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Nova Scotia could allow Segways on roads

Staff   

Electronics CEL

Nova Scotia is taking steps to be the first province to allow Segways and other personal transportation vehicles on roads, sidewalks and bike lanes.

Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan says the proposed changes to the provincial Motor Vehicle Act recognize the economic opportunity represented by wider use of the vehicles.

The vehicles would not be allowed on roads with a speed limit higher than 60 kilometres per hour and can’t travel faster than 20 kilometres per hour on a road or seven kilometres per hour on a sidewalk.

MacLellan says the proposed change follow a pilot program announced in May of 2014 that allowed the two-wheeled vehicles to be used by companies in Halifax, Truro and Chester.

MacLellan says drivers will be required to wear helmets and there would also be a minimum age of 16 for a driver to operate a personal transporter on their own.

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Max Rastelli of Segway Nova Scotia in Halifax says the government’s move should have national implications.

He says provinces like Ontario and Alberta have been trying to get similar legislation enacted for years, and he hopes Nova Scotia’s legislation speeds up that process.

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