somehow i dont believe segway have bad safety record, just more negative exposure when they have accidents...
seems like there are still plenty of segway tours,
i see tour groups in SF, (although they are banned from sidewalks in SF)
recently, I saw some video of rental Ezip scooters in Spain.
here's some links on the laws, focusing on CA/US
(i don't believe there is any difference between seat or no seat)
http://www.electric-bikes.com/scooters/legal.html
http://www.electric-bikes.com/scooters/skateboard.html
http://www.scootercatalog.com/elscla.html
http://www.goped.com/oldsite/html-laws/california.htm
http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/government/departments/pd/traffic/alternative_vehicle.cfm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd11c1a5.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/scooters.htm
(shows a pic of an electric scooter)
(A motorized scooter may be operated on a bicycle path, trail or bikeway, but not on a sidewalk.) + more on road usage.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc407_5.htm
(A "motorized scooter" is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor) (gas motor is referenced also)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc22411.htm
(No person shall operate a motorized scooter at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour.)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21220.htm
legislative intent (this part sounds positive, seems to aim at electric scooters)
Motorized Scooters: Legislative Intent
21220. (a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:
(1) This state has severe traffic congestion and air pollution problems, particularly in its cities, and finding ways to reduce these problems is of paramount importance.
(2) Motorized scooters that meet the definition of Section 407.5 produce no emissions and, therefore, do not contribute to increased air pollution or increase traffic congestion.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature in adding this article to promote the use of alternative low-emission or no-emission transportation.
Added Sec. 5, Ch. 722, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000.
anyways, if you read through the laws,
some stuff seems like conflicting statements,
and vagueness separating gas and electric.
euro laws,
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=54934#p819406
regarding safety,
doubt anyone has done any studies on accidents/injuries for standup motorized scooters...
even if there is, i doubt the validity of it.