Are Hoverboards illegal? (Everything You Need to Know)

If you are a fan of hoverboard and intend to buy one soon, then the question of “Are hoverboards illegal” must have popped into your mind. Well, we have read your mind and tried to answer this question in an easy manner. Scroll down to read it.

Are Hoverboard Laws Different?

It is a known fact that like every other law, the laws associated with hoverboards are different in every country. In many cases, like in the US, the laws differ from city to city as well. So, you should check with the local authorities to know whether hoverboards are illegal in your locality or not. Here, we have covered the laws of some prominent countries.

Are Hoverboards Illegal in the US?

If you are wondering that whether hoverboards are illegal in the US, then you should know that the laws vary from state to state.

In most states, riding a self-balancing scooter is allowed on private property but not on streets, sidewalks or the roads. In New York, if you are caught riding a self-balancing scooter in a public area, you might need to pay a $500 fine. According to New York State Traffic Law 114-d, self-balancing scooters are illegal.

In California, the rules are quite different. A new law, AB 604 that was implemented at the beginning of 2016 says that hoverboards fall under the category of “electrically motorized boards”.

If you want to ride them in the streets, you must be older than 16, years of age, ensure that you are wearing a helmet and sober (no alcohol). If you break the law, you might end up paying a fine of up to $250.

Are Hoverboards Illegal in the UK?

The Met police have tweeted that riding a self-balancing scooter on roads and pavements is illegal. They are also illegal to ride on public property as per guidance shared by the Crown Prosecution Service.

In London, the Highway Act 1835 is enforced that bans riding vehicles on the pavement. If an offender breaks this law, he or she may need to pay a fine of up to £500. The offender also needs to cover any damage that they do while riding. A 51-year-old man has been fined for riding his swegway on the pavement. He ended up paying £340.

Are Hoverboards Illegal in India?

India doesn’t have any laws regarding smart balance wheel as there have been no incidents of hoverboard catching fire or complaints regarding this means of transport.

Are Hoverboards Illegal in Canada?

As per The Motor Vehicle Act of British Columbia, self-balancing scooters are not allowed on sidewalks adjacent to streets in cities. They are also not allowed on the roads because they can’t be registered or insured, according to the information shared by the Vancouver police.

Are Hoverboards Illegal in Australia?

In Australia, you can ride a self-balancing scooter on private property if you have permission from the owner of the property or you are the owner.

You can’t ride a self-balancing scooter on Australian roads, footpaths, and other road related areas. It’s because they don’t have a vehicle identification plate which is considered as a mark of compliance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.

Where Can You Ride a Hoverboard?

In most countries, you can ride a hoverboard on private property. The ideal riding ground would be a flat surface where the self-balancing scooter can be easily maneuvered. It will also not cause any damage to the device or the rider. To know more in this regard, read below.

Can You Ride a Hoverboard Outside?

Only your local law enforcement body will tell you whether you can ride it at sidewalks, parking lot or the neighborhood cul de sac. You should never try to ride the self-balancing scooter on steep hills or a big slope.

Here is a video for hoverboard riding test on different terrain like sand, grass and so on:

Can You Ride Hoverboard on the Sidewalk?

It is highly recommended that you don’t ride a self-balancing scooter while on the sidewalk. It’s not only illegal in most countries, but it can also harm your safety. A Gulf Shores resident Timothy Cade claimed that the self-balancing scooter caught fire when he rode it about 100 feet on a sidewalk.

Can You Ride a Hoverboard on Grass?

It 6.5-inch that you ride a self-balancing scooter on grass, ensure that the grass is small if you need to ride on it. The hoverboards that can self-balancing on grass must have 8.5-inch tires, high torque power, strong motors and aluminum hubs. Riding on grass is extremely slow, difficult and might be problematic if the grass gets stuck in the wheels.

Can You Ride a Hoverboard on the Carpet?

You should never ride a self-balancing scooter on a carpet at your home as it may bind under the wheels or you might slip. If you need to practice riding a hoverboard on a rough surface like carpet, ensure it’s a commercially installed carpet.

Can You Ride a Hoverboard on Gravel?

Yes, you can ride a hoverboard on gravel. Just make sure that the wheels of the self-balancing scooter you are riding are more than 8.5 inches. Standard hoverboards have just 6.5-inch wheels that are not enough to handle the coarse rock fragments and you might feel very bumpy.

Can You Ride a Hoverboard in the Rain?

Well, it depends on the situation. If you are about to reach home and it’s only a slight drizzle, you can use the hoverboard to ride. In contrast, if it’s raining heavily, you must be smart to walk on foot and protect the self-balancing scooter in your arms.

Always remember that though several models of hoverboards are water resistant, they are not waterproof and can’t tolerate much water. The same rule applies to ice and snow. Your hoverboard’s sensitive circuits won’t be able to handle riding in ice, snow or rain, so you better avoid it.

Hope you have a clear idea now about are hoverboards illegal in different countries and where you can ride your hoverboard. Enjoy your riding!