Hoverboard Laws UK: Are They Banned?
Hoverboards can not be used on public roads; private use is OK.
Hoverboards are fun to ride, but if you're in the UK, you must know the rules before you ride. They're available to buy, but public use is strictly prohibited.
The Key Rule: Public vs Private Use
- Can I own a hoverboard? Yes, buying, selling, and owning a hoverboard in the UK is completely legal.
- Can I ride it in public? No. Using hoverboards on public roads, pavements (sidewalks), parks, cycle lanes, or any other public space is illegal.
- Where can I ride it? You can only legally ride your hoverboard on private land, such as your own garden or driveway, if you have the landowner's permission.
The Restrictions
Why can't I ride my hoverboard down the street? It comes down to how UK law classifies these devices:
- Official Classification: Hoverboards are legally defined as Powered Transporters. This category also includes devices like e-scooters and Segways.
- Motor Vehicle Status: Under UK law (including the Road Traffic Act 1988), PLEVs are considered motor vehicles.
- Road Use Requirements: Motor vehicles used on public roads must meet specific criteria: they need insurance, tax, and registration. They must also meet construction and safety standards.
- Hoverboards Don't Qualify: Current hoverboards do not meet these legal requirements for road use and cannot be registered or insured.
- Pavement Prohibition: Riding any motor vehicle on the pavement is prohibited by older legislation (Section 72, Highway Act 1835). Cycle lanes are also off-limits.
Penalties: Being caught riding in public can result in fines and penalty points, similar to driving an uninsured vehicle.
How Do Hoverboards Compare to E-Scooters & E-Bikes?
It's helpful to know how other electric rides fit in:
- Private E-Scooters: These face the exact same restrictions as hoverboards and are illegal to use in public spaces.
- Rental E-Scooters: You might see these around, but they operate legally only as part of government-approved trials in specific areas with specific rules (often requiring a driving licence).
- E-Bikes (EAPCs): Electrically assisted pedal cycles meeting specific standards (like pedal-assist only, limited power/speed) are treated like regular bicycles and are legal on roads.
Will the Law Change?
The government has previously talked about modernising transport laws to accommodate new technologies (like in the 2019 "Future of Mobility" strategy). Still, nothing has changed as of 2025 to allow private hoverboards or e-scooters in public spaces. The rules remain the same.
Also, since hoverboards aren't seen as a viable commuting solution in the same way as e-scooters, we find it highly unlikely that they will be allowed in public in the future.
Conclusion
Enjoy your hoverboard, but stick to private land to stay safe and legal. Avoid public roads and pavements to avoid fines.
