Hoverboards illegal – but TTS are looking Back To The Future too!

Tuesday 13 October 2015

TTS say that the hoverboards hitting the Islands streets are technically illegal – but that they’re working on relaxing the rules.

The self-balancing scooters are the latest transport craze, and there’s just a week to go before Back To The Future Day – next Wednesday is 21st October 2015, the date that Back To The Future 2 was set in.

Police in the UK announced over the weekend that the boards are technically illegal on pavements and roads, and the Transport and Technical Services department say that applies here as well.

But they also say that they’re thinking about changing the law to get more of us riding hoverboards because it could reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

A TTS spokesman said: “At present these devices are un-lawful on public roads and footpaths in Jersey as they are in the UK.

“However, TTS is starting to undertake a review of its transport legislation. What types of personal transport should be accommodated within legislation will inevitably form part of that review.

 “With improvements in battery technology and electric motors, the States’ Sustainable Transport Policy recognises that is likely that these types of devices will eventually become a greater part of the personal transport mix.

 “While TTS are not aware of the details of hover boards and are unable to comment on specific examples, well-engineered electric personal transport have, with appropriate safe guards, the potential to contribute towards reducing the Island’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

The news comes on the second week of Green Travel Fortnight – the department’s annual campaign to get schoolchildren walking, cycling, catching a bus, sharing a lift or scooting to school.

Meanwhile – also hoping to cash in on Back To The Future Day - a company in America is about to bring out a ‘Marty McFly’ inspired board that actually hovers about an inch off the ground with the help of magnetic technology but at $10,000 a piece, it won't keep all of us off the roads!