If you want to hyperwalk down the London sidewalk, expect a ticket.
Hands-free hoverboards of all varieties are explicitly forbidden on public roadways and sidewalks in London, according to a tweet by Metro Police.
Own one of these or thinking about getting one? They’re illegal to ride in public! Info here: http://t.co/We85yLAzsU pic.twitter.com/vMm0hxNAjs
— MPSSpecials (@MPSSpecials) October 11, 2015
The tweet links to the Segway guidance section of their FAQ, which explains that any self-balancing scooters must be “approved via ECWVTA or MSVA in order to be licensed and registered” to be street legal.
They are also illegal on sidewalks because they qualify as vehicles. The only place hoverboards are explicitly legal in London is on private property, and with the property owner’s permission.
@brandonbolaa @garry_whu @SE9londoner We haven’t “banned” them, the legislation already existed before they became popular
— MPSSpecials (@MPSSpecials) October 11, 2015
@SoAppalledAtYou Nope, but the wheels are powered by electric motors which enable it to move, therefore legally it’s a “motor vehicle”
— MPSSpecials (@MPSSpecials) October 11, 2015
@SE9londoner It’s because they’re technically motor vehicles & therefore have to be registered, licensed & insured to ride on public roads
— MPSSpecials (@MPSSpecials) October 11, 2015
Hoverboards have caused controversy in the United States as well, especially at airports. This summer, rapper Wiz Khalifa was detained by customs agents for riding his board in the Los Angeles airport.
All because I didn’t want to ditch the technogy everyone will be using in the next 6 months. Do what you want kids. pic.twitter.com/7F0KIQgFrA
— Taylor Gang World Leader (@wizkhalifa) August 23, 2015
H/T Jezebel | Screengrab via Hyper Walk/YouTube
