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The legality of electric skateboards varies significantly depending on the country and even within different states or regions within countries. We did a quick search and here's a summary of the legal status in various locations:
United States
- General: The legality of electric skateboards in the U.S. is complex, with no federal laws specifically addressing them. Laws vary by state and city. Some states have similar regulations for electric skateboards as for bikes or electric scooters. In areas without clear laws, electric skateboards are generally considered illegal, but this is not always strictly enforced.
- California: Electric skateboards are legal to ride in public areas but with specific rules, such as wearing a helmet, being 16 years or older, not riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and adhering to speed and power limits.
- Florida: Riding electric skateboards in public areas is illegal.
- Michigan: Legal since 2018.
- Illinois: No specific laws, riders are free to use electric skateboards as long as they follow general rules for motorized vehicles.
Canada
- Varies by province, with some allowing them on sidewalks and trails but not roads, and others having more restrictive policies.
Europe
- UK: Legal but with restrictions such as not riding on pavements and requiring insurance and a valid license.(Related news poped out when googling the question: Man dies after electric skateboard accident in Oxfordshire)
- Austria: Considered as a toy and not a vehicle, with no restrictions on output or maximum speed.
- Belgium: Treated similar to Segways, allowed in the same areas as bicycles with a 25 km/h speed limit.
- Denmark, Finland, France: Various regulations, often allowing use on roads with certain speed limits and power restrictions.
Asia
- Singapore: Allowed on bicycle and pedestrian lanes with speed limits, but not on roads.
Australia
- Restricted to daylight hours, with different states having varying regulations.
General Considerations
- Safety: Wearing protective gear and adhering to safety guidelines is recommended or required in most places.
- Speed and Equipment Regulations: Many regions have speed limitations and equipment requirements like headlights and tail lights.
- Insurance and Registration: Electric skateboards often don't meet legal definitions of motor vehicles, making insurance tricky.
In summary, the legality and specific regulations of electric skateboards vary greatly. It's essential to check local laws in your specific area before riding an electric skateboard. These insights are intended to offer some guidance, though they may not be entirely accurate. They primarily aim to provide a general understanding of the legal landscape surrounding electric skateboards. Always remember to ride safely. Peace!
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