Segways why is it against the law here in the UK to use them on the roads?

Question

for people who don't know what a segway is see here www.segway.com

Answer 1

I am not surprised they are illegal to use on UK roads, they are very unstable, there is no protection for the user and they are very open to misuse by people without driving experience or licence.  They are akin to motorised rollerskates, motorised skateboards, mini-motorcycle, mini quad bikes all of which are illegal to use anywhere except on private land in the UK

Answer 2

Although it is motorized it lacks the power to acheive speeds that would not impeed traffic flow. It is considered to be a "pedestrian conveyance" so therefore looked upon as "walking".  It is ok to use them anywhere you would walk safely.

Answer 3

Unstable, and a danger to other road users.

Any motorised vehicle must have lights and indicators to be road legal.

They were never designed for road use, just for lazy Americans who need a ride to the nearest burger bar and have forgotten what walking is!

Answer 4

Vehicles going up to 12.5 mph should not be mixed with pedestrians. Fast moving vehicles on the sidewalk would be especially dangerous to those with visual impairments.

Answer 5

Top speed is 12 MPH and top speed for such vehicles EG Mobility Scooters is 4 MPH on pavements and 8 MPH on roads.   See also: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4409...

Answer 6

Unstable, dangerous, and a hinderance to other road users!

Cannot be lit, are not liable for insurance, and subject to no driving test, not to mention road tax.

Answer 7

What's a segway???!!!

They look cool but quite dodgy, no wonder they're not allowed on the roads, probably not even allowed on the footpaths either....

Answer 8

Powered vehicle, doesn't meet construction and use regulations. Deficient in lights, brakes, and obviously unstable if any fault. I did see one on the road near Oxford Street in London a few years ago and it didn't look very safe

Answer 9

The UK has regulations covering the use of powered vehicles on public roads and footpaths.

Certain vehicles (e.g. powered wheelchairs and low-powered mobility scooters) are allowed treated as pedestrians (do not require registration, or a licence to operate, can be used on footpaths). Some other vehicles are treated as cycles (e.g bicycles) and are allowed on cycle paths.

All other vehicles must require a driver's licence and vehicle registration, and therefore must meet the legislative requirements for that type of vehicle (motorcycle, quadicycle, car, commercial vehicle, agricultural vehicle, etc.). These requirements are now mostly set by EC regulations.

The Segway does not meet the legislative requirements for any category of road vehicle, and also does not meet the exemption requirements of powered wheelchairs, etc. Therefore it is not legal to use on UK public roads or footpaths.