I know this is not strictly an ebike thread but..

[Ettica]

Maplins are selling the Airwheel http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/airwheel-s3-a20tj which seems to be a copy of the Segway. This one is 1000w and they state in their blurb that although it can't be ridden on the road that it is legal to use on a pavement or in a park. I have emailed them with the query about the legality of this claim and they replied that
'As yet this product is not 'classified' so there are not restrictions for using them other than 'road use'

On the Segway UK distributors website it has a disclaimer:

Please note that at this moment in time as the Segway PT is not yet classified under any UK law, the Department for Transport have said that they are not allowed to be used in public areas such as the roads or pathways. We are working with the DfT to get the Segway PT sanctioned for use only on the roads and cycle ways. For now a rider should only use their Segway PT on private property.
​

So how can Maplin advertise it as legal to use on the pavement?

 

[flecc]

.
They can't, it's clearly illegal in any public area, as should be charging that much for it.

To clarify, it doesn't conform to any of the exemptions from two wheel motor vehicle type approval and is therefore a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle cannot stray from the road unless the user has the express permission of the landowner.
.

 

[Ettica]

Thank you flecc, as I thought, but you put it in a nutshell. Seems like they are using the fact that as it is not 'classified' yet, then it is ok. Really maskes me annoyed that they can flout regulations and not be truthful to unsuspecting buyers.

 

[Mike63]

[QUOTE
it's clearly illegal in any public area, as should be charging that much for it.
][/QUOTE]

...what a rip off....who on earth would buy one?
Could get a nice ebike for two and a half k

 

[Ettica]

having a facebook discussion on their page. Can't believe what their saying.
https://www.facebook.com/Maplin/posts/1056578631036730?comment_id=1057362464291680&offset=0&total_comments=7&notif_t=feed_comment_reply

 

[flecc]

Thank you flecc, as I thought, but you put it in a nutshell. Seems like they are using the fact that as it is not 'classified' yet, then it is ok. Really maskes me annoyed that they can flout regulations and not be truthful to unsuspecting buyers.

The importers of illegal mini-motos and powered pavement scooters do the same, taking advantage of the fact that they cannot be prosecuted for selling them. The illegality only starts when those vehicles come into use in public areas.
.

 

[Ettica]

The fact that they state in the blurb that it IS legal to use on pavements and public parks, surely this is wrong? They must be in breach of adverising standards or something.... really annoys me...

 

[JohnCade]

The fact that they state in the blurb that it IS legal to use on pavements and public parks, surely this is wrong? They must be in breach of adverising standards or something.... really annoys me...

Some dealers selling S pedelecs do the same, and some buyers have been unaware that they are illegal here.

 

[flecc]

The fact that they state in the blurb that it IS legal to use on pavements and public parks, surely this is wrong? They must be in breach of advertising standards or something.... really annoys me...

I'm sure you are right, but advertising complaints have to be individually complained of to the ASA with no prospect of them prosecuting. At most they'd merely issue an adverse ruling some while later.

A mislead buyer could seek financial redress though and even ask for prosecution by trading standards.
.

 

[EddieH]

I sent in a review of this stating it is illegal and to my surprise they have posted it up.