LONDON — The Metropolitan Police (MPS) have tweeted some bad news for hoverboard fans, pointing out that it's actually illegal to ride the things on public roads or pavements - or anywhere apart from private property with the landowner's permission.

A massive party-pooping message went out from the MPS Specials account Sunday, linking to legislation that states that "self-balancing scooters" (such as segways and Swagways and Hoverboards) can't be ridden on roads as they're not licensed and registered.

Using them on pavements, meanwhile, would contravene section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 in England and Wales and section 129(5) of the Roads Act 1984 in Scotland.

Own one of these or thinking about getting one? They're illegal to ride in public! Info here: http://t.co/We85yLAzsU pic.twitter.com/vMm0hxNAjs — MPS Specials (@MPSSpecials) October 11, 2015

"You can only ride an unregistered self-balancing scooter on land which is private property and with the landowner's permission," they say. The Department for Transport also advises "that appropriate safety clothing should be worn at all times" if you do ride one in private.

However, one hoverboard distributor, Simon Benson of Ghetto Gadgets, reckons the police force's reminder of the of law could help boost sales.

“If the authorities give any impression that the use of hoverboards in some circumstances is unlawful, then I expect sales to soar," he told The Guardian.

“Clearly customers need to take advice, but millennials are not going to take kindly to the authorities using a law that pre-dates the penny-farthing to tell them what they can or can’t do on the streets of Britain."