The five gadgets that were almost banned

Have you seen those self-balancing scooters that have become very popular lately? Well, they’re actually illegal to use in public! Besides the scooter, what other gadgets are illegal to use out and about? You might be surprised when you find out…

Self-balancing Scooters – These scooters are illegal to drive in public, both on the road and on the pavement. But why? Well, self-balancing scooters don’t meet the requirements to be approved for road use. So why can’t you just use one on the pavement, because it is an offence to drive a vehicle on the pavement! You will only ever be allowed to use this gadget on private property.

Drones – According to the law, it is illegal to fly a drone within 50m of landmarks or buildings you don’t own, or within 150m of a congested area. Worried you might be breaking the law with your drone? If so, remember this…

 
- Ensure the drone is within your “line of sight” at all times
- Make sure it goes no more than 400 feet away from you vertically
- Make sure it goes no more than 500 feet away from you horizontally

Laser Pointers – It is recognised that Class 1 and 2 laser pointers are fine for use in the workplace as a training aid, and that Class 3R up to 5mW can be used with the right training. However, laser pointers that are higher than Class 2 are urged to be removed from the general market because of eye injuries.

Segways – A Segway is classed as a motor vehicle, so it would need to be registered. It is illegal to drive one on a public highway because they don’t meet the requirements, however you can’t drive on the pavements either as they are classes as motor vehicles. So, yet again the only legal place is on private property.

Signal Jammers – These are used to block radio equipment from sending and receiving signals. Use one, and you’ll have committed a serious offence! It is not a minor one either; it means a maximum penalty of two years in jail or an unlimited fine.

From drones to laser pointers, these five gadgets have almost been banned completely, some reasons may seem silly, but others are for good reason. What gadgets do you know of that have been banned.

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