The Montgomeryshire MP rode on a Segway Personal Transporter through central London on Wednesday as part of a cross party campaign to allow people to use this safe, self-balancing environmentally friendly electric scooter in public spaces.

The Segway PT convoy travelled from the House of Commons to finish at the Department for Transport, a journey of around five minutes. They then handed a letter to the Government calling for: a Segway PT trial to see how people in the UK could benefit from the devices, and a defined route-map to regulatory approval.

Lembit said: "The British Government seems paralysed with indecision. On the one hand, they say that the Segway PT isn't legal. On the other hand, they are unable to point to a single scrap of evidence in British law to show why they should be banned.

"In truth, the Segway PT is safe, cheap, quick and extremely eco-friendly. They're a sensible choice for anyone making journeys of up to a few miles. And they're proven to work."

Segway PT supporter, Labour MP for Ealing North Steve Pound, added: "With high fuel prices, growing road congestion and the increasing threat from rising carbon emissions, the UK can ill-afford to ignore new modes of transport offering a solution to these problems."

"We are out of step with most countries, which allow Segways to be used in public spaces. I firmly believe the UK should not be left behind and should now support and encourage this innovative green mode of transport," added the Earl of Liverpool.

The devices can be used in public spaces in most European countries, including Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. The Dutch recently granted approval from July 2008. They can also be legally operated within 45 US States and other nations across the world.

Segway PTs are more than four times efficient than the Toyota Prius, the now-famous hybrid electric-petrol car, which has won acclaim across the world for its environmental credentials. They offer an alternative to the four out of five car journeys currently made in the UK that are less than two miles.

Segway PTs are virtually silent, operate emission-free and require no fuel. They can be quickly charged from a wall outlet for just a few pence a day.

The device can operate at up to 12.5mph, but its gyroscopic and electronic technology allows the rider to control the speed no matter how fast or slow, and even balance while stationary. It has a range of up to 24 miles and takes 6-8 hours to recharge.