Dubai bans ‘hoverboards’ in public areas after Filipino’s death—report

Dubai has banned the use of self-balancing scooters, popularly known as “hoverboards,” in public places, a month after a Filipino died while using it in a park, the Gulf News reported.

Sultan Al Suwaidi, deputy head of Dubai’s public health and safety department, was quoted on the Gulf News saying that hoverboards are now prohibited in crowded areas, sidewalks, roads and other public areas.

The hoverboards of those caught violating the new rule will be confiscated.

Al Suwaidi said that there will be designated areas where the said toy can be used. Users will also be required to use protective gear such as helmet and knee pads.

Before the new rule was passed, the use of hoverboards was only prohibited in Dubai malls.

“We also addressed the issue of how hoverboards should be used because otherwise, they posed a risk to other people [in the vicinity],” Al Suwaidi was quoted as saying.

Last January 6, a Filipino was killed after he hit a lamppost while onboard a hoverboard in Mushrif Park in Dubai.

The imposition of the new rule brings Dubai on the list of the countries banning the use of the popular toy in public. These countries include United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Hong Kong.

Hoverboards are also not allowed in public areas in New York and New South Wales, Australia. AJH/TVJ