MartinM wrote:
> Pedals were not
> specified. How does the Segway break this law?
I've just cut-and-pasted the below from the dft. Note the mention of
pedals. It is also specifically listed as a motor vehicle.
Also note that you cannot legally drive a motor vehicle unless you are
"in possession of ... road tax". So, that'll be the Inland Revenue then.
Also note the section on roller blades copied for the benefit of whoever
it was that brought them up.
d.
*********************
10.3 Legal status of various transport devices
10.3.1 Some of the following devices are powered but not all such
vehicles are classed as motor vehicles for the purposes of Road Traffic
Legislation. Any device classed as a motor vehicle can only be legally
operated by someone in possession of a driver's licence, road tax, and
insurance. These vehicles also have to be registered and must be fitted
with a registration plate or plates. Motor vehicles cannot normally be
used on footways, footpaths, or cycle tracks.
Manual/electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters
10.3.2 These are categorised as invalid carriages and are broken down
into three categories:
* Class 1 - Manual, self propelled or attendant propelled wheelchairs.
* Class 2 - Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters for footway
use only, with a maximum speed of 4 mph.
* Class 3 - Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters with a
maximum speed of 8 mph for use on roads. When used on footways they must
not exceed 4 mph and be fitted with a converter which prevents that
speed being exceeded.
10.3.3 An invalid carriage can be used on footways, footpaths,
bridleways or pedestrianised areas providing that it is used in
accordance with the prescribed requirements. Invalid carriages have no
specific right to use a cycle track but users commit no offence in doing
so, unless an order or local bye-law exists creating one. Powered
invalid carriages are not classed as motor vehicles for the purposes of
Road Traffic Legislation (Road Traffic Act 1999, section 185(1)). As
Class 3 carriages can be used on the road, care should be taken when
preparing the wording of a Traffic Regulation Order for cycle lanes so
that these vehicles are not inadvertently banned from using them.
Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs)
10.3.4 These come under the 1983 EAPC regulations and provided they
comply with them, they can legally be used where ordinary pedal cycles
can. EAPCs can only be ridden by someone of 14 years or more. They are
not classed as motor vehicles for the purposes of Road Traffic
Legislation. The requirements for a conventional (single-seat) assisted
bicycle are that it:
* has a motor not capable of exceeding 200w continuous output;
* weighs not more than 40kg unladen;
* has pedals which can propel the machine; and
* has a motor which does not apply power above 15 mph.
10.3.5 If the machine is a tricycle, the above applies except that the
motor can deliver up to 250w continuous output and the unladen weight
limit increases to 60kg. If problems emerge with EAPCs, they can be
excluded from a cycle track through a Traffic Regulation Order under
section 1 or 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
Other powered vehicles
10.3.6 Apart from cars and motorcycles etc, examples include golf
buggies, the segway human transporter, and any powered scooters or bikes
that do not comply with the EAPC regulations. They are all classed as
motor vehicles for the purposes of Road Traffic Legislation. Their use
is therefore prohibited on footways, footpaths and cycle tracks.
Unpowered scooters and skateboards
10.3.7 The Department's view is that these are capable of being classed
as vehicles (but not motor vehicles). As such, they cannot legally be
used on footpaths, footways or cycle tracks as they have no right of
way, but enforcement is not generally a practicable proposition. That
said, local bye-laws can be created banning them.
Roller blades/skates
10.3.8 It has not been established in case law whether these are classed
as vehicles or not. If they are, they cannot legally be used on
footways, footpaths or cycle tracks. In any event, and as with unpowered
scooters and skateboards, enforcement is not generally a practicable
proposition although local bye-laws can be created banning them.