Segways get green light for sure

Segway tours along the Busselton foreshore are in the works, following changes to government regulations allowing the use of the two-wheeled mode of transport on shared paths.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell announced amendments to the regulation to allow the limited use of segways by commercial tour operators this week.

The use of segways is currently prohibited on all roads or paths in WA.

Mr Buswell said the WA Government was the second State in the country to approve the use of segways and it would present a “great tourism opportunity”.

However, he said the use would be subject to restrictions, including seeking approval from local councils in specified areas and strict safety requirements.

Due to safety issues, the amendments would not extend to allow personal use of segways outside the supervised tours.

Segway West is the only segway operator in WA and started their operations at the Busselton Drive-In more than three years ago, before moving to the Old Nautical Lady site last month.

They have also expanded to include operations at The Vines in Perth.

Managing director David Ford told the Times the previous regulations had only allowed him to operate on private property.

He approached Mr Buswell about 20 months ago about the issue, and has labelled this week’s announcement as “extremely positive”.

The change will allow Mr Ford to expand the scope of his business to include tours, other than the introductory courses currently offered.

“It is an untapped market,” he said.

Mr Ford said they had been approached by the City of Busselton regarding tours along the Busselton foreshore.

City community and commercial services director Naomi Searle said the City intended to work with Segway West to trial the proposed segway tours on the shared pathways which ran along the foreshore.

The City believed there was sufficient interest in this recreational pastime to warrant exploring the proposal further and giving it some initial backing, she said.