Segway Transporter Raises Safety Concerns; NAGHSR: 'Motorized Scooter' Offers Promise, But Needs Further Testing and Evaluation

6/19/2002

From: Jonathan Adkins of the National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives, 202-789-0942

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Segway Human Transporter will become available to the public in a few months, which heightens the need for intensified testing and evaluation before consumers are allowed access to the high-tech scooter. While the Segway offers much promise for future transportation needs, particularly among the elderly and disabled communities, its use raises some public safety and health concerns among members of the National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives (NAGHSR).

Weighing 69 to 95 pounds and able to travel up to 12.5 miles per hour, the Segway has been defined as a "consumer product" rather than as a "motor vehicle" by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This designation prevents the transporter from being classified as a traditional motorized scooter; accordingly, CPSC, not NHTSA, is charged with regulating the device.

The battery-powered, two-wheeled vehicle mimics the movements of its rider, who stands on a platform gripping a handlebar. The rider leans forward or backward to move in the desired direction, and stops the device when standing upright. The device met with praise after being tested by the Atlanta police force, General Electric and the U.S. Postal Service.

In April, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee sent a bill, S. 2024, to the full Senate, which would allow the transporter to be used on sidewalks and bike paths built with federal funds, with the agreement of local authorities. Segway LLC, the company marketing the device, has launched a lobbying campaign pushing for new state laws that permit Segways on sidewalks. According to media counts (The Associated Press, 6/14/02), 24 states have enacted Segway's proposals into law over the past six months. Legislation is pending in four more states, awaiting governors' signatures.

Despite the legislative go-ahead in many states, questions still remain about the effects of the transporter on public safety. According to NAGHSR Executive Board member Fred Zwonechek, Administrator of Nebraska's Office of Highway Safety, more testing under "real world" circumstances needs to be performed.

"The Segway is an impressive invention with practical motives -- primarily, to revolutionize personal transportation. However, we need to consider the consequences of actually putting it into widespread use without infrastructure design changes to accommodate these devices. If we think we have road rage problems now," he warns, "I can imagine all kinds of scenarios where the use of a Segway could lead to collisions and confrontations." Bicycle and pedestrian safety is already a problem threatening our nation; according to The Road Information Program, bicyclists and pedestrians account for approximately one in four of every urban traffic deaths.

Zwonechek raises some more specific questions: -- Should riders be required to wear helmets? -- Should there be a minimum age or licensing process to operate the device? -- Should there be registration and insurance considerations? -- Should there be speed limits, taking into account increased foot traffic at certain times of the day? -- Should motor vehicle drivers with suspended or revoked licenses (due to DWI convictions, etc.) be allowed to operate the transporter? -- How should these stipulations be enforced?

NAGHSR is encouraged by the development of new modes of transportation and recognizes the promise of the Segway, yet feels it is important to examine the potential implications of the transporter on these and other safety issues. Motorized scooters and skateboards are already prohibited from being used on sidewalks in many cities for the protection of pedestrians. The Association urges more research and evaluation before permitting a Segway to be operated on sidewalks.

NAGHSR is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Indian Nation. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. For further information, contact NAGHSR at 202-789-0942 or e-mail jadkins@statehighwaysafety.org.