A prediction about the future made by 1989 film “Back to the Future: Part II” was confirmed to be true in 2015 – they were only incorrect about the technology.
Hoverboards, self-balancing, electric, two-wheeled boards, may look different than the usually thought-of suspended plank seen in popular films, like “Back to the Future.” The technology, nevertheless, is gaining attention all over the world.
Originally receiving a following in China, the hoverboard quickly started to find a home in the United States last year, becoming universally known and owned by many.
Hoverboards are operated by the position of the rider’s feet, as they stand on two sensory pads that move the board forward, backward or in a circle, allowing users to arrive where they’re going at a slightly faster speed.
With this new technology, however, come repercussions.
For new users, the hoverboard can be difficult to get a grasp for, with many falling off them and suffering injury. Because of this, cities such as New York City, and Toronto have banned the use of hoverboards on streets until further legislation is created.
Countries like Germany, Scotland and Australia have also banned the use of hoverboards on city streets.
Additionally, as visibility and popularity of hoverboards increase on college grounds, the more universities are cracking down of their usage on campus facilities.
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Marie Rabideau said the use of hoverboards in the facilities of SVSU is a violation.
“The University is concerned for the safety of all individuals on campus under the Code of Student Conduct,” Rabideau said. “(The Code of Student Conduct states) no student shall engage in conduct that interferes with public peace or the rights of others with the general use of facilities.”
Universities across the United States have begun to ban the use of hoverboards on their facilities. This includes the University of North Florida, the University of North Georgia, Louisiana State University, the University of Connecticut and Oakland City University, to name a few on the growing list.
Students on campus have taken notice of the increase of hoverboards used on campus, responding positively and negatively to the technology.
SVSU student David Ngatia had mixed feelings on their recent popularity.
“Hoverboards are for kids – did you see how many spent their Christmas in a hospital bed due to falling?” Ngatia said. “However, I like the technology. (It’s) only a matter of time we’ll be seeing (something) enabling people to fly on their own … crazy world.”
However, history junior Ingle Hoskins expressed her concerns over the use of hoverboards on campus.
“I think if skateboards and such aren’t safe for the halls, the battery operated ones also should not be,” Hoskins said.
