MPs’ illegal Segway convoy to demand electric bicycle rights

A group of MPs yesterday defied the law by riding a convoy of Segways on London roads. The protest aimed to question why the use of such vehicles is currently illegal in Britain on roads, pavements or parks – in other words, anywhere other than on private property.

Lembit Opik MP has been lobbying the Government to allow electric personal vehicles (EPVs) to use cycle facilities and public roads for some years. At yesterday’s ride he said: “The claim that Segways are illegal beggars belief! As far as I can see, there isn’t a scrap of evidence for this in British Law.”

He went on to praise the government for its current consultation on the issue.

Marvel of technology

The self-balancing Segway is a marvel of technology – its gyroscopes, tilt sensors and high-speed microprocessors cost $100million to develop and were intended to help it replace the car as most people’s primary mode of transport.

The law may be changed to in favour of the Segway; the government is currently considering a change to the law that would allow EPVs to be used on the roads and cycle tracks. Consideration does not include use of pedestrianised areas or pedestrian footways, but does apply to their use on existing shared pedestrian / pedal cycle use areas.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA, which has recently responded to the consultation, said: “The Segway’s state-of-the-art technology has not equipped it to deal with British vehicle regulations; it is designed for its electric motor to replace the need for mechanical brakes and the Department of Transport cites this as a safety concern.”

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