Electric vehicles are increasingly widespread, especially in large urban centers and the provinces, where we are witnessing the same phenomenon. The reason is simple: these vehicles allow you to move economically, ecologically, and quickly.
Fortunately, to date, the Toninelli Decree seems to show the intention to bring some clarity to the sector, regulating the purchase, possession, and circulation of these vehicles with precise rules established by the Highway Code.
Rules that, if not respected, can lead to fines of even hundreds of euros, depending on the seriousness of the infringement.
Where the hoverboard can circulate
Despite all the attempts to regulate the situation, many still wonder if you can circulate freely on the roads with hoverboards. Let’s see what the Highway Code provides in this regard.
At the moment, unfortunately, we are going through a moment of transition, also witnessed by the experimentation phase entrusted to the Municipalities. In other words, we are faced with an absolute regulatory vacuum.
Hoverboards or electric unicycles are, therefore, currently equated with speed accelerators. In other words, they are considered to be skates or a skateboard. In summary, hoverboards are strictly prohibited on the roads.
Can I go to the sidewalk with the hoverboard?
Even on pavements, there is the same prohibition that we can find on the streets. The municipal police officer has the right to assess the level of danger at that precise moment, therefore of the risk that is being run or made to run by other people.
If the agent in question believes that traffic is dangerous, he can sanction the driver. The penalty is not even considered light because, depending on the risk detected; it can start from 25 euros up to a maximum of 99 euros.
However, if a child is using the hoverboard, a fine will be imposed on the parents.
Can the hoverboard be used on cycle paths?
As established by the CDs, hoverboards can only be driven in specific spaces explicitly dedicated to them. The Toninelli Decree mandates the municipalities to experiment with electrical micro-mobility. These municipalities can decide whether to allow circulation on cycle paths or in other spaces such as parks.
Use the hoverboard on the dock.
We have said that the circulation of hoverboards is limited only to certain areas, which exclude roads and sidewalks. For the quay, the situation changes.
The term quay means the area that divides a sidewalk or a median from the roadway.
In this area, it is possible to circulate only because the Highway Code does not express itself on the matter. Therefore, by not placing a ban, it is possible to use the hoverboard on the quay.
Private spaces: can the hoverboard be used?
Private spaces are the only areas where there is no risk of misinterpreting the directives because the circulation of hoverboards is allowed. A typical example of a private area could be the condominium courtyard.
Hoverboards in outdoor and indoor malls
As for the shopping centers, the circulation of hoverboards is not possible. This prohibition is extended to internal areas, such as a gallery, and external spaces, such as car parks.
Fortunately, in this situation, the shopping centers intervene directly to clarify because good signs are usually placed at the entrance concerning hoverboards, specifying the prohibition.
Hoverboards in pedestrian areas
The Toninelli decree has delegated to the Municipalities the possibility of starting a period of experimentation regarding the circulation of micro-electric vehicles.
Since it is the Municipalities themselves who have decided whether to participate in this experimentation or not, the situation appears somewhat chaotic.
As far as large cities are concerned, although municipal regulation must always be read, the problem of pedestrian areas does not exist.
To try to improve the qualitative aspect of mobility, cities like Milan, Rome, Turin, and Naples have decided to start the experimentation.
The situation changes for the outer belts or the suburban municipalities, often characterized by a chaotic and poorly defined urban conformation, without considering that the Municipalities themselves must bear the economic burden for the installation of adequate signage.
Hoverboard Insurance
Italian law does not currently provide for any regulation regarding insurance for Hoverboards. In other words, there are no obligations in this regard.
Recommended Article: Driving Courses For Learners in Driving School Birmingham
