Out here in California they are street legal, but only in 25MPH and less zones. As soon as they became legal in January 2000, some of the news stations made the obligatory "Are They Safe?" piece.
Needless to say if you worry about that, stay off of them!
Peggy's right. News Shows (Not newscasts anymore) need to be set straight as they often provide much misinformation and are seldom challenged.
Jim C.