Frequently Asked Questions
Segway^TM (Human Transporter / Personal Transporter) Pilot Test

The Segway^TM:

1. What is a Segway Human Transporter (Segway Personal Transporter)?
2. How does a Segway work?
3. How do I recharge the battery?
4. How far can I travel on a single charge of the battery?
5. How long would the battery last before I have to buy a new one?
6. Are Segways currently being used in other North America jurisdictions?
7. How much do Segways cost?

The Pilot Test:

1. Why are we piloting this vehicle?
2. What is the intent of the pilot test?
3. During the pilot, where can a Segway travel?
4. When does the pilot start?
5. When does the pilot end?
6. What happens after the end of the pilot?
7. Why is the pilot only five years? Why should people spend $6,000 to $7,000 (Canadian) to buy a Segway that they may not be able to use when the pilot ends in five years?

The People:

1. Who will be able to use Segways?
2. Why is there an age restriction?
3. What about other people interested in using Segways?
4. Why are only certain groups being included in this pilot?
5. I have a disability that affects my mobility. How do I find out if I can ride my Segway on the sidewalk in my municipality?

The Law:

1. Why did the province not exempt Segways from municipal bylaws banning motor vehicles from sidewalks, paths and trails?
2. What requirements will a person need to meet to operate a Segway during the pilot?
3. Would Segway operators have to follow the same laws as other pedestrians?
4. What are the fines associated with offences related to Segway use?
5. Will Segways riders be required to satisfy safety requirements?
6. Why don't all Segway riders have to wear helmets?
7. Will there be some type of identification on the device to let people and police know it is being used for the pilot?

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The Segway^TM

1.  What is a Segway Human Transporter (Segway Personal Transporter)?

The Segway Human Transporter, also known as the Segway Personal Transporter (commonly referred to as a "Segway"), is a self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device able to turn in place and designed for one person, with a top speed of 20 km/h.

2.  How does a Segway work?

• The Segway contains five gyroscopes that allow it to balance at a standstill. You ride the Segway by standing upright on the raised platform between two wheels. If you lean forward, the Segway goes forward and, if you lean back, the Segway slows down and stops, and can also go backwards.
• There are sensors in the platform that detect subtle shifts in weight and respond to them accordingly.
• On the older models (Human Transporters), rotating the left handgrip steers the Segway. The newer models (Personal Transporters, released in mid-August 2006) are steered by leaning in the direction in which you wish to go.

3.  How do I recharge the battery?

• The Segway comes with twin nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion battery packs and can be charged by plugging the vehicle into the wall.
• It takes about six hours to recharge a Segway battery.

4.  How far can I travel on a single charge of the battery?

The Segway has a range of 13-19 km in ideal conditions using nickel metal hydride batteries or 24-39 km in ideal conditions using lithium-ion batteries.

5.  How long would the battery last before I have to buy a new one?

The lifecycle of the battery is up to 500 charges.

6.  Are Segways currently being used in other North America jurisdictions?

• Yes. To date, 42 US States and the District of Columbia have enacted various laws pertaining to their use.
• In most states, Segway users must follow the rules pertaining to pedestrians while on roads and sidewalks. However, on roads and sidewalks, pedestrians, not Segways, always have the right of way.

7.  How much do Segways cost?

Segways usually retail for between $6,000 and $7,000 in Ontario, depending upon the model and package purchased.

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The Pilot Test

1.  Why are we piloting this vehicle?

• The Ministry of Transportation is committed to removing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities in Ontario. We have received a request from members of the disabled community to allow people with disabilities to use Segways in place of wheelchairs.
• We also recognize the potential of the Segway as a vehicle to assist the police and public service workers.
• This pilot will allow us to gather further data on the Segway and its impact on pedestrian safety and Ontario's current traffic mix.

2.  What is the intent of the pilot test?

To develop and set appropriate operating requirements and rules of the road for Segway use. Specifically:

• Determine, under controlled circumstances, the appropriate use of this equipment;
• Develop a public education strategy and materials.

3.  During the pilot, where can a Segway travel?

• Under the pilot, Segways will be permitted on many public roads, sidewalks, paths and multiuse trails.
• Segways must use the sidewalk if one is available, provided that municipal by-laws do not prohibit their use on the sidewalk (note that municipal by-laws that prohibit using motor vehicles from a sidewalk will also prohibit Segways unless the by-law makes an exception for Segways).
• Segways may be used on roadways if a sidewalk is not available or if a by-law prohibits them from sidewalks.
• If a Segway is being used on the roadway, it must travel on the shoulder, or if there is no shoulder, then on the right side of the roadway close to the edge of the road.
• Segways are not permitted on any highway where either pedestrians or bicycles are prohibited, and are not permitted on sidewalks, paths or trails where a municipal by-law prohibits their operation.

4.  When does the pilot start?

The regulation permitting a Segway pilot took effect October 19, 2006.

5.  When does the pilot end?

The pilot ends five years after the start of the pilot.

6.  What happens after the end of the pilot?

• Prior to the end of the pilot, the ministry will assess the data and information gathered from the pilot and will make a final decision on whether to continue to allow Segways and how to legislate the Segway.
• If necessary, the pilot can be extended to allow more time for pilot evaluation.

7.  Why is the pilot only five years? Why should people spend $6,000 to $7,000 (Canadian) to buy a Segway that they may not be able to use when the pilot ends in five years?

• Pilots are usually of a short duration. Part of the goal of this pilot is to test whether Segways should be allowed on roads and sidewalks in the long-term.
• Our plan is to use this trial experience to determine whether Segways are safe for use on public roads and sidewalks and whether or not Segway use should be allowed among the general public.
• The ministry recognizes the potential of the Segway as a mobility aid and as a vehicle that can assist public service workers.

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The People

1.  Who will be able to use Segways?

Individuals aged 14 and older with a disability that impairs their mobility, Canada Post employees delivering mail door-to-door and police officers will be able to use Segways on public sidewalks and roads.

2.  Why is there an age restriction?

Some jurisdictions that have legislated Segway use have also included an age restriction. An age restriction has also been recommended by safety evaluations conducted on Segway use in other jurisdictions.

3.  What about other people interested in using Segways?

• The Ministry of Transportation is not considering permitting the general public to use Segways on public sidewalks and roadways at this time.
• Interested individuals will still be able to use Segways on private property.

4.  Why are only certain groups being included in this pilot?

There is a public perception that allowing Segways on public sidewalks and roads could comprise the safety of pedestrians, particularly for seniors and young children. This pilot will allow a limited number of Segways to operate on sidewalks and roads in the province. This will give the ministry a chance to evaluate Segway safety while limiting the public's exposure to these devices.

5.  I have a disability that affects my mobility. How do I find out if I can ride my Segway on the sidewalk in my municipality?

Persons with disabilities interested in using a Segway should contact their local city councillor or municipal public works department to determine what the by-laws are regarding motor vehicles on sidewalks in their community, before purchasing one of these devices.

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The Law

1.  Why did the province not exempt Segways from municipal bylaws banning motor vehicles from sidewalks, paths and trails?

• Municipalities are best qualified to manage the mix of pedestrians and vehicles on municipal sidewalks.
• This regulation preserves local decision-making but allows municipalities the option to pass bylaws to allow Segways on the sidewalk and in other pedestrian areas.
• In municipalities where Segway use is banned on sidewalks, Segways will still be able to operate on the roadway.

2.  What requirements will a person need to meet to operate a Segway during the pilot?

• During the pilot, Segways will be treated like pedestrians when they operate on the sidewalk and like a bicycle when they operate on the shoulder of the road. This means:
  • No driver's licence required
  • No written test required
  • No vehicle registration or plate required
  • No requirement for insurance.
• The pilot is open to police officers for the purpose of law enforcement, and also to Canada Post employees for the purpose of delivering mail door-to-door
• Individuals14 years of age and older with a disability that impairs their mobility can also use Segways.
• Individuals under the age of 18 will be required to wear a safety helmet when operating a Segway.
• Only the devices known as the Segway Human Transporter or Segway Personal Transporter, manufactured by Segway Inc., are eligible for the pilot.
• The Segway must be equipped with front and back lights and a bell.

3.  Would Segway operators have to follow the same laws as other pedestrians?

• When Segways are being used on sidewalks, Segway operators would be subject to the rules of the road that apply to pedestrians under the Highway Traffic Act.
• If the Segway is being used on roadways or highway shoulders, the traffic laws that apply to bicycles and cyclists would apply to the Segway operator.
• There are a few rules that apply specifically to Segway operators:
  • If travelling on the sidewalk, paths, walkways, they cannot ride faster than the speed of pedestrians using the same sidewalk at the same time;
  • Segway operators must yield to pedestrians and bicycles, if there is not enough space to safely pass;
  • If using the roadway, Segway operators must make any left turns by crossing at the crosswalk as a pedestrian.

4.  What are the fines associated with offences related to Segway use?

Segway operators would be liable to a fine of between $250-$2,500 if convicted of violating the requirements of the pilot (age restriction, helmet use, etc.).

5.  Will Segways riders be required to satisfy safety requirements?

• Segway operators under 18 years of age will have to wear a bicycle helmet, and all Segways operating on public sidewalks and roads must be equipped with a bell and front and rear lights (the rear light may be attached to the person).
• Segways operating on sidewalks will also be limited to travelling at a walking speed.

6.  Why don't all Segway riders have to wear helmets?

• The helmet requirement for Segways is consistent with Ontario's current bicycle helmet legislation, which requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets but allows adults the freedom of choice.
• Segways also travel at lower speeds than most cyclists, and will be limited to travelling at a walking speed on sidewalks.

7.  Will there be some type of identification on the device to let people and police know it is being used for the pilot?

No; only Segways operated by the police, Canada Post employees or individuals with mobility disabilities are eligible to participate in the pilot. Anyone else operating a Segway on roads or sidewalks will be automatically in violation of the pilot and subject to charges under the piloting authority.

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See also: New and Alternative Vehicles: Information Update