In recent weeks, the police in the Steinfurt district have noticed an increasing number of children and young people using hoverboards on public roads. Hoverboards are vehicles that are only ridden and controlled by shifting weight. Many use the boards without knowing that they are not permitted on public roads and that their use poses considerable safety risks.
Hoverboards are not vehicles for road traffic
Hoverboards may only be used on private property that is not accessible to the public. According to current traffic law, the boards are not approved vehicles for use on public roads. This means that they may not be ridden on roads, sidewalks, cycle paths or public places. Background: Hoverboards are considered miniature electric vehicles. However, they must meet certain requirements, such as a steering or handrail and two independent brakes, in order to be approved for use on public roads. Hoverboards do not meet some of these requirements and may therefore only be ridden on private property.
Extensions for hoverboards, for example to create a tricycle with a seat, are also prohibited on public roads.
Sales practices and insufficient information
Hoverboards are freely available for sale on the market. Many people therefore think: "If I can just buy it, then I can use it anywhere!" The fact that this is not the case is noted in the operating instructions, but often only in the "small print" and is therefore often overlooked.
Legal situation and possible consequences
Anyone who nevertheless uses a hoverboard on public roads is committing a criminal offense and must expect to be fined. Children and young people are not exempt from this, even if they have not yet reached the age of criminal responsibility. Parents therefore have a special responsibility. Make sure that children and young people only ride hoverboards in private areas and explain the risks to your children when riding the board in public areas.
In addition, the hoverboard is of course not insured when riding on public roads. If an accident occurs, this can be very expensive.
Our recommendation
- Inform yourself: Make sure you know the legal regulations and pass them on to your children.
- Educate your children: Explain to your children the dangers associated with using hoverboards in public spaces and tell them that they may only use the boards in private areas.
- Secure private areas: Allow your children to ride safely on private property and monitor their use.