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Comment by thomas-st | Hacker News Reader

Seems like it's illegal to use in California: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21968.htm

Thanks for point that out -- I probably would have just assumed it was legal. Would be helpful to see a breakdown of all states it's illegal in under the Legality section of the Kickstarter. Seems like a great way to get around while traveling so I'd want to make sure it's useable in most states (or at least the ones you frequent most).

We're still researching all the legal issues that vary from state to state. So far, we've never heard of a ticket being issued, and all the cops who have seen it think it's a fantastic idea. I think the biggest factor will be how responsible our new users are.

You might have luck in voluntarily limiting the power output to 1,000W and trying to follow the California guidelines for electric bicycles. Then gradually petition the government to delete the current motorized skateboard law.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws#Californi...

Well, shoot. Looks illegal in Florida too, from a combination of http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/News/ScooterRel.htm and http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Displ... (definition #27).

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Displ... section (83) seems to have been added specifically to make Segways legal, so perhaps someone with the resources for lobbying and/or a court battle could make these boards legal.

1977 - was probably gas powered but must have been impressive tech for the time to warrant a ban!

If by "impressive tech" you mean "unmuffled, high-pitched, blue-smoke-spewing, 10cc-ish two-stroke chainsaw engine controlled by a deadman/lever throttle", then you're right. There wasn't much about them that wasn't offensive to everybody except the rider (and the few riders of those contraptions that I knew seemed to take particular delight in the offensiveness of their machines).

Illegal in Australia, too. In my state, over 1/4 HP classifies as a vehicle and must comply with vehicle codes. Which includes the need for brakes, tail lights, indicators, etc.

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