California unbans the use of electric skateboards in bike lanes
In 1977, California banned the use of powered skateboards on state streets; largely because the only reliable source of power back then was noisy two stroke gas engines. However with the development of larger-capacity and quieter lithium-based battery power, skateboards have become about as noisy and polluting as bicycles. That's why, last Sunday, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 604, which once again makes riding powered skateboards in the bike lane legal.
The new law, which will take effect January 1st, 2016, is expected help regional skateboard manufacturers like Boosted Boards and Intuitive Motion break into the mainstream now that their products will actually be street legal. "We are grateful that the Governor recognized the need to allow for this technology," Brad Phillipi, chief financial officer of Intuitive Motion, told the Wall Street Journal.
[Image Credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images]
