In recent months, we have seen a ton of explosion around the two-wheeled electric scooters, deemed “hoverboards.” But if you own one or considered putting it on your Christmas wish list, you’ll need to steer clear of New York City – the NYPD have banned the two-wheeled electric vehicles. Those caught zipping around town on them will be fined a ticket for up to $500.
The devices propel forward when riders stand straight up and gently lean ahead, accelerating up to 10 mph. With a $400 to $1000 price range, the device has become an alternative method of transportation adopted by several people looking for a more efficient way to get around the city rather than taking a bus or train. But because people walking the streets of the city have bumped into or passed someone trying to maneuver themselves on the handlebar-less devices, the Department of Transportation is cracking down.
“Hoverboards are prohibited by New York State Law since they are considered motor vehicles that cannot be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles,” an NYPD spokesperson said.
Other vehicles forbidden from registration in New Yok include mini bikes, off-road motorcycles, go-karts, golf carts, and motor-assisted bicycles. Although hoverboards are not on that list, the DOT made it clear that the motorized self-balancing devices including Segways and hoverboards are illegal.
Questions regarding the legality of these devices arose when the 26th Precinct tweeted a reminder telling residents that the boards were against the law, under the NYC Admin Code 19-176.2. But police confirmed that they are indeed illegal as they cannot be registered.
New York is not the only place to ban these hoverboards either; there is a wide ban in the U.K. for using the devices in public, according to The Telegraph.
So for those who want to hoverboard all they want, consider moving to LA because they will be legal anywhere under a new legislation set to take effect January 1.
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