Transport Department response to media enquiries on Segway

     In response to media enquiries about the recent promotional activity for Segway HT in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from June 7 to June 9, 2006, the Transport Department today (June 7) issued a statement so people would not be subject to unnecessary liability without their knowledge.

     Since "Segway" is a mechanically propelled vehicle designed and constructed for carriage of its driver and his/her personal effects, it is a motor vehicle under Road Traffic Ordinance, and shall be classified as motorcycle under the same.

     However, as the design and construction of the vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations, this department cannot register or licence the vehicle.

     People who intend to use the vehicle on the road should note that the use of an unregistered and/or unlicensed vehicle on roads, in Hong Kong, including private roads, is an offence.

     A department spokesman advised that the term "road" had a broad definition under the Road Traffic Ordinance, which included highway, thoroughfare, street, lane, alley, court, square, car park, passage, path, way and place to which the public had access. "We wish to advise that people should understand the relevant circumstances and permitted areas for using the vehicle before purchasing one," the spokesman said.

     The department would like to remind the importer and retailer of the vehicle that, when putting the vehicle for sale in Hong Kong, they  should  point out clearly  to potential customers that the vehicle was not legally permitted for use on any road in Hong Kong.  Otherwise, importers and retailers may be liable to prosecution.

Ends/Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:40