A state government crackdown on hoverboards could be a dampener for an Illawarra entrepreneur who thought all his Christmases had come at once.
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Dinesh Mascarenhas started his online hoverboard company in October, hoping to sell the hottest toy of 2015 this Christmas.
But NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay warned the “contraptions” were illegal on roads and footpaths - and anyone caught breaking the law would cop a hefty fine.
“I don’t want to be the Christmas Grinch but I want people to know and send a message that these new toys have real safety concerns,’’ Mr Gay said.
Hoverboards ‘’don't have adequate brakes and don't have lights or warning indicators, meaning they can't interact safely with other road users like pedestrians", he said.
But Mr Mascarenhas – of The Australian Hoverboard Company – said the hot toy was here to stay ‘’in a world calling for more green technology’’.
Therefore laws around Australia needed a ‘’balanced and consisted approach’’ and ‘’a review of current NSW laws developed before the introduction of hoverboard technology’’.
‘’We call on the NSW government to reconsider its position on riding on bike paths and nature strips in line with the QLD government laws.’’
Mr Mascarenhas launched his company after spotting a hoverboard in action on YouTube.
‘’I got one, tried it out and couldn’t get off. It’s the hottest Christmas present this year,’’ he said, conceding the warnings could affect sales.
The Australian Hoverboard has a top speed of 15km/h and can travel up to 20km on a single charge.
“We would advise anyone purchasing one to learn and obey the rules of the state they are in as well as taking care of their personal safety by understanding their own abilities,’’ Mr Mascarenhas said. ‘’As with all toys and technology, we would advise parental supervision as needed.’’
Under the Road Transport Act, hoverboards can't be registered on NSW roads and people who use them on public roads face a $637 fine, and on public footpaths a $319 fine.