Hoverboards will no longer be allowed on any bus or train in the North County Transit District (NCTD).
Officials announced the new ban Wednesday, saying people cannot ride or even carry the devices onto public transit like the COASTER or SPRINTER trains or BREEZE buses.
To explain the decision, NCTD cited recent reports that the hoverboards’ batteries can start fires. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is now investigating 13 hoverboard manufacturers after at least 40 hoverboard-related fires.
“NCTD is taking this proactive step to protect passengers and NCTD property until more studies can be conducted that demonstrate the safety of these devices on public transit,” the district said in a statement.
Hoverboards join the list of skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, motorized scooters and bikes that cannot be ridden on NCTD property, though the other items can be carried on.
Last year, NCTD reversed a long standing policy to allow alcohol consumption aboard their trains. Drinking is no longer allowed.
Other banned items include weapons, large pets, smoking and hazardous materials.
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NCTD added this disclaimer to the announcement:
"For those Back to the Future enthusiasts, don’t worry, we know these devices aren’t actual hoverboards. To be more accurate, these are battery powered, self-balancing, wheeled, personal transport devices; but that’s a mouthful, which is why for now, please forgive us—and the rest of the news world—while we call them hoverboards."
