Amazon Stopping Sale of Hoverboards Over Safety Concerns

Reports of hoverboards catching fire have caused widespread concern, especially during the holiday season when these self-balancing scooters are making it to many Christmas lists.

Now, Amazon is yanking several brands of these hoverboards made by Swagway. Last week, the Internet retail giant sent out a notice to all hoverboard sellers asking to provide documentation showing that their products are compliant with safety standards. Amazon expressed concern over potential danger from hoverboards’ batteries and charges. Many of the reported fires and explosions involving hoverboards have been linked to overheating of the boards’ lithium ion batteries.

The Danger of Hoverboards

Their name might lead you to believe that they actually hover. But, they don’t. The hoverboards feature two wheels with a platform between them. An electric motor powers these devices. Hoverboards have gained notoriety after celebrities like Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner posted photos of themselves riding these boards and falling off them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received at least 10 reports of hoverboard fires. Airlines have banned them for fire hazards as well. Indiana-based

Airlines have banned them for fire hazards as well. Indiana-based Swagway maintains that its board meets safety standards and that it has provided Amazon with the requested information. Although Swagway’s boards haven’t yet found their way to Amazon, buyers have other choices from competitors such as Razor and Jetson. In addition to Amazon, Overstock.com has also said it won’t sell them due to safety concerns. CPSC has launched an investigation into whether the faulty batteries are responsible for the fires, calling it a “priority investigation.” Since this is a popular holiday item, officials say, they want to get to the bottom of why some hoverboards ignite or explode.

In addition to Amazon, Overstock.com has also said it won’t sell them due to safety concerns. CPSC has launched an investigation into whether the faulty batteries are responsible for the fires, calling it a “priority investigation.” Since this is a popular holiday item, officials say, they want to get to the bottom of why some hoverboards ignite or explode.

What Can You Do?

With so little information available about these brand new products, as California defective hoverboard attorneys, our advise would be to take these items off your Christmas lists. Safety first. However, if you already have them in your homes, be sure to take every precaution you can. Those riding hoverboards should wear helmets, elbow pads and kneepads. Do not charge a hoverboard overnight or when you’re not home.

A number of fire accidents involving hoverboards have been reported as they were charging. If you get a hoverboard as a gift, don’t take it out of the packaging to charge it completely and then put it back in the packing to wrap it. If they come partially charged, leave them that way. It is also important if you must buy them, to purchase only from reputable sources. Avoid mall kiosks, unfamiliar websites and cheap brands.

Bisnar Chase represents those injured by dangerous and defective products. Contact our office if you are seeking legal representation for injuries.