The most hyped device of today’s era is the hoverboard. Kids or teenagers usually want to take it everywhere whether they are allowed or not. Malls are visited, so it often raises the question of whether hoverboards are allowed in the mall or not.
Hoverboards are self-balancing scooters, and in many places, they are considered personal transport that is not allowed in the malls for safety reasons. Some countries allow it in public places with restrictions, and many don’t.
There should be a close check on the rules and regulations of hoverboards so no mishap can occur. Here you will counter the places where you can use the hoverboard and if they are legal or not.
What Are The Reasons Behind Hoverboards Not Allowed In The Mall?
Due to safety reasons, hoverboards are not allowed in the mall. You should be aware and understand the fact of the ban, so no rules are broken, and you might also be careful and not do this. The reasons are as follows.
- When these hoverboards were introduced, there were many cases of explosions recorded. They were because of the battery of the hoverboard catching fire. One incident of hoverboard catching fire happened in Texas after the Christmas sale. Since then, they have just banned hoverboards in malls.
- A mall is a public place; hence, riding this electric scooter can disbalance you and bump into others.
In short, hoverboards can be risky for other people, and their life can be at stake due to any injury occurring by this. Some areas do allow riding of hoverboards in the mall. These have specific features like skid-free tires, lithium-ion batteries, LED light, etc. it depends on the property owner if they allow it or not.
Where Can You Ride The Hoverboard?
Where to ride a hoverboard is a controversial topic. No matter how much hype is created or kids, teenagers, and youngsters like them. They are not allowed everywhere. Most hoverboards are not allowed in public places, but you can ride them in private places. So you need to be careful about the restriction, or else you must pay a heavy penalty.
A hoverboard can only be used inside the house if the property owner allows it. As in many countries, the property is not owned by the people living in it. So you need to be careful about it.
There are many public places like parks, stadiums, malls (shopping centers), markets, airports, and universities where people often like to take their hoverboards with them. But the restriction at such places varies. Mostly the examples of the US are taken as hoverboards are mostly preferred there.
- Parks:
Hoverboards are not allowed in public parks. But if the park is private, you can enjoy the ride only after seeking permission, so no issue is caused later. However, they are strictly banned in Disneyland parks.
- Malls:
After the incident of the hoverboard catching fire at the mall, they were completely banned in the mall. Before that, no such restriction was there.
The hoverboard produced at the start did have battery problems. But now, with the advancement of technology, they have improved and are working on the cause to resolve it. Many malls have still banned it just because of the safety of people. For example, hoverboards in the malls of UAE, especially in Dubai, Texas, and Qatar, are banned.
Some malls have built a special area where you can drive these hoverboards, skates, and such things to have fun without hesitation.
- Airports:
Hoverboards are banned in many airports over fire concerns. As if any undetermined explosion happens, whole passengers can be at risk in the flight. If you want to take your hoverboard with you can send it to a few courier services or contact the airline that allows certain hoverboards.
For taking it along with you, you need to turn it off, remove the batteries and pack it well. The main issue is the battery. The airport that allows it might check if the battery is a UL 2272 certified battery as they want to ensure the safety of everyone.
- Other places
In many countries, they are not allowed on the roads or sidewalk pavement. Hoverboards are not allowed at many universities and schools like the University of Alabama, Colorado, Missouri, etc. More than 31 states of the US have these restrictions. Hoverboards are also not allowed in the stadium and changing rooms in case any short circuit occurs.
Are Hoverboards Illegal?
Hoverboards are not illegal but banned in many public areas. Although when they were first developed, they just captured the market, all these restrictions took place when the incident of hoverboards catching fire started. Every state has different rules regarding this, so you might need to see the local government laws so that you might not violate any rules.
USA
In the USA, hoverboards are not allowed on public forums. New York has passed a law regarding this. But it doesn’t mean you can not buy or use it. It can be used inside the house. They are just not allowed in public places where any other person can be in danger.
UK
The UK considers hoverboards as motor vehicles. But as they are not licensed, that’s why they are not allowed on the streets and are considered illegal. Violation of rules can cause you a heavy fine.
California
In California, hoverboards are allowed on streets but under certain conditions. There is an age limit for riding the hoverboard. They should be UL certified and has speed limit restrictions. The rider needs to wear safety gear.
Australia, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong do not allow it. Now it is clear that the rules and regulations vary according to the country or city’s local laws. Some might allow hoverboards on the road as they consider their motor vehicles, and some might not allow them.
Final thoughts
The controversy of hoverboards being allowed in some places and not all is never-ending. It depends on the state and local government laws. In a public place like a mall, it is banned as other people get hurt with the children riding on hoverboards the malls. Though if the owner agrees, you can enjoy it in the mall too.
In reality no one with this device would surely want to remain in the house. They want to get out and ride on it to have fun. But to save yourself from the penalties you need to consider the laws and act accordingly. Also it is advised to buy a hoverboard that fits into the environment and is safe as per safety standards.
