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New York City: ‘Hoverboards’ Are Illegal

Earlier this week, the NYPD’s 26th Precinct posted on Twitter that ‘hoverboard’ motorized scooters, which are becoming increasingly popular on city streets, are in fact illegal. The NYC Dept. of Transportation confirmed this yesterday, saying violators face a potential $500 fine.

From VIN News by Glen Silver:

In an attempt to quell confusion over the legality of the handlebar-less motorized devices known as “hoverboards” that are becoming increasingly more visible on the city’s streets, DOT reps confirmed on Wednesday that the self-balancing vehicles are in fact “illegal” and that riding one in public could cost you up to $500 in fines.

ABC7NY.com reports that confusion over the legality of “hoverboards” has stemmed in large part from the failure of the DOT so far to officially “name” the devices, thus restricting it from officially placing the vehicle on the list of other vehicles currently banned from city streets, like go-karts, mini-bikes, off-road motorcycles, and golf carts.

Confusion intensified after the 26th Precinct recently sent out a tweet reminding the public that the crafts are illegal.

In confirming the illegality of “hoverboards,” DOT reps said the device is viewed as a motor vehicle that cannot be registered by the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York.

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5 Comments

  • Anonymous

    As far as kids go it’s like riding a bike on the side walk, once they reach their teens it’s up to the law enforcement discretion.

    Now if someone is in a mood ,a parent can get in trouble for child endangerment like if you let your child use dangerous equipment.

  • I don't get it!!!

    These silent electric bikes can ride anywhere including sidewalks, they sneak up to you with virtually no sound to warn you , before they run you over, for years they ignore red lights , and other traffic signs, posing a much bigger threat to our safety, yet within a restively short amount of time these harmless forms of transportation have the police concerned. address this pressing issue and make the electric bikes illegal , they are real problem!!!!!