What you should know about Segway-style vehicles

Buy in a shop or online?

Many people order Segway-style vehicles and hoverboards online, often from online shops based in other countries. You do not need any permits or approval to do this. However, you should remember that as a consumer, you are better protected if you buy products in a Norwegian shop. This is because this gives the shop responsibility for ensuring that the product is safe. If you order from abroad, more of the responsibility is transferred to you.

Do you intend to sell it or give it to someone?

If you buy a self-balancing vehicle abroad with the intention of selling it or giving it to someone, you are then classed as an importer. This means you have an obligation to ensure that the product is safe, which includes making sure that it comes with the necessary documentation. You should also bear in mind that you could be held responsible if the product you import causes an accident.

What are the requirements applicable to self-balancing vehicles?

Segway-style vehicles and hoverboards that are imported and sold on the Norwegian market are classed as machinery. This means that, as products, they are subject to the safety requirements stipulated in the Machinery Regulations, and the manufacturer must document that these requirements have been met. The manufacturer must also ensure that the products bear the CE mark.

If the requirements are not met, there can be various consequences. For example, the product could be stopped by the customs authorities, or the importer could be refused permission to sell the product on the Norwegian market.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration stipulates requirements on how Segway-style vehicles may be used, and what equipment they must be fitted with.

Who checks the products?

Many people believe that the Norwegian authorities still check and approve all products on the market, or check everyone who sells products. This is not the case, but they do perform market inspections of shops, importers and manufacturers. As a product authority, DSB also works closely with the customs authorities to check products that come in to the country.

The authorities in various European countries also exchange information about dangerous products. If you as a consumer discover that a product is or could be dangerous, you should report your concerns to DSB. You would be helping to ensure that dangerous products are kept off the market.

You can use this link to report your concerns to DSB and/or see which products other people have reported as dangerous.