Hoverboards illegal: Backlash begins as enthusiasts call for law to be overturned

Distraught Segway enthusiasts have vowed to battle the illegality of “hoverboards” after discovering they are effectively banned in public areas.

A glut of online petitions popped up hours after a tweet from a volunteer London police officer reiterating that “self-balancing scooters” cannot be ridden on roads or pavements.

Also known as “swegways”, the boards are banned from roads because they are classed as motor vehicles but do not meet licence and registration requirements, while riding a vehicle on the pavement has been illegal since 1835.

Petitions by fans of the hands-free scooters appeared overnight on sites such as the official Parliament page and Care2.

Anthony Kruller (‏@imkruller) tweeted: “Who thinks we should start a petition for the swegways? Stupid that they are now illegal!”

But authorities rushed to point out no new laws had been created.

A Met spokesman said: “We would remind the public that it is an offence under section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 to wilfully ride on the footway, and where necessary, officers will speak to people using these devices advising them of the rules.”

The Department for Transport added: “Under current legislation, the Department for Transport considers Segway Personal Transporters as motor vehicles, subject to road traffic laws.”

And a CPS spokeswoman said: “The Department for Transport has confirmed a ‘hoverboard’ is considered, like a Segway, to be a powered vehicle and is therefore subject to road traffic laws, as per our existing guidance.”

Hover board user Abubakar Mansur ‏(@aaaomansur) shared a link to his petition, saying: “It’s caused a big public disagreement that it is against the law.”

He added it had “left a big impact” on “thousands”.

Jmhkid ‏(@Jmhkid15) echoed the thoughts of those who had shelled out for the boards in recent months, saying: “I can't believe that Segways are illegal to use in public in UK! And right after loads of people forked out for them!”

“Can't believe Segways are illegal to ride in public lmao,” added Izzy (‏@izzyyrihall).