Segways could be legal on-the-road transportation as early as the beginning of the year.

Currently being tested by the Police, courier company IBC and the Road Safety Council, the electric stand up scooters are reportedly getting rave reviews.

A "minor legislative" change will be needed following the trial period, if it gets the green light by Cabinet, Transport Minister Ewart Brown said.

"We asked all of our committees and councils and board to be unafraid of change so they have gone out and this is one of their out-of-the-box ideas," he said.

"I imagine we could be ready the next session."

Former photographer Robert Territo ? who plans to begin importing the Segways ? has been busy training a handful of people to use them and try them out around Island roads.

A handful of volunteers from the Police service started their training this week and at least two officers can be spotted gliding along on their Segways at the airport.

Another two officers will undergo two weeks training in Hamilton and then it's off to Dockyard for more training, he said.

Government had stipulated that a private sector company be involved in the trials, Mr. Territo explained.

"I chose IBC because we want to put it in the thick of things and see how it goes. I know how it goes because they use it everywhere. We're up to the challenge and so far it's been terrific," he said.

"I have had it a little over a month now and testing in and around St. George's. So far I love it," said Nick Duffy, a St. George's Common Councillor.

"I just find it ideal for when you have to run around town paying the bills. It's the perfect vehicle. I don't have to use the car."

IBC couriers and Road Safety Council chairman Dr. Joseph Froncioni will use the Segways for the next two months following their training.

"If everything gets passed and everything looks good, yes we are going to be importing them," said Mr. Territo.

"It's really terrific, it's very easy, very safe. And all powered by electricity ? no emissions or anything. Nothing is idiot proof, but this is a very safe vehicle for Bermuda."

In fact only one person has been known to fall off it ? US president George W. Bush who got one for his birthday ? sat on it and fell off.

According to Mr. Territo, Mr. Bush's bodyguards were Segway trained so they could train him. But in his excitement the Commander in Chief mounted the craft without taking any instructions and fell.

"He didn't even turn it on, and he fell off it because it wasn't on. Someone caught it on camera and it was hilarious," Mr. Territo said.

The vehicle has three different speed settings ? five, eight and 15 miles an hour ? are fitted with head and tail lights and can be used on the roads or the sidewalks.

In the United States they sell for the price of a scooter, but a Bermuda selling price is yet to be determined.

A full charge lasts about five hours and it can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet.