City Councilor Sal LaMattina (East Boston, North End, Charlestown) says he knows firsthand what it's like to get run into by a Segway - and wants to keep it from happening to people on busy commercial streets in Boston.

LaMattina told the council today that when he worked for the city transportation department, when Segways were new, he and transportation Commissioner Tom Tinlin went to Segway headquarters in New Hampshire to check them out. Company officials told them a pedestrian couldn't get hurt if hit by one - but he wanted hard proof, so he told Tinlin to get on a Segway and ram him.

"Let me tell you, it hurt," he said.

"Clearly, clearly, they cannot be operated on busy commercial streets like Hanover Street or Newbury Street," he said, calling for regulations on just where the two-wheeled vehicles can go.

Councilor Bill Linehan (South Boston, South End), agreed: "All we need is mechanical machinery running up and down our sidewalks, he said. "This is a walkable city, not a Segway city."

The next step is for the council to hold a hearing on the vehicles. LaMattina's call for a hearing.

Earlier:

Some North Enders fed up with tour groups on Segways.