Pereira, however, says the legal battles won't deter him from pursuing this business opportunity.

"They could go after me but I'm about pushing public transportation," he said.

Several Chinese factories pump out thousands of units a day under various names including Oxboard, Cyboard, Future Foot, Monorover, Airboard, Freego, Esway and Overoad.

The Üüboard sells for $949 and comes with a one-year warranty, but rival products are available for between about $600 and $1,800 US. Hüüver's Chinese supplier, Cube Electronics Tech, said on its website they can be purchased directly for up to $200 US.

While the various models look alike and carry similar features, Pereira said they're not identical. Some are a little slower, sluggish and less durable, he said.

Pereira said the Üüboard can work up to nine hours on a 135-minute charge. Weighing 22 pounds, it can carry people between 50 and 350 pounds.

The hoverboards can be used on urban bike lanes and sidewalks, but Pereira said he's been asked to put it away at a Blue Jays game and in some shopping malls.

Despite its $1,800 US price tag, the IO Hawk has had trouble keeping up with demand since it entered the U.S. market in February and attracted the attention of celebrities and athletes.

Justin Bieber, NBA all-star Stephen Curry, actor Jamie Foxx and Kendall Jenner have all been seen using the device or a slightly cheaper brand, PhunkeeDuck.

Rapper Wiz Khalifa was in the news recently when he claimed to be arrested at the Los Angeles airport for riding the device he called a "hoverboard" even though it has wheels that firmly touched the ground.

The Canadian Press