What is the legality of using these things? Are they legal in bike lanes? On sidewalks? Kids use regular skateboards in city parks, but if these things are being advertised for commuting, how legal are they?

Technically, powered skateboards are completely illegal in all of CA since 1977. They were banned as a response to 2-stroke gas engine powered skate boards.

There's a bill in the legislature to legalize electric versions (AB-2054)

I hope they pass this bill. Giving people another alternative transportation for the last mile so that they can use public transit will help with traffic and pollution.

A number of my co-workers use these things already, and if not for them, they'd be driving to work.

You have to know your own local regulations, but they are easily found in most cities and if you ride responsiblely then you likely will not have a problem. I don't live in California but there are ordinances that restrict the use of these boards where I live in Utah. Just be smart and don't try to ride in crowds of pedestrians. I've had one for a year and have not had troubles but I ride aware and alert and I know where to avoid if I don't want my board impounded.

Electric skateboards? Have the "alternative transportation" fools finally gone mad? Skateboards are not compatible on sidewalks because sidewalks belong to pedestrians and skateboards threaten pedestrians legs. Skateboards are not compatible on streets or bicycle lanes because they block faster bikes and cars. Heck, bikes aren't compatible on streets either because they block traffic and are far too vulnerable to automobiles, particularly if the bike riders are the grossly overly-aggressive "spandex wannabe racers". I'd block both skateboards and bikes from commuter streets and leave them to cars and buses. I've had far too many close calls from insanely aggressive bike riders who think they own our streets and they don't. Cars own the streets and bikes are guests --- and guests must be polite and not aggressive.

"guests must be polite and not aggressive"

it is actually the cars that are guests. They just have bullied everybody else and now think they own the street.

"I've had far too many close calls from insanely aggressive bike riders who think they own our streets and they don't."

Translation: Those bicyclists never stood still long enough for me to run them over with my car.

These boards are faster than most bikes. I had to ride over 20mph to keep up with one over by Paly. I wish I was a better board rider. I'd love to get one.

OldMV, have you been evaluated for driving ability. Seniors often confidently think they are seeing or doing things behind the wheel that are completely opposite to reality, like pushing on the brake pedal when they are in reality, pushing on the accelerator.

Generally, if you find yourself having too many close calls, it is a warning sign. Protect yourself and others. Please get checked.

El Nino is going to put a crimp in things for skaters. Do they have wheels?
Anyone who has tried knows riding a skateboard on wet pavement is at best an effort in survival. It's like riding oiled wheels on ice.

Sounds good in theory but will never catch on for a variety of reasons.

Watch the VTA next propose lanes on El Camino Real for (motorized) skateboards but not for cars. Maybe the middle lane. So, "rapid transit" buses on the left, regular buses on the right (mixed in with bicycles) and skateboards in between. Of course anyone not paying to ride a bus will have to pay the VTA a toll to use its streets.

It's a cool niche, and I think will catch on enough, but no, this is not the next big thing.
I can see it competing with the micro single wheel electric scooters or "hover boards" (in name only), but I think I would prefer the latter for size/portability/stash-ability.
A fun looking toy regardless though.

Great transport means for that last/first leg of the trip. I will get one of those some day.

What will you do when it rains?

I noticed this article didn't tie in with last year's memorable, closely related _Voice_ story about Future Motion, another local, Kickstarter-funded firm making another motorized skateboard variant (also with photos by Michelle Le):

Story Web Link

PDF with all photos Web Link