Personal mobility deviceSweden

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76. Personal mobility device

A personal mobility device, also called a personal transporter, is a compact device designed to transport one person over relatively short distances. Examples can include kick scooters, electric scooters, skateboards, self-balancing devices and mobility devices.

Personal transporters may be powered by the user's own effort or by an electric motor. Their legal classification, maximum speed, minimum riding age and permitted place on the road vary between countries, so users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Personal mobility device
A segway. (Nevada, United States)
Wikimedia.org • Maurizio Pesce • CC BY
What is a personal transporter?

A personal transporter is a compact device designed to transport an individual, commonly over relatively short distances.

What are examples of personal transporters?

Examples can include electric scooters, kick scooters, skateboards, self-balancing devices, monowheels and certain mobility devices.

Is an electric scooter a personal transporter?

Yes, commonly. Electric scooters are one of the most widespread forms of motorised personal transporter, although their precise legal classification varies between countries.

Is a personal transporter the same as a bicycle?

No. A bicycle is primarily propelled through pedals or hand cranks. Personal transporters can use other methods of propulsion and may belong to a separate legal category.

Is a personal transporter the same as a moped?

Not necessarily. Low-speed personal mobility devices are often classified separately from mopeds. Devices exceeding specified speed or construction limits may fall into another vehicle category.

Can personal transporters use cycle paths?

This depends on the country and type of device. Motorised personal transporters are often permitted or required to use cycle infrastructure where available.

Can personal transporters use the pavement?

This depends on local law. Motorised devices may be prohibited from ordinary pavements, while people using non-motorised devices at walking speed may sometimes be treated as pedestrians.

Is there a minimum age for using an electric personal transporter?

Some countries impose a minimum riding age for electric scooters and similar motorised devices. The applicable age and exceptions vary between jurisdictions.

Can you carry a passenger on a personal transporter?

Only when the device is specifically designed and legally permitted to carry passengers. Most ordinary electric scooters are designed for one person only.

Do personal transporters need lights and brakes?

Motorised devices may be subject to requirements concerning lights, reflectors, brakes and audible warning devices. The required equipment depends on local traffic and technical regulations.

Is a helmet compulsory on a personal transporter?

This varies between countries and device categories. Even where a helmet is not legally compulsory, wearing an appropriate helmet can provide additional protection in a fall or collision.

Can you modify a personal transporter to make it faster?

A modification that increases the vehicle beyond the legal speed or technical limits may change its classification or make it illegal for use on public roads.

1 Sweden 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Built-up area 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Shared-use path 8 Toll road 9 Quay 10 Slope 11 Bus stop 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Pedestrian crossing 16 Railway crossing 17 Crossing animals 18 Roadworks 19 Height limit 20 Selective barriers 21 Traffic lights 22 Pedestrian lights 23 Traffic mirror 24 Cycling route 25 Parking 26 No parking 27 No stopping 28 Reversing 29 Licence plate 30 Charging station 31 Dangers 32 Bus 33 Police 34 Ambulance 35 European emission standard 36 Pothole 37 Path 38 Particulates 39 Air pollution 40 Rush hour 41 Road code 42 2+1 Road 43 2-1 Road 44 Street gutter 45 Cargo bike 46 Forestry vehicle 47 Construction vehicle 48 Semi-trailer truck 49 Trolleybus 50 Speed pedelec 51 Delivery vehicle 52 Idling 53 Tow truck 54 Four-wheel drive 55 Bicycle 56 Motorcycle equipment 57 Rail track 58 Caravan 59 Trailer 60 Tow hitch 61 Fire truck 62 Siren 63 Convoy 64 Emergency vehicle lighting 65 Agricultural machinery 66 Electric bicycle 67 Electric vehicle 68 Pedelec 69 Quadricycle 70 Microcar 71 All-terrain vehicle 72 Van 73 Recreational vehicle 74 Scooter 75 Trikke 76 Personal mobility device 77 Skateboard 78 Segway 79 Kick scooter 80 Roller skates 81 Mailman 82 Hitchhiker 83 Toddler 84 Child 85 Disability 86 Motorail 87 km/h 88 mph 89 Speedometer 90 Ride height 91 Dirt road 92 Driving 93 Start-stop system 94 Manual transmission 95 Automatic transmission 96 Throttle 97 Tachometer 98 Steering wheel 99 Power steering 100 Visual scanning ...