Amendments to Allow the Use of Segways

Proposed changes to the Motor Vehicle Act will allow the use of Segways and other personal transporters on Nova Scotia's sidewalks, bike lanes and roads.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan tabled the amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act today, Nov. 26.

"Safety was the key consideration when determining whether permanent changes should be made to the Motor Vehicle Act to allow the use of personal transporters such as Segways," said Mr. MacLellan. "The results of an almost two-year pilot project on Segways were positive with no negative impact on the safety of all road users."

Along with providing alternative transportation options for people with mobility challenges, Segways and other personal transporters will provide opportunities for economic growth and help small business owners. There are potential benefits for a number of people and businesses, such as postal employees, police, emergency services personnel, tour operators and tourists.

"We're thrilled to see government understand the importance of the tourism industry, and appreciate how an innovative product like the Segway can create new tourism opportunities," said Max Rastelli, owner of Segway Nova Scotia. "It's also exciting to see the legalization of a new, safe, eco-friendly mode of transportation for all Nova Scotians."

Segways and personal transporters, including self-balanced electric scooters, are self-balancing electric vehicles with two side-by-side wheels and designed for one person.

Nova Scotia is the first province to make Segways and other personal transporters a permanent part of the Motor Vehicle Act and allow them on sidewalks, bike lanes and roads.

The proposed amendments include safe operating and equipment requirements, and rules of the road.

Operators will be expected to share the road with pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. On a sidewalk, pedestrians will have the right of way. On a bike path or a road, operators will have to yield to a cyclist.

There will be strict rules, including using helmets and a minimum age of 16 for drivers, or 14 with a guardian's consent for guided tours. Personal transporters cannot operate on roads with a speed limit higher than 60 kilometres per hour, or travel faster than 20 kilometres per hour on a road or seven kilometres per hour on a sidewalk.