Vancouver City Council |
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: May 27, 2003
Author/Local: W. Chou/7913
RTS No. 3431
CC File No. 5551
Meeting Date: June 10, 2003
TO:
Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
FROM:
General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:
Segway Human Transporter
RECOMMENDATION
THAT a recommendation be sent to the Province to encourage the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) to review the operation of the Segway Human Transporter device and evaluate its use on the roadway in a manner similar to electric assisted bicycles.
COUNCIL POLICY
The Street and Traffic By-Law prohibits any person from propelling any vehicle (except light carriages or chairs for the conveyance of children or disabled), along, over, or across any sidewalk, boulevard, or seawall except where it is especially constructed for vehicular traffic.
Council recently amended the Street and Traffic By-law to permit skating, skateboards, and push-scooters on non-arterial streets, and with adequate safety equipment.
The City's Transportation Plan gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists over motorized forms of transportation.
BACKGROUND
The Segway Human Transporter has recently become available to the public and is emerging as an alternative mode of transportation. This self-balancing, personal transportation device is battery operated and weighs approximately 38 kg (83 lbs). On a full charge it has a range of 25 km and has a carrying capacity of up to 110 kg (250 lbs) with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. The Segway can be purchased on-line for approximately $7000.
Since the Segway is a motorized device, its use on City streets is regulated by the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA). The Segway does not meet current MVA safety requirements for a motor vehicle so it cannot be licensed and insured. Furthermore, it does not qualify as a bicycle, skateboard, wheelchair, or any other device. As a result, its operation is prohibited on all streets. In the event that it is used on the street, Police will charge and fine the operator with Driving Without Insurance, which carries a minimum fine of $500.
In addition, the City's Street and Traffic By-law prohibits anyone from propelling or operating a motorized vehicle on a sidewalk, boulevard, or seawall except motorized wheelchairs or mobility-aids used to assist individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, over the past several years Council established a Task Force on pedestrians, which confirmed that high quality sidewalks and pathways are the foundation of a safe and effective pedestrian environment, and that bicycle and similar vehicles should not be permitted on sidewalks.
DISCUSSION
Council has encouraged pedestrians and the development of pedestrian communities through a variety of programs such as transportation plans, land use, the Visions program, and infrastructure improvements. This strategy has included small vehicles that extend the range of pedestrians, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. Most recently, Council made permanent a one-year trial to permit skates, skateboards, and push-scooters on local streets.
Prior to recent changes in the MVA, electric assisted bicycles had to be registered and insured by ICBC as limited-speed motorcycles and the operator was required to have a driver's license. Electric assisted bicycles are now treated the same way as regular bicycles. The Segway is fundamentally similar to other small vehicles, like the electric assisted bicycle. It has the potential to improve the mobility and range of pedestrians, and provide an alternative to automobiles for urban dwellers.
For these reasons, it is suggested that there should be a role for the Segway in society. Given its potential speed of 20 km/h, it is not suitable for use on sidewalks. Instead, it should be used on local streets, similar to other small vehicles, and users should wear a helmet, and carry lights at night.
CONCLUSION
Since the Segway is prohibited on City streets under current MVA regulations and its use on sidewalks would likely be unsuitable, it is recommended that ICBC be encouraged to conduct a review of the Segway Human Transporter and evaluate its use on the street in a manner similar to electric assisted bicycles.
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