As of November 15, 2015, Hoverboards have been deemed unfit and illegal for New York City streets, sidewalks, and parking lots.  Reason being that they are considered motor vehicles that cannot be registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mahendra Singh, one of the many native New Yorkers with a Hoverboard states, “I would use my hoverboard to go from point to point. So that would include sidewalks, streets, trails, parks or anywhere in between.  It’s different from other vehicles I have as it’s more expensive and battery powered. Also the way of use and requirements are different as well.”

Hoverboards, also referred to as Hero Boards, can be described as motorized self-balancing scooters, like a sideways skateboard with no handlebars.  Hoverboards don’t actually levitate, they’re more like electric scooters without handles. Fines for driving a Hoverboard in NYC could be up to $200!

Mahendra goes on to say, “Personally, I agree with ban on hoverboards due to the threat to traffic and pedestrians alike they pose.”   While Hoverboards are a majestic and futuristic method of transportation, they do bring up public safety issues.  Maybe in the future we’ll have Hoverboard lanes, just like bicycle lanes and bus lanes were developed to accommodate to various modes of transportation.