When is a motorcycle not a motorcycle?

A motorcycle is a two-wheeled motorized device used for transporting people.

A Segway is a two-wheeled motorized device used for transporting people.

Why does riding a motorcycle require a license, and riding a Segway not?

What are the legal boundaries between a bike, a motorized bike, a Segway, a motorcycle, a motorcycle with a sidecar, and a car?

4 thoughts on “When is a motorcycle not a motorcycle?

  1. Why does riding a motorcycle require a license, and riding a Segway not?

    I blame the relatively slow speeds of the Segway, as well as the auto-balancing sisterboards or what-have-you.

  2. size is probably also a factor. Motorcycles have alot more mass than Segways and have alot more inertia as a result. Once we get mechs, I presume we will require licenses for them as well simply because their size will make them much more destructive (potentially) than a Segway.

  3. I think I’m not making myself clear. If a Segway doesn’t require a license because it only goes 12.5 mph, and other vehicles go faster, what about a hypothetical Segway that goes 20? How about 35, or 50, or 65? Where is the line between between them?

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