By Staff Writer (media@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Nov 19, 2015 08:00 AM EST

Hoverboards are quickly growing in popularity, but one big city recently banned the device from its streets. The 26th precinct of the New York Police Department tweeted on Nov. 16, 2015 that electric hoverboards are illegal in the city.

Mashable reported that the 26th precinct includes Morningside Heights and certain areas of West Harlem. According to the precinct, motorized hoverboads are banned as provided by NYC Administrative Code 19-176.2.

Later however, the NYPD removed the tweet, because the announcement resulted to certain confusion on whether it is allowed in New York or not. Some people believed that the code only meant motorized wheeled devices with handlebars that have speeds of over 15 mph. The self-balancing boards do not have handlebars and have a maximum speed of about 6 mph only. According to a Daily News report, the tweet was deleted because it cited the wrong administrative code.

Aside from the recent prohibition on the use of hoverboards, these were found to have always been banned from public streets, highways, sidewalks and parking spaces. Article 14, Sections 401-a and 401b of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law has long provided that Segways and other motorized vehicles, including hoverboards, are not allowed because these cannot be registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Furthermore, the ban on hoverboards will actually ensure the safety of pedestrians and other registered vehicles.

“Some of the devices are expressly prohibited but all of them would be considered motor vehicles under the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). The VTL requires all motor vehicles to be registered with the NYSDMV (with an exception for ADA related use). Since none of them may be registered they are not permitted." Jose Bayona, the deputy press secretary Press Secretary at NYDOT, told Mashable.

Offenders of the code and law in New York will be apprehended and may be fined up to $500. The prohibition does not mean a full ban on hoverboards. New Yorkers can still enjoy their devices at the park or at home.

Owners of the motorized vehicle were not very happy with the announcement. Many resorted to social media, explaining how hoverboards are not a threat on the streets because of their small size and slow speed. Others said that they were annoyed with how New York City was very strict with these devices, while staying lenient on other more serious matters.

Aside from New York, TechTimes mentioned that the United Kingdom recently adjusted its laws to specify that hoverboards are banned on its public roads.

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