Hoverboards are a hot item this Holiday Season. This is one wish that you may want to skip on your child’s Wish List this year. Hoover boards have been reported to be exploding and catching fire, yet they are still flying off of the shelves and there have been no recalls in the United States despite the known risks.
The boards have drawn warnings from U.S. and U.K. officials. The National Association of Fire Marshalls issued an advisory warning that hoverboard explosions are "not a unique occurrence." Read more here.
The U.K.'s National Trading Standards, meanwhile, said 88% of the devices inspected had an increased risk of "overheating, exploding or catching fire." The boards are most at risk for catching fire while they are charging. Owners are cautioned to use care and pay attention while charging the boards.
Hoverboards have been reported to have the following life-threatening defects:
- Exploding – recently a hoover board exploded and burst into flames in a Washington mall requiring evacuation of the building. See a full report here.
- House fires – hoverboard fires have been blamed for house fires across Europe, Australia, and recently in Louisiana. Read more here.
- Eruption into flames while riding – an Alabama man reported that his hoverboard burst into flames while he was riding.
Exploding and burning hoverboards pose a risk to the rider and to those in the home where the board may catch fire. If a hoverboard is on your shopping list this year, try to avoid buying those cheaply made or with a cheap battery. The manufacturer has yet to take action in the United States to protect consumers.
Hoverboards have been banned, recalled, and seized in the U.K.
CNN reports that Nearly 90% of all hoverboards imported into Britain since the middle of October have been seized due to the risk of explosion. Additionally, a major British retailer Halfords recalled three types of Air Runner Self Balance Boards in November because the plugs did not meet British safety standards.
And Costco Wholesale U.K. sent new plugs to buyers of some Air Runner boards, saying, "there could be a risk of electrocution." No actions have been taken U.S. wide to prevent these boards from harming people.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an exploding or burning hoverboard, contact an experienced product liability attorney today for help. Chelsie King Garza is here to discuss your options and your legal remedies.
