Notts Police have warned people using so-called ‘hoverboards’ on pavements they are breaking the law.
Also known as scooter boards, segway boards and gyroboards, the devices are being ridden in cities around the UK since they hit the market a few months ago.
Some riders have even been using them on roads, but police have now said this is illegal and people using them on pavements could also face prosecution,
Sergeant Stephen King, from the city centre’s beat team said: “The legislation says you are not allowed to use them on pavements and also if they were to be used on a road, then that would be another offence under the Road Traffic Act, because they are technically a mechanically powered vehicle.
“The fact that they are mechanically propelled is the main difference from a bike or a skateboard. In terms of a bike, obviously you can still use them on a road but it is an offence to use them on the pavements.”
But it appears the punishment will be at the discretion of individual officers.
Some common sense will be used
Sgt King added: “Some common sense will be used to determine the punishment.
“If it’s a first offence or the person wasn’t aware of the legislation, it might be that we just have to point it out to them.
“If they are a causing a danger to themselves or other people, we might look to prosecute. It could ultimately result in a court appearance although we will try and advise people and warn them about their behaviour, which is the preferred approach.”
Several city businesses selling the boards have sprung up since they became popular in the summer.
One of them Mark Morgan, owner of Gyroboards UK, is hoping trade doesn’t suffer after the clarification on the law.
He said: “There’s a dangerous element, yeah, but there’s a dangerous element to crossing the road.
“They are so much fun to use and it’s not difficult.”
Video: Mark Morgan talks about his gyroboards and how to be safe on them
At the weekend Mayor of London Boris Johnson called for police to allow them to be used on pavements in the capital.
He said: “They are a new and potentially liberating form of personal mobility. We want to legalise them.”
Costing £200 to £400, the boards are often called ‘hoverboards’, even though they don’t hover because of their resemblance to the fictional creation features in the Back to the Future films.
