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Hoverboards Illegal on New York City Streets, Police Say

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A youth poses as he rides a hoverboard, which are also known as self-balancing scooters and balance boards, on October 13, 2015 in Knutsford, England.The British Crown Prosecution Service have declared that the devices are illegal as they are are too unsafe to ride on the road, and too dangerous to ride on the pavement.
A youth poses as he rides a hoverboard, which are also known as self-balancing scooters and balance boards, on October 13, 2015 in Knutsford, England. The British Crown Prosecution Service have declared that the devices are illegal as they are are too unsafe to ride on the road, and too dangerous to ride on the pavement.Christopher Furlong— Getty Images
By Charlotte Alter

New York City kids who want hoverboards for Christmas might have to zip around indoors, because the gadgets are illegal on the Big Apple’s streets and sidewalks.

An NYPD spokesman confirmed that hoverboards are illegal on NYC sidewalks, because they are motor vehicles that can’t be registered. Hoverboarders caught zipping around on sidewalks, streets, or parking lots could face a fine of up to $200, according to the New York Daily News. Hoverboards don’t actually levitate, they’re more like electric scooters without handles, but they’ve become the subject of increasing fascination.

A silver lining to this disappointing news? Thrill-seekers can still use their hoverboards in parks.

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Write to Charlotte Alter at charlotte.alter@time.com