Sidewalks sought for electric scooter

Wednesday, April 9, 2003 | 9:48 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- It hasn't caught on with the general public yet, but the Segway Human Transporter has captured the hearts of at least a few state senators.

The Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday quickly approved Senate Bill 363 to permit the electric stand-up scooter to be driven on the sidewalks.

Because it will fall under pedestrian guidelines, it won't require any motor vehicle licensing or proof of insurance.

Before the committee meeting, legislators, lobbyists, press members and others took demonstration rides on the device, which has no brakes, no engine, no throttle, no gearshift and no steering wheel.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, who introduced SB363, told the committee the Segway doesn't pollute or tip over. Thirty-three other states and the District of Columbia have approved using the device on the sidewalk.

Matthew Dailida, director of state government affairs for Segway, said in the 15 months it has been in use, there has not been any report of one of the units being involved in a pedestrian accident.

It is being tested by the U.S. Post Office, the U.S. Forest Service and by local governments for parking enforcement, said Titus.

Because the Segway can travel at up to 12.5 mph, Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, asked about the possibility of it running down pedestrians.

Dailida said people who buy the Segway units, which cost $4,950, must take a four-hour training course on how it works and etiquette in riding on the sidewalk.

Care also asked whether approving the bill would prevent local governments from restricting the devices. Fred Hillerby, a lobbyist for Segway, said cities or counties could impose limits on their operation. SB363 is expected to be voted on in the full Senate sometime next week.