More Than 500,000 Hoverboards Recalled Due to Fires

Recalled Hoverboards

The Consumer Product safety Commission (CPSC) said more than 500,000 units of self-balancing scooters/hoverboards have been recalled due to risks of the product catching fire or exploding that could cause injuries to consumers.

The self-balancing scooters/hoverboards have two wheels at the either end of the platform. The product is powered by lithium-ion battery packs that can overheat thereby triggering smoke, fire and/or explosion.

The CPSC already received at least 99 reports of incidents wherein the lithium-ion battery packs in the self-balancing scooters/hoverboards overheated, sparked, smoked, caught on fire or exploded. The consumers reported having burn injuries and property damage.

According to the CPSC at least 18 consumers suffered injuries such as burns to the neck, legs or arms. The agency is advising consumers to stop using the recalled self-balancing scooters/hoverboards. They should also contact the recalling companies for a full refund, a free repair or a free replacement depending on the model.

CPSC warned hoverboards manufacturers regarding safety requirements

During the holiday season, the self-balancing scooters/hoverboards were popular and many consumers bought the product as a gift. However, the internet has been flooded with photos and videos of the product caught on fire.

The CPSC issued a warning on the manufacturers to follows the newly-created safety requirements for the product or face recalls. Obviously, the manufacturers did not comply with the safety requirements given the number of reported incidents of injuries caused by the overheating of the product’s lithium-ion battery packs.

Colleges and Universities, railroads and airlines already prohibited consumers from using the product on their premises

Mass merchandisers in the United States and online retailers sold the recalled self-balancing scooters/hoverboards between $350 and $900 from June 2015 to May 2016. The recalled products are made in China. Check out Joinfuse to explore more.

Below is the list of recalled hoverboards

List of Recalled Hoverboards

Following the request of the CPSC, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) decided to require third-parties to obtain certifications for their hoverboards from testing agencies before they can list their products on its online marketplaces