Hoverboards are a type of self-balancing scooter that can move over flat surfaces. These machines are commonly referred to as hoverboards, Segways, or self-balancing scooters. New rules governing the use of hoverboards were recently approved by the government. The following is a list of new laws for hoverboard.
They are not allowed on main roadways or sidewalks; however, they are permitted on small residential roads. A pedestrian is not allowed to use a hoverboard on walkways, cycle lanes, public streets, or public beaches. It is not permitted at junctions with bike lanes.
New Law for Hoverboard 2022
A person under the age of 16 is not allowed to use a hoverboard unless accompanied by an adult who is insured in the event of an accident. If a child is permitted to use a hoverboard, the parent or legal caretaker is responsible. It is illegal for children and adults to use while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Hoverboards are not allowed at bus stops, taxi stands, or other public transportation locations. They are also not allowed to be used near existing railroad tracks with no barrier between them.
Individuals who break the guidelines will be fined. There is also the chance of civil claims resulting from a mishap.
Essential features of Hoverboard – Section AB 604
A person is allowed to ride a hoverboard on public roads as long as they follow these guidelines:
- Under 16-year-olds are not permitted to use a self-balancing scooter unless accompanied by an adult who is insured for any mishaps that may occur.
- It is illegal to ride a self-balancing scooter while high on drugs or booze.
- While riding a hoverboard, a user cannot wear headphones or any other listening device that fully covers both ears at the same time.
- A self-balancing scooter may not be used to transport anything other than personal belongings included in the initial packaging.
- The user cannot attach themselves to another vehicle while riding on the self-balancing scooter
- Riding a hoverboard close to existing railroad lines with no barrier between them is illegal.
- A self-balancing scooter cannot be used near a public pool unless it has one of the following features: a mechanical braking system, a caution label about the risks of riding near water, or a barrier separating riders from swimmers.
- Hoverboards are not permitted to be used at bus stops, taxi stands, or transportation platforms.
- An individual under the age of 16 cannot ride a hoverboard in the dark unless accompanied by an adult.
- A self-balancing scooter must be used safely and only on city sidewalks with a speed restriction of 25 miles per hour or less.
Read Also: Can Hoverboards Explode?
Hoverboard Laws in the other US States
New York State – Using a hoverboard while under the effect of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
Washington D.C. – A hoverboard may not be used at bus stops, taxi stands, or transportation facilities. A violation of the rule will result in a $50 fine.
Oregon – A self-balancing scooter must be used safely and only on city sidewalks with a lower speed restriction.
Georgia – Under 16-year-olds are not permitted to use a hoverboard unless monitored by an adult who is insured for any accidents that may occur.
Wisconsin – The device cannot be used at bus stops, railway stations, on sidewalks, or while under the influence.
Hoverboard Laws in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, riding a hoverboard on public streets and highways is illegal. This regulation went into effect in October 2016 after two people were killed by hoverboards, and it was made permanent in February 2017. Hoverboards are not allowed at bus stops, taxi stands, or public transportation platforms. It is also illegal to use a hoverboard while under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.
These are not allowed on public highways or roads. This rule is not without precedent. For example, if you are disabled, you may use it on the sidewalk as long as you are not passing a traffic signal. Furthermore, police officers are allowed to use hoverboards on public streets. Despite the fact that they are only permitted to be used “in the event of an emergency,”
Anyone under the age of sixteen is prohibited from riding a hoverboard in any public location unless they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is at least 18 years old and has mishap insurance. Furthermore, it is illegal to offer these devices to anyone under the age of sixteen.
Hoverboard Laws in Other Countries
A number of countries have placed a ban on hoverboards including:
France – Hoverboards are prohibited on all public roadways and sidewalks due to the potential for fire.
Switzerland – Electric wheeled vehicles are not permitted on public roads in the nation. Driving an electric scooter without a license is also prohibited.
Germany – Germany, like most other nations, prohibits the use of hoverboards on public roads and sidewalks. Anyone under the age of 14 is also prohibited.
Oman – The use of hoverboards in all public spaces, including roads and sidewalks, is prohibited in the nation.
Singapore – Hoverboards are prohibited on all public transportation, including cabs, buses, and trains. Sidewalks and roads are also included.
India – Electric self-balancing scooters have been banned by transportation officials, making them illegal to ride in any city or town.
Taiwan – Due to safety concerns, the nation has banned the use of hoverboards on roads and sidewalks, and children under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride them.
Thailand – Hoverboards are not permitted on public transportation, including roadways, paths, and sidewalks.
Malaysia – The use of self-balancing vehicles on highways or in public places is prohibited by the country’s land transportation regulations.
Portugal – Hoverboards are illegal to ride on public roads, sidewalks, and paths in Portugal, but they are legal to use on private land.
Oregon – Riding hoverboards on public roadways and sidewalks is against the law.
Rhode Island – The state bans people from riding electric scooters and motorized skateboards in public ways.
Why Are These Laws Needed?
Hoverboards have caused concern among consumer safety organizations and the public. As the popularity of hoverboards has grown in recent years, there have been more reports of accidents involving them both locally and internationally.
UL is a non-profit organization that provides services for product safety testing, review, and certification to ensure that products meet electrical and fire safety standards. The UL works with companies to improve product safety. The gold-on-black UL Mark, which is commonly found on electrical and fire-prevention equipment, is the most recognizable feature of UL.
Hoverboards are not presently required to be UL certified, but they will be in the future under certain conditions. The new laws are designed to increase consumer safety measures on these devices.
What Can Businesses Do to Comply?
Companies that sell hoverboards must open an account with UL and pay the testing cost to ensure that their products are compliant. These businesses must also ensure that any hoverboards they plan to sell meet stringent requirements, such as having UL-certified battery chambers.
What are the requirements for New York State Hoverboard Law?
The new laws for hoverboard require all sold in New York State to be outfitted with UL-certified battery compartments.
– UL requires companies to conduct two kinds of tests.
– Hoverboards must pass a charging test, which simulates charging a hoverboard by plugging it into an electrical outlet.
– A second test determines whether there are any flammable materials close or inside the battery compartment that could start a fire.
– If a hoverboard fails either of these tests, it will not obtain a UL certification sticker and will be prohibited from being sold in New York State.
– Two kinds of battery compartments can assist a hoverboard in passing UL testing.
– A battery chamber with “venting.” These sections are perforated to allow the batteries to breathe. This keeps the batteries cool while in use, which is essential for safety.
– A “non-venting” battery compartment is the second variety. These sections are fully sealed.
– UL requires that any hoverboard with a non-venting battery compartment complete a third test that simulates a real hoverboard accident. Batteries are crushed especially to determine whether they will catch fire or explode during a fall or collision.
What do I need to Know as a Consumer of hoverboards?
– Consumers need to understand that UL certification is not the only safety standard for these devices. Other organizations have also started testing and certifying their standards.
– While a UL certification sticker on a hoverboard is a positive indication, it does not guarantee your safety from hazardous materials or malfunctions.
– Consumers should also be cautious of imitation goods. These devices may appear to be UL certified, but they were manufactured by a different firm and lack all safety precautions.
– As with any merchandise purchased by a consumer, if the price appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is.
– Customers must conduct study and buy from a reputable retailer.
– UL also has a recall page that lists all of the products that they have certified. This is the quickest method to determine whether or not a hoverboard you want to purchase is UL certified.
FAQs
Q: What is the new hoverboard law?
The new laws require all hoverboards to be outfitted with UL-certified battery compartments. No online retailer, distributor, or manufacturer shall sell, supply, offer to sell, or supply, any self-balancing scooter, wheeled footwear, or similar product in the state of New York that is not in full compliance with the above-mentioned law.
Q: Who is this law for?
A: The new laws apply to all citizens, regardless of where a hoverboard is purchased. Hoverboards must be UL-certified if sold anywhere. Additionally, businesses that sell hoverboards must ensure they are UL-certified before selling them.
Q: What are the penalties for non-compliance?
A: Failure to follow these new laws will result in a penalty of up to $100 per hoverboard sold without a UL certification sticker. If more than five hoverboards are found to be without this certification, retailers may face civil or criminal charges under New York State law.
Q: What is UL?
A: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization that tests and inspects products to help manufacturers meet safety guidelines such as the new hoverboard laws.
Conclusion
Law enforcement-related legal problems have evolved along with the modernization of the globe. To encompass any new technology that joins the public spectrum, new laws must now be created. Even though marketing corrosive chemicals is prohibited by law. Everyone would gain if there were specific rules aimed at preventing the use and selling of illegal hoverboards. To ensure that hoverboards continue to operate safely, new laws for hoverboards need to be placed in place.