The Hoverboards have arrived, and also the first fines !!!

For some time the "Hoverboard Mania" has broken out, millions of kids whiz on the streets and sidewalks of our cities with this electric vehicle that represents a revolutionary and fun way to get around.Konsumer Italia has decided to see clearly and to inform consumers about the rules to be respected for the use of this new technology, but let's start from the beginning:

First let's see what a Hoverboard is and how does it work?
The Hoverboard can certainly be defined as a means of locomotion and or Accelerator of pace (as defined by the highway code) is an innovative and technological product, derived from the scooter and the Skate. Hoverboards are usually composed of a central body and two wheels which are moved by two separate electric motors that generate the movement. However, what makes Hoverboards truly revolutionary are the processors inserted inside that constantly calculate what the "pilot" is doing also thanks to tiny infrared sensors; these calculations are processed in real time and are sent to the gyroscope which allows this means to interpret the movements of the body and therefore to accelerate, brake and change direction.
Hoverboards recharge just like a mobile phone have several hours / KM of autonomy depending on the size and model, they can be purchased in specialized shops but also in supermarkets of large distribution; the price varies depending on the performance and starts from approximately € 150.00 to go up.

Hoverboard and safety, what to expect?
As anticipated, the Hoverboards are gait accelerators, depending on the model they reach a speed ranging from 4/5 km / h up to approximately 10 km / h. The use must therefore be extremely conscientious, learning to use a Hoverboard requires some time and a great deal of balance at least for the first few walks; The use of a helmet and knee pads is therefore recommended for the little ones and we would always recommend the supervision of an adult.
Lately, videos and tutorials on how to modify your Hoverboard have started to shoot on the web, guaranteeing better performance both in terms of battery life and acceleration, we point out that this practice as well as being dangerous for the rider and pedestrians, automatically voids the warranty. on these products as it implies tampering by the owner.

Hoverboard, where can you use it?
Since this new craze broke out we have seen Hoverboards whizzing on sidewalks, bike paths, gardens, pubic squares and even on the streets, all good until the first fines have been applied in some cities! The hoverboard in fact is considered by the Highway Code a "pace accelerator" with all that follows. Even if the highway code has significant deficiencies in terms of regulation for these new means of transport, the fines applied up to now refer to the new highway code ", legislative decree 30 April 1992 n. 285 and subsequent amendments; more in particular the article Art. 190. Behavior of pedestrians, we report below the articles 8-9-10:

8. Circulation using boards, skates or other speed accelerators is prohibited on the roadway.

9. It is forbidden to carry out unauthorized games, training and sporting events on the roadways. In the spaces reserved for pedestrians it is forbidden to use boards, skates or other speed accelerators that could create dangerous situations for other users.

10. Anyone who violates the provisions of this article is subject to the administrative sanction of the payment of a sum from 25 to 99 euros.

The use is therefore forbidden on the roadway, on the sidewalks and on the cycle and mixed paths, also pay attention to public spaces such as squares and parks, in fact the use of hoverboards is always limited to not creating dangerous situations for other users. Finally, we remind you that as regards the models capable of equaling and or exceeding the speed of 6km / h, these are considered to all intents and purposes motorcycles (as for the 50cc) and consequently should be registered, registered and insured.

I got a fine for using a hoverboard, why?
The fines that have been imposed for the most disparate cases, first of all the case of the father of Trento who drove his son's stroller attached to the swegway; for him a fine of € 1200. Other cases have occurred in Venice and Salerno, where people driving electric scooters or pedal assisted bicycles were fined for improper use in unsuitable places, in short, not an easy life for fans of the "technological walk".

We conclude by pointing out that there is actually a legislative "hole" with respect to the use of these new means of travel, the new technologies used such as electric favor a green economy in private transport, representing in fact a zero-impact solution, we hope therefore favorable updates from municipal administrations in this regard, as they have already done in some overseas cities.

A warm greeting