Posted on 11/19/2015 2:59:44 AM PST by Libloather
NEW YORK (WABC) - It's one of the hottest toys out there, and you can expect "hoverboards" to be filling Santa's sleigh this Christmas. But there is concern over the legality of the self-balancing scooters in New York City.
And it turns out that when you're riding one of these "hoverboards," you need to be on the lookout of course for traffic and bumps in the road, but also for police.
People walking the city streets have probably bumped into or passed by someone trying to maneuver themselves on the handlebar-less motorized devices, and the Department of Transportation is cracking down. The DOT categorizes the scooters as motor vehicles that cannot be registered in New York by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
(Excerpt) Read more at abc7ny.com ...
How many can i connect with duct tape, plumbers tape and bailing wire to make a car?
It’s dangerous enough on a friggin bicycle in New York City with all the heavy traffic and crazy idiot drivers out there, let alone on various skateboards and roller skates. Believe me, I do a LOT of bike riding in Manhattan. It is very dangerous.
They should just publish what is legal in NYC.
The list would be extremely short.
There are also hundreds of mostly Chinese delivery guys throughout the 5 boros of NY on motorized bicycles, very few of which have any sort of lights attached or stop for traffic lights. I don't know if they are legal or not, but obviously with no lights whatsoever at night and blowing traffic lights, they are a serious menace to both drivers and pedestrians.
It’s OK if you’re having a gay relation while hovering.
>>The tweet was later deleted, but police are now confirming they are indeed illegal because they cannot be registered.<<
Huh? Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades can be registered?
...and if they are illegal, they can EASILY be caught since these things are parked just outside or inside every Chinese restaurant in New York. I’m guessing they are legal, but the drivers need to follow the rules and have lights on them when riding at night. And not blow through intersections like they do.
It's almost as dangerous for pedestrians. The only advantage they have is that cars generally stay off the sidewalks. Make no mistake-crazy idiot cyclists are a clear and present danger for anyone on foot. I know that from experience.
Absolutely. I didn't mean to imply drivers are the only problem. There are also countless idiot pedestrians who cross streets while texting, or simply not bothering to look for traffic. Both bicyclists and drivers have to deal with these morons all the time.
You have all these huge lanes now for your bike and you still complain?
Huh? Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades can be registered?
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Because they don’t have a motor they don’t have to be registered? (Note, that’s a question)
I know zip about hoverboards but do they have a moter of some kind?
Where they exist they're great. But still there are mindless types who walk or stand in the lanes. Or drivers that park in them or pull over into them right in front of you, particularly taxi cabs. I can't tell you how many times I've been nearly wiped out by some cab driver quickly pulling over in front of me to pick up a fare. Many passengers and drivers also have a bad habit of not looking before swinging their doors open.
If motorized scooters are outlawed how do the elderly get around?
Simple rule. If it can’t be taxed, it’s illegal in NYC.
And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost died because of speeding bikes. Once outside the Greybar Building. Unforgettable. They should be banned in the city. I’m still remembering the young mother who was killed by a crazy drier in Central Park last year, I think it was.
I fully understand that. There are certainly a lot of idiots on bicycles too. I ride in Central Park several days a week. There have been numerous accidents there between irresponsible a-holes riding really fast on racing bikes and people not paying close enough attention while crossing. There have been several deaths as a result over the years, and many serious injuries.
So the problem really isn't so much a bike, car, or pedestrian problem, but rather an idiot problem, especially here in a largely Liberal city like New York where there are so many idiots.
I gave up years ago riding a bike in Central Park. The lanes are full of the idiots you mention - there is no way to just go out and have a good time; you’re dealing with people who seem to be trying out for the Italian Olympic team or something. Who wants competition when you’re riding a rental bike with a basket in front? Can you recommend a good bike that is below $500? I have a home in the ‘burbs and am thinking about buying one. Thanks.
After previously owning a $400 FUJI hybrid (mountain/road bike) and a $900 FUJI racing bike, I just recently bought a very inexpensive BC (Best Choice) folding bike which sells for a mere $145 brand new. The bike has been surprising solid.
Best Choice - manufacturer - 20” BC folding bike
http://bestchoiceproducts.com/collections/kids-corner/products/folding-bike-20-shimano-6-speed-bike-fold-storage-black-college-school-black?variant=1263434707
Sears: 20” BC folding bike
http://www.sears.com/bestchoiceproducts-folding-bike-20inch-shimano-6-speed-bike/p-SPM7566620008
Walmart: 20” BC folding bike
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Folding-Bike-20-Shimano-6-Speed-Bike-Fold-Storage-Silver-College-School-Sports/29603414
...other than that I really don’t know enough about the bikes that are out there to comment. I suggest you do some heavy research on the internet. Amazon, even if you don’t plan on buying from them, is usually a good place to read buyer reviews on products you’re considering buying.
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