After his condo association outright banned his electric skateboard, a commuter was freaked out and not sure how to proceed. They took to the r/HOA subreddit for advice and shared a screengrab of the notice banning the device.
Photo credit: Reddit
The board’s decision came after interaction with the VP condo association regarding the user’s new electric skateboard. Somewhat worryingly, it looks like the OP was tricked into the board being banned.
While they thought that the VP was seriously interested in the product and its specifications, instead it was gathering information to be able to include it in a comprehensive ban of electric vehicles. The notice essentially banned e-bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards due to unspecified “potential hazards.”
This probably relates to the threat of fire that generates quite a bit of publicity, especially in urban environments. Therefore, rules on safety and proper handling, as well as ensuring that residents do not use off-brand batteries, can mitigate the issue without a complete ban.
For the OP, the situation puts them in a bind. They revealed that they had car problems that were beyond their means to fix.
“It’s my only way to work,” they said of the electric skateboard. The whole ordeal was disrupting their world view.
“The deception of my neighbors gave me a cold wall … around strangers now who act apparently polite,” they admitted.
Since electric vehicles like OP’s or e-bikes tend to have less environmental impact than traditional gas-powered ones, the board’s move is frustrating. It also removed a cost-effective form of transit with limited justification.
This situation echoes broader issues, as HOAs and condo associations across the nation have been known to block homeowners from similar environmentally friendly moves like installing EV chargers. Working with HOAs can be a worthwhile endeavor. Redditors suggested that the OP draw the board’s attention to the flaws in the EV ban.
“I will attend the next meeting and ask the board what specific part of the bylaws was violated,” suggested one user.
“Also ask about the ban on all hybrid and electric vehicles,” added a user as a maneuver to bring the rule to its logical absurdity.
“Remind them that petroleum products like gasoline, kerosene, diesel and propane are also flammable, so they should also ban cars, lawnmowers, boats, gas stoves, grills, gas water heaters and gas ovens as well,” one user suggested driving the point home.
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