Where Can You (Legally) Ride a hoverboard in the UK? Navigating the Law
Hoverboards have fascinated people since they became popular, presenting a futuristic mode of gliding. Yet, for fans in the United Kingdom, the query "where can I ride it?" is vital, and the response is more limited than one might expect. Although they are widely available for purchase, UK law is explicit: the public areas you might imagine riding through are largely prohibited.
The crucial aspect of grasping hoverboard legality in the UK is their categorisation. Hoverboards, along with e-scooters and related devices, are legally categorised as "Personal Light Electric Vehicles" (PLEVs). Crucially, under the Road Traffic Act 1988, PLEVs are considered motor vehicles. This categorisation entails numerous demands that hoverboards are simply unable to fulfill.
The Strict Realities: Public Roads and Pavements
To be absolutely clear: riding a privately-owned hoverboard on public roads, sidewalks (pavements), cycle paths, or any public land in the UK is presently against the law.
Here's why these areas are prohibited:
- Motor Vehicle Requirements: Hoverboards, being motor vehicles, must adhere to the same rules as cars and motorcycles, which encompasses:
- Insurance: hoverboard lack an accessible insurance plan for public road use because they fail to comply with necessary safety criteria and vehicle construction regulations.
- Tax and Registration: In the same way, hoverboard cannot be registered or taxed because they don't meet road vehicle standards.
- Driving Licence: hoverboard don't have a designated driving license category.
- Technical Standards: In the UK, hoverboard typically fail to meet the technical requirements (such as lights, indicators, and braking systems) for road vehicles.
- Pavement Prohibition: In addition to motor vehicle categorisation, Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 deems it illegal to ride any "carriage" on sidewalks. This antiquated legislation essentially bans hoverboards, similar to other vehicles, from being used on pathways intended for pedestrians.
- Cycle Lanes and Other Public Spaces: The limitations apply to cycle paths, bridleways, and various public spaces like parks, shopping malls, and university grounds. Although these locations are open to the public, operating powered transporters is typically prohibited unless specific authorisation is granted.
If you are found using a hoverboard unlawfully in a public area, you may face severe consequences, including:
- Fines: Fixed penalty fines can be issued.
- Penalty Points: Even if you don't have a driving license, points can still be added, which might result in a driving ban in the future.
- Vehicle Seizure: Police have the power to seize your hoverboard.
The Only Legal Option: Private Land
Due to strict rules regulating public areas, the sole location where hoverboard riding is legal in the UK is on private land, and crucially, with the express permission of the landowner.
This includes:
- Your own private property: Such as your garden, driveway, or private estate.
- Other private property with consent: This might be a friend's property, a private park, or a commercially operated location that allocates specific zones for hoverboard activities, as long as you have the consent of the landowner or manager.
The Future of hoverboard Legislation
By mid-2025, no legislative amendments had been made to permit the use of privately owned hoverboard in public spaces. Although the UK government has been investigating the regulation of other personal electric vehicles, especially via e-scooter rental trials, hoverboard are not presently included in these public legalisation talks. Due to their design and safety issues, integrating hoverboard into public roadways and sidewalks is less probable than with e-scooters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although possessing a hoverboard in the UK is entirely lawful, the chances to use it are significantly restricted. To prevent fines, penalty points, or even having your device seized, it is crucial to comply with existing regulations. Enjoy the excitement of gliding, but make sure you do it safely and, above all, legally, by staying on private property with the landowner's clear consent.
