Berlin - Germany's 16 states appealed Thursday to the federal government to permit use of Segway human transporters. German police on the beat and other workers who walk a lot have been full of praise for the single-axle, electric-powered carts. The driver stands on top. Electronics prevent the 20-kilometre-per-hour vehicles from tipping over.
Under German law, no vehicle is allowed without express approval under federal road law. The US-made Segways have been used so far in about half the 16 states with the help of exemption decrees.
The Bundesrat, representing the states, asked Berlin to legislate so that Segways have the right to use sidewalks and cycle paths anywhere. A key advantage of the devices over small motorcycles is that the Segway is battery powered and has no emissions.
Segway's German distributor said the devices cost 7,000 to 8,000 euros.
