WASHINGTON -- The D.C. Council voted to exempt disabled people from a law prohibiting Segways on downtown sidewalks.
City law prohibits the motorized scooters on sidewalks in Washington's central business district. On Tuesday, the council decided to make an exception for disabled riders, the Washington Examiner reported. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com
The bill was inspired by the plight of Miles Groves, a downtown resident who was stopped by a police officer for operating his Segway on the sidewalk. The 56-year-old has chronic pain and said his Segway gives him more mobility than he would otherwise have.
Groves, who received a warning, said he didn't know it was illegal to be on the sidewalk. Drivers don't like it when he rides his Segway in the street, Groves said.
It's unclear how police officers will determine whether a Segway rider is actually disabled.
