United Kingdom

E-scooters, hoverboards and hovershoes may be used on private land provided that the land owner grants permission. Since such powered transporters may only be used on private land, there are no laws governing maximum speed, minimum age, brakes, insurance plates, driver’s licences, helmets or indicators.

In the United Kingdom, it is currently illegal to use “powered transporters”, which includes e-scooters, segways, hoverboards, hovershoes, on any public road or space dedicated for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

For any vehicle to use public roads lawfully, it must comply with technical standards, be insured, taxed, licensed and registered and the driver must be tested before being allowed on the road. Since e-scooters, hoverboards and hovershoes do not conform with any of these stipulations, it is illegal to drive them on the road.

Powered transporters are also prohibited from using pavements and pedestrian-only areas by section 72 of the Highway Act 1835, which states that it is illegal to ride any form of “carriage” (which applies to all motorised vehicles except mobility scooters and wheelchairs) on the pavement. The Road Traffic Act 1988 moreover prohibits the use of powered transporters on footpaths.

Cycle lanes are also out of bounds for powered transporters according to section 21 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which states that only pedal cycles (with an exemption for mobility scooters) may use such spaces.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters/information-sheet-guidance-on-powered-transporters

https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/buying-advice/gadget/electric-scooter-law-uk-3668712/

The legal framework is constantly changing in all European countries. We therefore do not assume any liability for the accuracy and timeliness of the information!

Germany

In Germany, hoverboards and hovershoes are only permitted in restricted non-public areas, i.e. on private land, in closed-off courtyards, or on terraces and playgrounds, for example. There is no additional requirement to obtain insurance.

The legal framework is constantly changing in all European countries. We therefore do not assume any liability for the accuracy and timeliness of the information!

Switzerland

In Switzerland, hoverboards and hovershoes are only permitted in restricted non-public areas, i.e. on private land, in closed-off courtyards, on terraces and playgrounds, for example. There is no additional requirement to obtain insurance.

The legal framework is constantly changing in all European countries. We therefore do not assume any liability for the accuracy and timeliness of the information!

Belgium

The speed of travel determines where you can use these machines: if you do not move faster than at a walking pace (6 km/h), you are considered a pedestrian and must therefore follow the rules applicable to pedestrians. You are therefore welcome on the sidewalk, when there is one.On the other hand, if you drive faster than walking, you will have to follow the rules applicable to cyclists and therefore use the cycle path at a maximum speed of 18 km / h.

Control and responsibility requested

On the insurance side, most companies have adapted, including micro-mobility vehicles in the mandatory family civil liability. As for cyclists, wearing a helmet and a brightly coloured chasuble is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. No permit is required either and since Hoverboards and Balance Shoes users are considered pedestrians, the electric equipment must not have any special equipment.

https://www.touring.be/fr/articles/hoverboard-segway-co-quelles-regles-du-code-de-la-route-faut-il-respecter

https://www.levif.be/actualite/belgique/hoverboards-trottinettes-electriques-et-gyroroues-que-dit-la-legislation-belge-en-matiere-de-micromobilite/article-normal-986657.html

https://www.belgium.be/fr/mobilite/autres_vehicules/engins_de_deplacement

The legal framework is constantly changing in all European countries. We therefore do not assume any liability for the accuracy and timeliness of the information!

Austria

In Austria, hoverboards and hovershoes with an output of less than 600 watts and a maximum speed of 25 km/h are classified as small vehicles, which may principally be used away from main roads – i.e. on pavements, play streets and residential streets, and of course also on private land and playgrounds. It is vital, however, that nobody else is put in danger by using the devices. The speed must be adjusted accordingly. The following age restrictions apply: only children above the age of 12 may use hoverboards and hovershoes without adult supervision. Children aged ten and above may use them if they possess a valid bicycle licence.

The legal framework is constantly changing in all European countries. We therefore do not assume any liability for the accuracy and timeliness of the information!