Foot placement sensor and self-balancing vehicles having same. The foot placement sensor may be configured in or with a self-balancing transportation device that has a least a first foot platform. The sensor may include an emitter of electromagnetic radiation (or other suitable signal) that is propagated, at least in part, over a portion of the foot platform and a receptor positioned to receive this emission. Interruption of the emitted radiation at the receptor may indicate the presence of a user's foot at the platform. One suitable emission type is infrared light, among other suitable types. Various embodiments are disclosed including in two-wheel, one-wheel and paired-wheel self-balancing vehicles.