Overview

This bill aims to legalize the use of self-balancing electric personal vehicles (like Segways) on pavements and roads in the UK, clarifying their legal status and removing existing restrictions.

Description

The Electric Personal Vehicles (Use on Highways) Bill seeks to amend existing road traffic legislation to accommodate self-balancing electric personal vehicles. Specifically:

• Use on Pavements: It permits the use of these vehicles on pavements, overriding any existing prohibitions.
• Road Traffic Acts: It exempts these vehicles from various provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the Road Traffic Act 1988 (except for causing danger by interfering with motor vehicles), and the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. They will not be treated as motor vehicles.
• Specific Exemptions: Sections 1 to 4, 21, 34, 163, 170 and 181 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 will not apply. An exemption from section 83 (concerning vehicle construction and use) is also granted.
• Definitions: The bill clearly defines "self-balancing electric personal vehicle" (small, electric, gyroscopic, one-person vehicles) and "footway" (covering pavements, footpaths, bridleways, and similar rights of way across the UK).
• Geographic Scope: The act applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The cost of enacting and enforcing the legislation is likely to be minimal. No specific figures were provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Users of self-balancing electric personal vehicles: They will gain the legal right to use these vehicles on pavements and roads, potentially increasing convenience and mobility.
• Pedestrians: The increased presence of these vehicles on pavements might raise safety concerns, requiring adjustments in pedestrian behavior and potentially additional safety measures.
• Law enforcement: They will need to adapt their practices to accommodate the new regulations.
• Local authorities: They might need to review and potentially amend local by-laws regarding pavement usage.

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