In response to this week's news that riding the two-wheeled electric skateboards known as "hoverboards" is technically unlawful on the sidewalks of New York City, YouTube personality Casey Neistat recorded a video of himself interrogating NYPD officers about whether they actually enforce the law—while, impishly, riding a hoverboard.The NYPD's 26th precinct drew attention to the rule this week when it posted a Tweet that read:It later deleted the Tweet, seemingly because the code it cited does not apply to vehicles without handlebars. However, an NYPD spokeswoman confirmed to the New York Daily News that hoverboards are prohibited, and that you can face a fine of up to $200 for riding one."As a decade-and-half-long denizen of New York City, let me just tell you for a fact: the NYPD does not give a shit about hoverboards," said Neistat, who wears swept back curly hair and black-and-white, Wayfarer-style shades. "Their focus is on things that matter, not electric hoverboard contraptions that nobody cares about."To prove that point, Neistat takes to the sidewalk with his Swagway-brand—really—hoverboard, stopping to question cops about the device's legality."I saw in the news that they were making these things illegal," he said to an officer seated in an NYPD van, gesturing at the hoverboard on which his feet are planted. "Have they said anything to you guys about them being illegal?""They're not illegal," the cop replies. "Not that I know of.""NYPD does not care!" Neistat crows as he rides away.He later approaches a pair of police at a crosswalk."Officers, have you heard of these things being illegal in the city?" he asks them."Technically, yes they are," one replies."But it's not a tremendous priority for you?" Neistat presses."Not for me, no," the officer replies, walking away. "Be safe."Earlier this fall, it emerged that hoverboards are illegal to ride on the streets of the UK.
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