SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

NZ cops can't ride their segways

Police in a New Zealand town have been forced to return to walking the beat after their Segway scooters were deemed illegal to use in public.

segway_moss_100928_B_AP_1905153449

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS


Skip to article content

Police in the North Island town of Taupo had been using two of the electric-powered Segways, bought by the local Rotary Club, to patrol the town's streets, Taupo police area commander Inspector Steve Bullock said.

But the two futuristic scooters are now sitting unused because they do not fit into any category under current vehicle legislation.

"In the absence of any class they by default become a motor vehicle, which you can't ride on a footpath or in a public place," Bullock said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Technically, anyone riding a Segway in public was breaking the law under current legislation, he said.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world