That's because prosecutors² have revealed that futuristic 'hoverboards' - also known as self-balancing scooters - are illegal to ride on public roads or pavements in Britain.

 

The £400 vehicles, which feature a platform with a wheel on each side, can only be used on private property because they are too dangerous to ride in public, the Crown Prosecution³ Service says.

 

The scooters, which are also known as 'segways', have become increasingly popular with actors and footballers over the past year - with many stars seen riding them both in public and at home.

 

The CPS guidance was originally issued for Segways, which include a handlebar and are also not permitted on roads - but the Metropolitan⁴ Police said that it also covers hoverboards.

 

It is an offence⁵ under section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 to ride them on the pavement in England and Wales - and, north of the border, under section 129(5) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.

 

Meanwhile it is also illegal to ride them on a public road because they are not approved by the European or British test schemes for road-legal vehicles.

 

CPS guidance states: 'You can only ride an unregistered self-balancing scooter on land which is private property and with the landowner's permission.

 

'The Department for Transport would advise that appropriate safety clothing should be worn at all times.'

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