Pilot Applicants Receive Approval to Test Drive Segways

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians may soon notice a new type of vehicle on our roads as Segway pilot participants begin to offer tours.

Three applications were submitted to participate in the pilot program and all three were approved. The successful participants are Segway Nova Scotia in Halifax Regional Municipality, McGinley's Yard and Garden Equipment Inc., Truro and Chester Marine Services Ltd., of Chester.

"We're pleased to support these local businesses, as well as provide an opportunity for Nova Scotians to test out a new form of transportation," said Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "I also want to assure people that safety is at the heart of the pilot. The department will be closely monitoring rider and road user experiences."

The government introduced a pilot project to test and evaluate Segway use on streets and sidewalks. When used on sidewalks, Segway users must yield to pedestrians and are not permitted to exceed six kilometres per hour. The terms and conditions of the pilot permits can be cancelled or amended if significant concerns are raised.

"Safety is our top priority," said Max Rastelli, Segway Nova Scotia. "We hope people will give this eco-friendly technology a chance. The Segway pilot project will give visitors and locals alike a unique way to experience our cities and our province."

Applications can still be submitted to participate in the pilot project for the remainder of the pilot period, which ends in January, 2016. Evaluation results will help determine whether amendments will be made to the Motor Vehicle Act to permanently allow Segway use.

The pilot application form and additional information can be found at http://novascotia.ca/tran/roadsafety/segwaypp.asp .

Anyone with questions, comments or feedback on Segway use can e-mail Segwaypilotproject@gov.ns.ca .