Nationwide restrictions on hoverboard and segway use

A method of transport fast growing in popularity across Europe, hoverboards and segways – the latter being capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour – nevertheless pose risks to their users as well as pedestrians and other vehicles.

Barcelona has announced a ban on cyclists on pavements and is set to ban hoverboards and segways, who must use cycle lanes if available or travel on roads if not, and has limited their speeds to 30 kilometres per hour even when they are capable of moving faster.

Fines of between €100 and €500 will be imposed for anyone who fails to comply.

Madrid is looking to ban hoverboards and segways from pavements, road surfaces, cycle lanes, bus and taxi lanes and one-way, single-carriageway street.

Only certain out-of-town bike lanes and a few roads signposted accordingly will be legal for these vehicles to use, plus a limited number of pedestrian crossings – and pedestrians will always have priority, especially children and the disabled.

Valencia, Málaga, Granada, Zaragoza, Cáceres (Extremadura) and Vitoria (Basque Country) among other provincial capitals are planning restrictions in a similar line to those of Barcelona.

Granada will ban electric scooters and segways from hills with a gradient of more than 15% in a downward direction, and from the entire Alhambra Palace complex and neighbouring roads.

Valencia's transport councillor Giuseppe Grezzi says dedicated spaces will be set up in the city for these vehicles, and they will be treated in a similar way to bicycles, with some restricted access allowed on pedestrianised streets.

But Valencia does not want to be too harsh on segways and hoverboards – mayor Joan Ribó says they help reduce traffic in the city and do not pollute the atmosphere.

“If you look at traffic data for cars in Valencia, you'll see that it's reducing, despite the growing economic activity here. That's a good thing,” Ribó admits.

“And if you look at air-pollution data for the city, the reduction in motor traffic is also good.

“So, on that basis, hoverboards are very welcome.”

The above photograph, by Peugeot, shows one of the French transport manufacturer's e-Kick electronic hoverboards.