After being banned in the U.K. last month, the popular Segway-style hoverboards have been banned in New York City.
According to Gothamist, the 26th Precinct of the NYPD recently announced the news on Twitter, writing: “Be advised that the electric hoverboard is illegal as per NYC Admin. Code 19-176.2” However, the tweet has since been removed, leaving some confusion regarding the law.
The questioning comes surrounding what is classified as a motorized scooter, as per the aforementioned code’s suggestion:
“For purposes of this section, the term ‘motorized scooter’ shall mean any wheeled device that has handlebars…” — the hoverboards do not have handlebars.
“For the purposes of this section, the term ‘motorized scooter’ shall not include electric powered devices not capable of exceeding fifteen miles per hour…” — the hoverboards have a max speed of 6 mph.
To clarify the confusion, NYC Department of Transportation have explained that the electric hoverboard is illegal because it’s considered a motor vehicle that cannot be registered with the DMV, therefore it’s prohibited by law.
If you are caught riding a hoverboard in NYC, you will be fined $500.
