Hoverboards: Where Is It Legal To Ride?
Last holiday season, one of the most sought after gifts was the hoverboard.
These gadgets don’t actually hover. They are about the size of a skateboard with large wheels on both ends. The user stands on the board and a motor propels the device based on how the rider leans and positions his or her feet.
In Ontario, it is against the law to ride a hoverboard on a road. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has issued a statement advising the public that hoverboards do not meet the required safety standards for on-road use and that it is illegal to ride one on a public road.
Some municipalities (including the City of Toronto) have by-laws that make it illegal to use hoverboards on sidewalks and bicycle paths. They have also been banned from being brought on airplanes by several major airlines including Air Canada.
While hoverboarding on private property is perfectly legal, it can be dangerous. Emergency rooms are seeing an increasing number of serious injuries suffered on hoverboards. Wearing proper safety equipment, especially a helmet, is crucial.
Unfortunately, there have been many reports of hoverboards spontaneously catching fire and causing burn injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury it is crucial that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights.
About the Authors
Troy Lehman joined Oatley Vigmond in 2006 and became a partner in 2010. As a personal injury lawyer, his greatest satisfaction comes from helping people through to the other side of a difficult time in their lives. “We’re here to help and relieve stress,” Troy says. “When I walk into a first meeting with a client, people are often scared and anxious. And for me, the best thing that can happen at the end of the meeting is that they say, ‘I feel so much better.’