Hoverboard Laws!

California Law:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Hoverboard-Laws-Coming-to-California-on-January-1-363702931.html

http://www.sfexaminer.com/hoverboard-laws-comparable-to-vehicle-code/ refers hoverboards as EMB, "electric motorized boards."

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/oct/13/hoverboards-legalised-california

1. Must be 16 years old for use on public roads.
2. Top speed 15 mph. I'd like to see that. All hoverboards max out at 12mph. Most are capped at 8mph.
3. Must be in bike lanes. That would be way more dangerous for the hoverboard rider than riding anywhere else. 
4. Not permitted on sidewalk in San Francisco. Good luck enforcing that. 
5. Rider must wear a helmet. Makes sense. 
6. Can only be used in areas designated with a top speed of 35mph which includes highways. Tell me that's a joke. Seriously riding 8mph in areas where everyone else is going up to 35mph? I think these guys are missing the point of a hoverboard. They're designed to be supporting pedestrians in a commute. They're not an alternative to a bicycle. 

This is such a new product that the laws are brand new. Will be revisited in 2021 apparently.