Is the Airwheel legal as they say?
Discussion
Legal for pavements, not roads. Are they right?
http://www.maplin.co.uk/medias/AirWheel-legal-docu...
Bert
http://www.maplin.co.uk/medias/AirWheel-legal-docu...
Bert
Not correct at all - they allude to getting the opinion of the 'Met' which presumably means they stopped someone in uniform on the street in London and asked a loaded question.
No such thing as an 'unclassified vehicle' - it's not permitted for road use because it fails to meet the requirements for lighting etc of a motor vehicle, which is what it is. The motor is far too powerful for it to fall under any of the alternatives, most of which require pedals to be attached.
It's basically a Segway so all the same restrictions apply. You can use it on private land, with the land owners permission, but nowhere else.
No such thing as an 'unclassified vehicle' - it's not permitted for road use because it fails to meet the requirements for lighting etc of a motor vehicle, which is what it is. The motor is far too powerful for it to fall under any of the alternatives, most of which require pedals to be attached.
It's basically a Segway so all the same restrictions apply. You can use it on private land, with the land owners permission, but nowhere else.
It would be fun to ask the bufton who wrote that very carefully worded letter to indemnify any of his customers against prosecution.
The Airwheel is clearly not in the same category as a skateboard or a pair of roller skates, as unlike them it is powered. That makes it classified as a motor vehicle. It is illegal to use except on private land with the permission of the landowner, as it does not meet any of the criteria which would allow it to qualify for use on the highway, e.g. as an electric bike or a disability scooter.
Subject was done much more comprehensively here last year, btw.
http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&a...
The Airwheel is clearly not in the same category as a skateboard or a pair of roller skates, as unlike them it is powered. That makes it classified as a motor vehicle. It is illegal to use except on private land with the permission of the landowner, as it does not meet any of the criteria which would allow it to qualify for use on the highway, e.g. as an electric bike or a disability scooter.
Subject was done much more comprehensively here last year, btw.
http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by Lowtimer on Tuesday 28th April 14:32
Lowtimer said:
It would be fun to ask the bufton who wrote that very carefully worded letter to indemnify any of his customers against prosecution.
The Airwheel is clearly not in the same category as a skateboard or a pair of roller skates, as unlike them it is powered. That makes it classified as a motor vehicle. It is illegal to use except on private land with the permission of the landowner, as it does not meet any of the criteria which would allow it to qualify for use on the highway, e.g. as an electric bike or a disability scooter.
They are not saying it meets the criteria for highway use. Just for pavement use.The Airwheel is clearly not in the same category as a skateboard or a pair of roller skates, as unlike them it is powered. That makes it classified as a motor vehicle. It is illegal to use except on private land with the permission of the landowner, as it does not meet any of the criteria which would allow it to qualify for use on the highway, e.g. as an electric bike or a disability scooter.
Bert
There are no criteria allowing for the use of a motor vehicle on the pavements, except for the disabled buggy / 4mph category, which it does not meet. See the other thread from last year. Legally an Airwheel is in a similar position to that of a Segway.
Edited by Lowtimer on Tuesday 28th April 14:35
Oh, I see them from time to time round London. Mind you, you see quite a lot of things going on round London which may not be within the letter of the law.
I think the UK marketing so far is based on the notion that they might as well sell as many as they can as it's the users, not the vendors, who are liable for prosecution when nicked using them in public places. And from casual observation it does not appear that the law is being enforced with any great passion with regard to these things anyway. No doubt at some point one will be involved in mowing down a little old lady or colliding with a pram and then the full majesty of the law will groan into action.
I think the UK marketing so far is based on the notion that they might as well sell as many as they can as it's the users, not the vendors, who are liable for prosecution when nicked using them in public places. And from casual observation it does not appear that the law is being enforced with any great passion with regard to these things anyway. No doubt at some point one will be involved in mowing down a little old lady or colliding with a pram and then the full majesty of the law will groan into action.
May also need insurance soon, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance...
Lowtimer said:
as it's the users, not the vendors, who are liable for prosecution when nicked using them in public places.
However, having made specific statements as to the legality of the device they would be exposed I imagine should someone rely on their statement and get nicked.Bert
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