Hoverboard meets Austrian Ministry of Transport - a guide

Tomorrow, Marty McFly is set to land in the second part of the movie "Back to the Future". On this historic day, the road safety experts at the bmvit (Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology) are finally providing legal certainty and answering the most important questions on the subject: If I buy a hoverboard, what am I allowed to do with it according to Austrian regulations? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkyLnWm1iCsWie is the hoverboard classified? The hoverboard is basically a "small vehicle for use off the road", similar to a skateboard or a kickboard. However, as it is also suitable for moving people in the air without a mechanical connection to the ground, it is also classed as an airborne vehicle. Depending on where you are traveling with your hoverboard (water, ground, air), different regulations may apply.does the classification of the hoverboard change if I turn a scooter into a skateboard like Marty in the movie? no, it does not matter whether the hoverboard has a handlebar or not. It remains a "small vehicle for off-road use." Where am I allowed to hover around on my hoverboard? Anywhere you would be allowed to ride an old-fashioned skateboard: for example, in fun parks or on residential and play streets. It is important that no pedestrians or traffic are obstructed or endangered while riding.what equipment is required for hoverboards?none. However, it is of course always advisable to wear a helmet when riding for your own safety.what regulations apply when I ride a hoverboard over water?as you can see in the film, a classic hoverboard floats over water, but as there is nowhere to push off with your foot, it is not possible to float comfortably over the Danube anyway. The situation is different with the pit-bull models, i.e. the rocket-powered hoverboards. From a drive power of 4.4 kilowatts, they must be approved by the authorities, and hoverboard captains then also need a corresponding patent. In any case, hoverboards must also comply with waterway traffic regulations. do different regulations apply to pit-bull hoverboards with rocket propulsion than to normal hoverboards? not in terms of road traffic regulations. Hoverboards are also not covered by the Motor Vehicles Act, as this assumes that motor vehicles are connected to the road by wheels or chains. However, be aware of any additional regulations if you hover or take off with your board over water. How high can a hoverboard hover or fly? As the Pit-Bull hoverboard is an aircraft when it takes off thanks to its rocket propulsion, you must comply with all applicable regulations such as airworthiness certification and registration in the aircraft register. If you want to fly with the hoverboard, you need a special pilot's license and must comply with air traffic regulations. You need a permit from Austro Control to hover below a height of 150 m in undeveloped areas and below a height of 300 m in densely built-up areas or above crowds of people.How fast can I ride a rocket-powered hoverboard? fast enough so that you do not obstruct or endanger pedestrians or traffic on an adjacent roadway.Do I need a driving license to ride a rocket-powered hoverboard? no. Driving licenses apply to the driving of vehicles covered by the Motor Vehicles Act. As the definitions of the Motor Vehicles Act do not include the hoverboard, you do not need a driving license.bmvit wishes you lots of fun with your new hoverboard!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_R1HUnH7EAVia