Canadian Manufacturing

500,000 hoverboards recalled in U.S. after dozens of battery packs burst into flames

by Joseph Pisani, The Associated Press   

Canadian Manufacturing
Manufacturing Operations Regulation


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the lithium-ion battery packs in the two-wheeled hoverboards can overheat and catch fire

PHOTO: CPSC

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said dozens of the two-wheeled Hoverboards have burst into flames. PHOTO: CPSC

NEW YORK—More than 500,000 hoverboards are being recalled after some of the motorized scooters overheated, burned riders and damaged property.

There have been 99 reports to the Consumer Product Safety Commission of hoverboard lithium-ion battery packs that exploded or caught fire, the U.S. regulator said July 6.

At least 18 injuries were reported, such as burns to the neck, legs or arms, according to the CPSC. Property damages were also reported.

Hoverboards were a hot item during the holiday season, but videos and photos of the two-wheeled motorized scooters on fire or spewing smoke were soon showing up frequently on the internet. The CPSC warned hoverboard makers and retailers earlier this year that they had to follow newly-created safety requirements or face recalls. Many airlines, railroads and college campuses have already banned hoverboards, citing safety risks.

Advertisement

The recalled hoverboards were made by 10 companies ranging from Swagway LLC of South Bend, Indiana, to Keenford Ltd., based in Hong Kong.

They were sold online and in major U.S. stores nationwide between June 2015 and May 2016, costing as much as $900.

Owners should stop using the recalled hoverboards and return them for a full refund, free repair or a free replacement, the CPSC said.

Of the companies named, Swagway had the most recalled hoverboards, at 267,000. The company’s $400 Swagway X1 also had the most reports of injuries, at 16.

Others being recalled include 84,000 of Keenford’s iMoto hoverboards; 70,000 of Hoverboard LLC’s Powerboard and 28,000 of Razor USA’s Hovertrax.

Advertisement

Stories continue below

Print this page

Related Stories