Airwheel similar to segway, likely penalty for use ?
Discussion
Having seen a chap zip along the boulevard here in Luanda on an Airwheel I thought it would be a good gift to myself for an upcoming birthday.
It works on the same principle as a segway but is monowheel and very compact.
Anyway the legality of the use is a bit unclear, and I suspect would be the same as a segway, that is only use on private land.
So if I zip around the village I live in there is unlikely to be any repercussions, but if I did use it in the local town what would be the likely penalty should a policeman decide to take action either for use on a pavement, beach boardwalk or on the road ?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Balancing-Turbo-Electric-W...
It works on the same principle as a segway but is monowheel and very compact.
Anyway the legality of the use is a bit unclear, and I suspect would be the same as a segway, that is only use on private land.
So if I zip around the village I live in there is unlikely to be any repercussions, but if I did use it in the local town what would be the likely penalty should a policeman decide to take action either for use on a pavement, beach boardwalk or on the road ?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Balancing-Turbo-Electric-W...
The ones I have seen range from 0.8Kw to 1.7Kw so certainly fall outside the 200w allowed for bicycles, and of course they have no pedals.
Having a quick look I have found a case of a man being fined 70 pounds for using a segway on a pavement, plus the usual costs of course. What if it (airwheel) was used on a road though, could a penalty include points on a licence ? I am thinking probably yes as if it classed as a motor vehicle (stupidly IMO) then using that vehicle without tax/insurance/type approval could be seen as a major offence.
So possible points yes ?
Having a quick look I have found a case of a man being fined 70 pounds for using a segway on a pavement, plus the usual costs of course. What if it (airwheel) was used on a road though, could a penalty include points on a licence ? I am thinking probably yes as if it classed as a motor vehicle (stupidly IMO) then using that vehicle without tax/insurance/type approval could be seen as a major offence.
So possible points yes ?
TooMany2cvs said:
Corpulent Tosser said:
Segways are used all over europe and in the US
...under specific legislation which covers them... And that legislation doesn't apply to the UK. Kids in France can ride mopeds at 14, and only needed plates on them very recently. Kids in the US can drive at 16. Those pieces of legislation don't apply to the UK, either, just as much of UK legislation doesn't apply to other countries. They're different countries. They have different laws. Not "all over" Europe, either, because at least one EU country bans them completely, whilst Denmark, Norway and Switzerland all class them as mopeds.
If you don't like a specific UK law, you have three choices - accept that you can't do the thing you wanted, break the law and accept the risk of prosecution, or move to another country where it's legal.
You are, of course, also free to campaign to change the law whilst you do it. Good luck. The last e-petitions weren't exactly awash with signatures...
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/13038
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5325
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/17451
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/23442
Oh, here's a couple that are still open...
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/64122
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59282
But, in the meantime, b
hing that you don't like the law because it's "unfair" is pointless and makes you sound like a spoilt brat.[quote]electric disabled buggies
Have you considered that walking instead of using a Segway might resolve the issues apparent in your user name? Half of them, anyway.
Edited by TooMany2cvs on Monday 25th August 12:17
As for walking, I generally walk 3-4 miles most days and not that it is at all relevant to the subject but my user name has been in use a long time and my corpulence is greatly reduced from what it was.
I quite liked the thought of one ofthese Airwheels just for a bit of fun, even brats are allowed to have fun occasionally, though the C&U regulations of course temper that fun.
Given your own user name perhaps too long driving 2CVs has removed all inclination to have fun
I don't think they can be compared with mini-moto, top speed 12mph, which is less than electric bikes are allowed, minimotos I have seen are considerably quicker than that.
I have seen segway tours in a couple of european cities and it looks a lot more fun than the usual open top bus tours, it could be an attraction in UK cities too, but clearly we are not considered responsible enough to be allowed to use them in public.
Anyway, given that I don't own enough land to make it worthwhile and the potential of points for using one on the road I think the Airwheel will not be purchased. I will just have to find something else to treat myself to.
I have seen segway tours in a couple of european cities and it looks a lot more fun than the usual open top bus tours, it could be an attraction in UK cities too, but clearly we are not considered responsible enough to be allowed to use them in public.
Anyway, given that I don't own enough land to make it worthwhile and the potential of points for using one on the road I think the Airwheel will not be purchased. I will just have to find something else to treat myself to.
TooMany2cvs said:
FussyFez said:
Well I had a response within an hour or so of sending the email.
- The AirWheel is not a road legal vehicle and therefore should not be used on UK roads.
- The AirWheel is permitted for use on pavements and public parks etc.
Can anybody else spot the massive contradiction here?- The AirWheel is not a road legal vehicle and therefore should not be used on UK roads.
- The AirWheel is permitted for use on pavements and public parks etc.
Ignore the second line. The first one is the important one.
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