SelfBalancingSkateboard
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How an argument led to the creation of a safer 'hoverboard'
German electronics firm Hama had been looking at self-balancing skateboards, better known as Hoverboards or Swagways, for about half a year. It wanted to get into the market and so bought every single device currently available to see how they worked. As the company's Thomas Bobinger described it, these low-cost devices "didn't fit with Hama's brand," probably because of how unsafe they were. The firm promptly washed its hands of the idea and moved on to other projects, until fate decided to intervene.
Self-balancing skateboards are illegal in New York, too
If you ride a self-balancing skateboard in New York, you won't have just the seething hatred of those around you to deal with. A tweet from NYPD's 26th precinct, since deleted, pointed out that using the tech is illegal, and both IGN and Gothamist followed up with the relevant parts of state law. Apparently, Title 19, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, Section 19-176.2 of New York's code actively prohibits such devices from being used in the streets. The legislation says that any "motorized scooter" that propels people with power, but can't be registered with the DMV, can't be taken out and about. If an official spots you, then you could face a fine of up to $500, although we'd politely suggest that they've got bigger fish to fry than an obnoxious Vine kid playing with their birthday present. [Image Credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images]
