History

• The California EPMAD laws were initially designed to encourage the use of EPAMDs as an environmentally friendly way to reduce traffic congestion. The initial legislation governing the use of EPAMDs hoped they would enable individuals, public servants and businesses to conduct some of their business and get around without using cars or other gas-burning vehicles. The original law was enacted in 2003 and expired in 2008, when it was replaced by a similar, updated law. The expanded law also had the stated purpose of helping California to maintain its leadership in research and manufacture of green transportation by having a favorable regulatory environment.
  
  

Definition

• A definition of EPAMD is found in the California Vehicle Code, section 313(a). It is defined as a self-balancing, non-tandem two-wheeled device that can turn in place. To be an EPAMD, the vehicle must be designed to carry only one person and must have an electric propulsion system that averages less than 1 horsepower (750 watts). EPAMDs must have a maximum speed, on a level paved surface, of less than 12.5 miles per hour. The California EPAMD laws only apply to vehicles meeting this description.
  
  

Required Safety Devices

• California law requires every EPAMD, including the Segway, to have front, rear and side reflectors and a braking system. The law requires EPAMDs that are used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise to have a headlight that emits a white light. The light should be on whenever the EPMAD is in motion, should light up the area in front of the driver and must be visible from a distance of 300 feet in front of the EPAMD. A horn of some type is also required by law.
  
  

Location

• California law allows EPAMDs to be used on public sidewalks, roadways, bike paths, trails and in bike lanes. However, EPAMDs may only use sidewalks if they are no larger than 20 inches deep and 25 inches wide. This means that the Segway XT and Segway x2 are not legally allowed to drive on sidewalks in California. California law also requires all EPAMD drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians and disabled people using assistive devices and guide animals.
  
  

Additional Restrictions

• California law makes it illegal to operate an EPAMD at an unsafe speed for the conditions or in a reckless manner or at a speed that endangers others. Both the original law and the updated law allow local jurisdictions to restrict or regulate the use of EPAMDs in order to ensure the safety of people using sidewalks or bike paths. This allows cities and jurisdictions to prevent EPAMDs from using bike paths or trails, or to restrict the hours of the day they can operate. Many jursidictions in California do limit their use in some way. The City of San Francisco, for example, allows EPAMDs to be used in bike lanes but not on sidewalks.