PEDESTRIANS will have to share the footpath with Segways from next month with Queensland becoming Australia's first state to give the stand-on vehicles free rein on public walkways.

Segways are banned in New South Wales and in other states, Segways can only be used in approved guided tours because of safety concerns.

But Transport Minister Scott Emerson said he was satisfied that safety restrictions placed on Segways meant they could coexist on footpaths without incident.

He said users would have to be at least 12 years old and wear an approved bicycle helmet, the machines will be speed-limited to 12km/h and be required to have lights and reflectors at night and in bad weather.

''Segways will be restricted to footpaths, bike paths and only be able to travel on a road at a normal crossing point,'' Mr Emerson said.

''These restrictions are tougher than many European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands and the majority of American states.''

Director of Segways Queensland Brett Walton said the vehicles were transforming the way modern society functioned across the world.

''They provide a safe option or travel, but they're also increasing productivity in the same way laptops and mobile phones have,'' said Mr Walton.

''Time is money, and if you're moving faster, you're going to be able to do more.''

He said their uses were not limited to tourist ventures with Segways increasingly used by airport security overseas, as well as policing and warehousing operations.

''At Daytona Beach (in the US) they're using them for beach patrols,'' Mr Walton said.

''Unlike other beach vehicles, there's no risk of running over people because you can see right down to your feet.''

A spokeswoman for Mr Emerson said Segways could not be used on beaches designated as roadways, such as Fraser Island.

''Generally councils have control of the foreshore on Queensland beaches,'' she said.

''It will be up to local authorities to allow the use of personal mobility devices.''

Fines for breaching Segway rules will be the same as those applied to pedestrians and cyclists, including a $110 penalty for failing to wear a helmet.

A spokeswoman for Mr Emerson said speed enforcement for Segways was not necessary because they could not go faster than 12km/h.

But Mr Walton said Segways could travel at up to 20km/h and it would be up to riders to observe the speed limit.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey has previously indicated he would consider using Segways to help police next year's G20 forum in Brisbane.

There are believed to be about 500 Segways privately and commercially owned in Queensland but Mr Walton said that figure was certain to rise, despite the $11,000 price tag.

''They are the future,'' he said.

Segways are banned in the UK and some cities of the US but are popular throughout Europe and Asia.

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