Originally published in the Montreal Gazette on October 4, 2014. Photo by Vincenzo D’Alto.
“Segways are zero-emission modes of transportation, they don’t take up much space, and different studies have concluded that they’re as safe as bicycles. So why didn’t they ever catch on?
The biggest hurdle is categorization, with transportation departments worldwide struggling to classify the Segway and regulate its use. Is it a motorcycle, a moped, or a kind of bicycle? Should it be allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, or roads? It’s so befuddling that three-quarters of Segway’s Wikipedia page is devoted to detailing several countries’ varying, and often strict, bylaws on the glider.”
OLIVIA COLLETTE 