Human Transport Bill Glides Through Legislature

Oklahoma is among the first states in the nation to pass legislation regulating Human Transporters with passage of SB 1473. The device, nick-named Ginger when it was first unveiled last year, is a revolutionary, pedestrian-friendly, battery-powered, self-balancing 2-wheel device with built-in gyroscope stabilizers. Senator Glenn Coffee, R-OKC and Representative David Braddock, D-Altus are authors of the measure.

This is an entirely new transportation device. Obviously, it needs to be regulated in some way for safety reasons, but at the same time, we didnt want it to become over-regulated, explained Senator Coffee.

Under this legislation, the Segway Human Transporter would basically be treated like a bicycle while on the street, but it would also be allowed on sidewalks. This is really going to be a fantastic transportation device for people who work in downtown areas, or on large campuses, said Senator Coffee.

The Human Transporter will allow commuters to travel 6 miles in 30 minutes and can go up to 12 miles per hour. It also operates in snow and ice and has cargo space.

The Segway Corporation had one of their Human Transporters on display at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Senator Coffee and Representative Braddock were among those taking a test drive and gave the device two thumbs up. But besides being a fun way for urban commuters to get around, the Human Transporter may revolutionize businesses like mail service.

The U.S. Postal Service has announced that later this year, Oklahoma City and Memphis will begin testing these machines for mail delivery. The carriers will drive a truck to their routes, but instead of walking they will roll the Segways down a ramp and use them for five to six hour delivery periods. These machines are expected to increase delivery speed, and reduce injuries for mail carriers who typically carry bags weighing 35 pounds as they walk eight to nine miles a day, said Representative Braddock.

The Postal Service will use prototype commercial models of the Segway, with racks to carry up to 75 pounds of cargo. While the price for commercial models has not been set, the consumer models are expected to cost from $3,000 to $5,000.

I think it is really exciting that Oklahoma is going to be among the first in the nation to be testing these Human Transporters. Theyre environmentally, friendly, fast and convenient. I can already imagine workers downtown zipping from their office down to Bricktown for lunch and back. Its great to have the opportunity to be a part in the future of personal transportation, said Coffee.

SB 1473 has already been approved by both the House and the Senate and is now headed to Governor Frank Keating for his signature.