Legislation to regulate Segways moves ahead

After a live, in-committee room presentation of how Segway scooters worked, the House Public Utilities and Technology Committee voted Tuesday to approve legislation that would regulate the devices.

HB315, sponsored by Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, is the result of a request by the growing Segway industry.

David Purinton, with Segway of Utah, told the committee that the bill will establish a framework of traffic and safety rules for the vehicles.

Tilton said specific rules were needed because the device is addressed by current Utah law. "It's not a bike, not a wheelchair," he said.

Rep. Mel Brown, R-Coalville, asked for a demonstration of how the device operated and Purinton obliged, rolling up the ramp that lead committee's desk.

The legislation does things like define exactly where a device can be driven.

It passed the committee with unanimous support. It goes on to the House for further debate.