Electric scooter can be used on federal walkways, Senate panel says

The new Segway scooter would not be banned from federally funded walkways and footpaths under a bill passed Thursday by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H., the sponsor of the legislation, stressed that local governments would still decide whether to allow the 12-mile-per-hour personal transports to mix with pedestrians. His bill would simply ensure there is no federal law against it.

The legislation (S. 2024) passed on a voice vote, during a brief meeting held in the President's Room in the Capitol. Smith offered a single amendment, to clear up the definition of a "electric personal assistive mobility device" which also passed by a verbal tally.

The company that builds the Segway, which was developed by legendary inventor Dean Kamen, is located in New Hampshire.

Safety advocates have questioned whether the large, heavy motorized vehicles are really appropriate for sidewalks.