Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
segway.jpg

This is the second essay from Alex Marshall. As a journalist and author Alex has written extensively on transportation issues, he is a senior fellow at the Regional Plan Association where he edits the bi-weekly Spotlight on the Region newsletter.

A guy on a Segway rolled by me the other day on 15th street to the east side of Union Square. I can't remember whether he was wearing a helmet, but I do remember his pursed lips and worried eyes. He seemed to fear a judgmental gaze or remark, and to be preemptively avoiding that by staring straight ahead.

Whatever the actual reason for it, his tense expression metaphorically indicated to me the somewhat beleaguered place Segways occupy on our streets and sidewalks. Although tiny in actual number, in mind-share the Segway has occupied a lot of space due to the successful publicity blow-out before the machines were introduced in late 2001.

As part of this juggernaut, its inventor Dean Kamen spent many millions getting them approved for sidewalk use in most places, but he hit a snag in New York State and in the city particularly, where he found sidewalks and streets more contested ground. Here cycling and pedestrian advocates have managed to keep it in limbo legally, neither completely denied but definitely not completely permitted. That hasn't stopped the police from trying them out though. The Segway made news recently because the NYPD bought ten of them for officers to use in Central Park and other areas.

From a practical standpoint, the Segway's current legal status might be okay. But as a precedent, the hostility against the Segway from the "street" community troubles me. I'm reminded that one discriminated or beleaguered minority is supposedly more likely to discriminate against another minority rather than embrace them. There's not enough room for all of us, seems to be the view of many cycling and pedestrian advocates.

This is a pity, for it's not the right approach to the use of streets. Rather than enshrining particular devices, there should be an attitude of "Everyone into the pool" when it comes to streets. With some exceptions at either end of the scale, generally streets within urban areas should accommodate all types of traffic. Urban designer and writer Michael Sorkin, in a class of his I spoke at CUNY, talked of the streets of Bangladesh and how they contained animals, cyclists, cars and other traffic, all moving along at about 12 mph, absent any particular rules or regulations.

A New York equivalent of this might be a good thing. The very act of encouraging everyone to use the street will slow down and tame automobile traffic, which is the primary threat to all other users. At least in streets, Segway users should mix easily.

Sidewalks however might be a different story. Sidewalks are narrower than streets, and consist now just of walkers, at least legally. Well actually, there are joggers. And conventional scooter riders. And wheelchair rollers. Can Segways be added to this list?

I speak as someone who has ridden a Segway a few times and fallen in love with them, at least a little. The technology is simply amazing. They operate as if by magic. They roll where you want with no audible noise or power source. While I don't see them replacing bicycles or any other transportation medium, I do see them being potentially part of the urban street mix. Which is precisely where they have been most opposed.

For the moment, Segways are a specialized product. But as promoters of street and sidewalk use, cyclists and pedestrians should welcome, and not fear, such newcomers.

Photo: Kyle Jones/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

The ‘Problem’ With E-Bikes? The Super Fast Illegal Ones

New Yorkers are riding illegal vehicles marketed as e-bikes with little to no-consequences, and it's a safety problem.

October 21, 2025

The ‘War on Cars’ Is Worth Fighting — And Here’s What Life Might Look Like When We Win

A first book from the prolific podcast hosts offers a solid foundation for would-be advocates against automobility — and some new ammunition for veterans.

October 21, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Carnage All Over Edition

Monday's papers were a blood tide of crashes. Plus other news.

October 21, 2025

‘Outrage’: Pols — And Even DOT Boss — Protest Trump’s Block on 34th St. Busway

A huge rally in Midtown to urge President Trump to get his meathooks off our transit included DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who is poised to capitulate.

October 20, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Uncharted Territory Edition

"No Kings" means hands off our busway. Plus the news.

October 20, 2025

More Tantrums: City Halts 34th Street Busway After Threat from Trump DOT

The feds threatened to cut city and state funding if New York doesn't halt all work on the 34th Street busway so the FHWA can review the project.

October 17, 2025
See all posts