only on the pavement (US: sidewalk). 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.[25] Amsterdam police officers are testing the Segway. In Rotterdam the Segway is used regularly by police officers and city watches. Portugal: Segways are legal on public paths from age 18 (and below, when accompanied by adults) as an equivalent to pedestrian traffic[26] and are used by many local police forces (Polcia Municipal),[27] and by Polcia Martima (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 on any public road or pavement in Sweden[28] until 18 December 2008 when the Segway was re-classified as a cykel klass II (class 2 bicycle).[29] Segways are popular in Stockholm where tours are led through the streets by guides with modified PTs and courses are set out at sites such as the Royal Haga park. On 1 October 2010 the Segway and similar one person electrical vehicles were reclassified as bicycles. Switzerland: The Segway is classified as a light motorcycle.[30] Only the PT i2 has been approved for use in Switzerland. The PT i2 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.[citation needed] United Kingdom: Distributed in the UK by BAE Systems, the Segway is classified as a powered vehicle and subject to Road Traffic lawwith the effect that, because the Segway is deemed not to meet required safety standards, it is unlawful to use a Segway anywhere other than on private property with the owner's permission.[31] While in opposition in 2008, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats lobbied the Labour Government to change the law to allow Segways to use public cycle lanes.[32] In July 2010, a man was charged under the Highway Act 1835 in Barnsley for riding his Segway on the pavement, and was prosecuted and fined 75 in January 2011.[33][34][35] His conviction was upheld by the High Court on appeal.[36] [edit]North

America

[edit]Canada Restrictions on motorized vehicle use are set by provinces individually. In Alberta, Segways cannot be driven on Public Roads including sidewalks abutting public roads. Segways cannot be driven on city-owned bicycle paths in Calgary.[citation needed] Segways are allowed on private land with the landowner's permission. (Some malls allow their use.[citation needed]) In British Columbia, Segways can't legally be operated on B.C. roads or on sidewalks because they cannot be licensed or insured as a vehicle in B.C.[37][dead link] In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation has started a pilot program where Segways may be used by people 14 years or older with disability, Canada Post door-to-door delivery personnel, and police officers. It was originally planned to end in October 2011, but has been extended until 2013 due to limited participation. After this, the government will decide whether to allow people to use it. Segways can still be used by others on private property.
[38]

United States
The company has challenged bans and sought exemption from sidewalk restrictions in over 30 states. The Segway PT has been banned from use on sidewalks and in public transportation in a few municipalities, often because it is not classified as a medical device. Advocacy groups for

pedestrians and the blind in the US have been critical of Segway PT use: America Walks[39] and the American Council of the Blind oppose allowing people, even those with disabilities, to drive the Segway PT on sidewalks and have actively lobbied against any such legislation.[40] 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 25 mph.[41] In 2011, the U.S. government Department of Justiceamending regulations that implement title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)ruled that the Segway is an "Other power-driven mobility devices" 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.[42] Segs4Vets is a nonprofit organization that provide Segway PTs to the men and women of the United States military whose service in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom resulted in permanent disability and difficulty walking.[43] San Francisco In November 2002, before it was widely available, the city of San Francisco banned the Segway PT from sidewalks citing safety concerns.[44] However, a number of Segway Tour operations use them in cycle lanes and designated trails. Washington, D.C. In September 2010, Dr. Mary Pat McKay, a professor of emergency medicine and public health at George Washington University, issued a statement that injuries from the transporters were becoming both more common and more serious. Dr. McKay's case review in the Annals of Emergency Medicine noted 41 Segway injuries between April 2005 and November 2008 among GWU emergency room patients.[45] Similar accidents have continued to occur in the District of Columbia, including a June 2012 incident involving a Dallas, Texas high school student who lost control of his Segway after fainting during a commercially operated Segway tour. Pursuant to the District's Code, Segways are prohibited on sidewalks within the Central Business District bounded by 23rd Street NW to the west, Massachusetts Avenue to the north, Second Street NE to the east, and D Street to the southunless operated by a person with a disability.[46] Disney In February 2004, Disney banned Segway PTs from its theme parks, stating they had not been approved by the FDA as medical devices.[47] In the same month,[48] Disney began offering Segway tours of its Epcot theme park.[49] In early August 2007, Disney began offering a similar guided tour in its Disney California Adventure Park park in California.[50] [edit]Mexico In Mexico there is no regulation that limits Segway use in public spaces.[51] [edit]Dominican Republic The devices are used on group ecotours in the area south of Punta Cana. [edit]Oceania

In Australia laws are determined at the state & territory level, each differing in their adoption of the Australian Road Rules, it is generally illegal to use the two-wheeled electric transporters in public places and on roads throughout Australia. In the Australian Capital Territory Segways can now be officially used around Canberras Lake Burley Griffin and other tourist attractions, subject to training, safety equipment and speed limit requirements. The Attorney-General Simon Corbell lifted a ban on them and granted a permanent exemption to specific hire operators who had been catering to the Tourist market under the false assumption of Federal Government approval.[52] [53] It is still illegal on roads and other public places. In New South Wales, the Segway has been confirmed by the Roads and Traffic Authority 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."[54]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 New Zealand the Segway PT is classed as a mobility device, 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.[55] This ruling might not be consistently applied: in 2011, police in Taupo in New Zealand's North Island 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.[56]