Hoverboards; How dangerous are they?
This year’s most popular new toy just happens to be the most dangerous one as well. Hoverboards; those two-wheeled, self-balancing “scooters” you see people riding on aren’t just a danger to the rider but there have been numerous reports of the board actually bursting into flames.
Since September there have been a reported 20 injuries caused by the hoverboards. They range from small contusions to broken bones and even a head injury. However, these types of injuries are to be expected when learning to balance on a two wheeled vehicle; but the item bursting into flames was not one of the warnings on the label.
“While the CPSC has not taken any formal action in response to any of these injury reports, that could change based on recent news reports. In the past two weeks, there have been two separate reports of hoverboards spontaneously igniting and causing a fire. This type of potential hazard could capture the attention of consumers, manufacturers, and regulators alike.” In the past two weeks there have 2 cases in which the hoverboards have burst into flame. In Raleigh, North Carolina a woman’s hoverboard burst into flames and burned her house down, losing everything. Another incident took place while a boy was charging the battery of the hoverboard. As he plugged it in to charge, it burst into flames. Both of these owners are currently suing the companies of the hoverboards. There are numerous manufacturers on the market so there is not one specific company that is to blame.
This problem has been seen in both the U.S., US and the U.K. “The national Fire Marshals organization issued an advisory on Friday, warning that these explosions are “not a unique occurrence,” H. Butch Browning Jr., the president of the group’s Board of Directors said in a statement. The sheer number of incidents occurring around the country, and abroad, is what prompted our organization to address this serious issue on a national level, he said.”
Sources:
http://www.natlawreview.com/article/oh-what-fun-it-to-ride-hoverboard-year-s-must-have-holiday-gift-poses-potential
http://wpri.com/2015/12/01/hoverboard-blamed-for-house-fire-family-suing-manufacturer/
