Segway scooters roll past first hurdle in Legislature

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Highly touted personal transportation devices known as the Segway scooters would be legal to operate on sidewalks and bike paths under a measure approved yesterday by the Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee.

Despite some worries that the high-tech machines would pose a danger to pedestrians, the committee approved a bill that sets their maximum speed at 8 mph and limits their use to people 16 and older.

The Segways, first released two years ago and now available commercially for about $5,000 each, are two-wheeled upright devices controlled by body movements, computers and gyroscopes.

Since their debut to much fanfare, the machines have become regulated in 33 states, but lawmakers here still have concerns about how they should be classified legally, trying to fix them somewhere between gas-powered scooters and electric wheelchairs.

The state Transportation Department opposed the effort to make them legal in Hawai'i, saying it was worried about their use on sidewalks and at night.

Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, the committee's vice chairwoman, voted against the bill, citing safety concerns.

"It's a safety issue in our communities, especially with elders," said Chun Oakland, D-13th (Kalihi-Nu'uanu). "Their safety might be jeopardized."

The Segways already are being used on private property by Ko Olina security workers and in dozens of other communities around the country without any problems, said Lori Lum, a representative for the company in Hawai'i.

"They make a good alternative to a car or walking for many people," she said.

The measure now goes to the Senate. A similar bill to legalize the machines was held by state House lawmakers.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.