Segway scooter use now allowed by law

Manchester Union Leader ^ | 16 February, 2002 | Lori Ayotte

[NewHampshireDuo]

CONCORD (AP) — New Hampshire is ready for the popular new Segway scooter to shuttle residents around towns.

Gov. Jeanne Shaheen yesterday signed a bill allowing the machines on sidewalks and roads.

“It has the potential to revolutionize transportation in this country,” Shaheen said before signing the bill. “It also has the potential to make a huge difference in New Hampshire.”

The Segway, invented by Dean Kamen of Manchester, is a one-person, battery-powered scooter whose speed and direction are controlled by the rider’s shifting weight.

Supporters tout it as an invention that could significantly reduce traffic and pollution in urban areas.

The device also could create hundreds of well-paying jobs in New Hampshire as its popularity grows, Shaheen said.

Other lawmakers who gathered for the occasion said that it’s in the state’s interest that Segway succeeds. The machine spotlights New Hampshire as a high-technology state that’s willing to help entrepreneurs, they said.

“This is the coolest thing that I’ve ever seen,” said Deputy House Speaker Michael Whalley, R-Bow. “I think this is an example of New Hampshire’s tradition of being first.”

Under the new law, Segway riders would have the same rights and duties as pedestrians but would be required to yield to walkers. Cities and towns would have the right to regulate their use.

The law also establishes a supervisory committee to study how the scooters fit in with pedestrian traffic.

Kamen, who was on hand for the bill signing, said a model of New Hampshire’s proposed legislation was sent to all 50 states. Many are moving forward with it, he said.

The Segways will be manufactured in Bedford.

[NewHampshireDuo]

The law also establishes a supervisory committee to study how the scooters fit in with pedestrian traffic.

They won't.

[NewHampshireDuo]

Actually, the scooter is just a proof of principle and other applications will follow. One of the best, I predict, will be the incorporation of Segway gyro technology in SUVs so that they will be more tip proof. This will permit SUVs to drive over compact cars with impunity.

[Seeking the truth]

This will cure cancer!
This will cure the common cold!
This will eliminate poverty
...etc.

Remember the EV1

[SamAdams76]

If only New Hampshire had sidewalks to use them on.

[ASA Vet]

allowing the machines on sidewalks and roads

In New Hampshire in Jan & Feb? This should be entertaining.

[Glenn]

I want one. It would give me back hours of time over the course of a week. Hours I could use doing good.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

thank goodness you know they are going to save the world dont you?

[FreedomPoster]

Remember the EV1

I saw one of those the other day. Atlanta was a big test site for those failures. "Big" being a relative term. I doubt there were more than 20 or 30.

[NewHampshireDuo]

If only New Hampshire had sidewalks to use them on.

I beg to differ, there's a sidewalk about 10 miles from where I live. Rumor has it there are some other ones around too. The town of Bedford, where these things will be assembled, may even put in one.

[FreedomPoster]

I want one.

Me, too, so I can use it on my treadmill.

[Jerry_M]

Duh?

So New Hampshire has already permitted the use of these things on sidewalks? I am sure that those "Segway deprived" pedestrians are going to love this!

[Glenn]

so I can use it on my treadmill.

I'm serious! The company I work for has a huge campus in Pittsburgh which I am forced to traverse several times daily. This gizmo would save me significant time.

[NewHampshireDuo]

In New Hampshire in Jan & Feb? This should be entertaining.

Make that October through April. Deduct the rain days and bug season and you can use them for part of May and Sept.

[FreedomPoster]

I am sure that those "Segway deprived" pedestrians are going to love this!

Where's the SHT Assistance Program to provide poor little ole deprived me with my "right" to a SHT? It's "unfair" that only the "rich" have SHT's.

[PaulJ]

Remember the EV1

Excuse my ignorance, but what is an EV1?

[FreedomPoster]

Yeah, I think for a very few people, these things could be really useful. Large university campuses might be another place, though bicycles are really handy in that environment, and go faster. I don't see it becoming a serious mass-market item.

[genefromjersey]

Live free or die ! ( Ayuh .) Git outa my way, Granny ! I'm livin' free,an' if you don't move a lot faster, you're gonna DIE !

[NewHampshireDuo]

Think of the aftermarket: mud flaps, off road tires, decals, stereo (with subwoofer), lights, bells, personal air conditioner, rain cover, radar detector, cell phone accessories, a Segway CB channel....

Someone with some artistic ability should sketch up a "full featured" Segway.

[FreedomPoster]

General Motor Electric Vehicle 1. I think that Atlanta was one of the big test sites due to the limited need for heat (easy winters, the main reason for our surplus of Yankees). Using stored electrical energy to produce cabin heat is totally inefficient thermodynamically, and really reduces already-limited vehicle range. Conventional engines use waste heat to provide cabin warmth.

[ken5050]

The trial-lawyers will end up killing it....First time someone hits a pedestrian, and sues..the state will pass a bill requiring registration, license, and insurance......and the medical bills for the operators will be huge...