Hoverboard: fines of up to 99 euros for those traveling on roads and pavements

Hoverboard – There seems to be no peace for the people hoverboard, self-balancing electric skateboards. In recent days we told you the incredible story that happened in Bologna of a specimen that caught fire while charging. Now comes another piece of news that will not make lovers of this unique means of transport happy.

The use of hoverboards, in fact, It's not always legal, On the contrary. It is prohibited in some circumstances and the violator may face sanctions provided for by the Highway Code. In fact, hoverboards do not represent real means of transport governed by specific regulations, but are classified as generic "gait accelerators". In this regard, the art. 190 of the Highway Code specifies, in paragraph 8, that "circulation using boards, skates or other speed accelerators is prohibited on the roadway". Furthermore, it is specified that even "on spaces reserved for pedestrians" there is the same ban on the use of such devices that could create dangerous situations for other users. In case of violation of these provisions, the violator risks an administrative sanction consisting of the payment of a sum ranging from €25 to €99.

Hoverboards and similar devices (boards, skates and speed accelerators) can therefore only circulate in specifically dedicated areas or in other private spaces, therefore use is permitted on cycle paths, in courtyards, in gardens, in parks, in villas and so on. The use of such devices on the roadway and sidewalks is prohibited. Interpretative doubts, however, remain regarding the "dock", as this space is not specifically mentioned in the legislation. In fact, although the law does not make specific reference to hoverboards, an evolutionary interpretation adapted to technological changes (at the time of the issuance of the Highway Code such devices did not exist) would require them to be included in the ban. Furthermore, according to the Land Transport Department of Rome (300/A/1/46049/104/5), pursuant to the provisions of the Ministerial Decree of 31 January 2003 transposing Directive 2002/24/EC, two- or three-wheel motor vehicles wheels having a maximum design speed exceeding 6 km/h and which are not pedal-assisted bicycles, nor built for the use of children or invalids, are to be included among mopeds or motor vehicles depending on their performance and construction characteristics.

Who will pay the fines? It's easy to say, parents. The law, in this regard, is very clear: "Whoever was required to supervise the incompetent person is responsible for the violation, unless he proves that he was unable to prevent the act." In practice we can talk about the person who is required to supervise the minor who, therefore, cannot be considered a person unrelated to the administrative violation.