Yes, it's really faster than biking. I average 12mph on the boosted board. I know because I use a GPS app on my iphone to monitor my rides. This is unfortunately necessary because my prototype board does not have a battery gauge, so I need some idea of how much battery I have left.
I also weave through traffic. I don't know how to evaluate whether it's more or less safe than doing the same thing on a bike or motorcycle, but it doesn't feel any less safe.