If you’re compiling your Christmas list, don’t put “hoverboard” down – unless you’re going to be road-legal with it.
They’ve been around for a while, and – really – who doesn’t want to be able to career around the streets like Marty McFly? But if you are going to invest in one of these either for yourself or someone else this Christmas, please make sure you are aware of the laws surrounding them.
In Britain, as the self-balancing scooters have a motor, they are regarded by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as a “powered vehicle” – thus illegal to ride on the pavement. At the same time, they are seen as too dangerous for the road, and in any case, they would have to be registered, taxed, and insured to be ridden on any highway. This is not possible as the hoverboards do not meet the requirements to be registered under either British or European regulations for road-legal vehicles.
Essentially, if you want to use one, it has to be used on private ground, and even then with the owner’s permission. This means you can use one in your backyard, garden, even driveway if it’s long enough, but they must not be ridden on the pavement or the road. If you’re going to spend a lot of money on one of these this festive season, ensure you know the rules, and you have enough private land to get value for money out of it. If not, choosing a different present might be the best option.
