diff --git a/numtraits.py b/numtraits.py
index 45d059f..df0c5c3 100644
--- a/numtraits.py
+++ b/numtraits.py
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ def validate(self, obj, value):
         if self.ndim is not None:
 
             if self.ndim == 0:
-                if not is_scalar:
+                if not is_scalar and num_value.ndim:
                     raise TraitError("{0} should be a scalar value".format(self.name))
 
             if self.ndim > 0:
diff --git a/test_numtraits.py b/test_numtraits.py
index 5cd9ff7..96cfef1 100644
--- a/test_numtraits.py
+++ b/test_numtraits.py
@@ -79,6 +79,11 @@ def test_range(self):
             self.sp.f = 7
         assert exc.value.args[0] == "f should be in the range [3:4]"
 
+    def test_scalar_quantities(self):
+        """ Tests for issue #14.
+        """
+        quantities = pytest.importorskip("quantities")
+        self.sp.a = 1*quantities.m
 
 class ArrayProperties(HasTraits):
 
@@ -90,6 +95,7 @@ class ArrayProperties(HasTraits):
     f = NumericalTrait(domain=(3, 4), ndim=1)
     g = NumericalTrait(shape=(3, 4))
 
+
 class TestArray(object):
 
     def setup_method(self, method):