MEDINA, Minn. (WCCO) – A Medina man pulled over for driving a Segway under the influence has beat those charges – again. In fact, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Segways are exempt from DWI laws.
Last February, police in Medina pulled over Mark Greenman on his way home from a bar. His blood alcohol tested 0.19.
However, the Minnesota court ruled that a Segway is a personal assistive mobility device, which, like a wheel chair or scooter chair that both go under 15 mph, is exempt from DWI law. Bicycles are also exempt.
So, Greenman’s charges were dropped.
“This isn’t a vehicle that is meant to be driven on the roads or the highways. It’s mainly for people who are disabled to get around,” said
Attorney Kevin Sieben says the list of motor vehicles you cannot drive is extensive.
“Boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, cars, anything that has a motor and moves essentially,” said Sieben.
Even though Segways, wheelchairs and bicycles are not covered under DWI law, you can face other charges if you operate them while drunk, including public intoxication or careless driving.
