More Hoverboards Recalled for Fire and Explosion Risk

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has added 500 more hoverboards to the recall list amid concerns that the devices are exploding and/or catching fire. According to a report on Consumerist.com, manufacturer Vecaro has recalled the scooters after getting three reports of the devices smoking. A notice posted with CPSC says the lithium-ion battery packs in the hoverboards can overheat posing a fire hazard. Vecaro has said that it has not received any reports of injuries or property damage linked to the recalled hoverboards.

Recall Details

The recall covers three types of Vecaro hoverboards: Glide65, Drift8, and Trek10. The devices, which come in black, white, red, blue, metallic gold, metallic silver, graffiti white print and red flame print, have “Vecaro” printed on the front outer casing. The devices were sold for between $300 and $400 at The Audio Shop and Stereo Zone in California and online on Vecaro’s website between November 2015 and November 2016. Owners of the recalled devices are urged to immediately stop using the hoverboards and contact Vecaro to return their unit to receive a free repair and a credit toward the purchase of a UL-certified device.

Ongoing Hoverboard Concerns

Vecaro’s recall comes only two weeks after federal officials announced they will open an investigation into a house fire sparked by a recharging hoverboard that killed two children, ages 3 and 10. Officials say the March 10 fire occurred when a hoverboard that was plugged into an outlet caught fire. This tragic incident has become a reminder of the increasing dangers of fires and explosions that have been linked to these devices.

As of July 16, when 500,000 hoverboard were recalled, CPSC had received reports of 99 incidents where the hoverboard batteries had overheated and caused fires and explosions. Until the Pennsylvania incidents only burn injuries and property damage had been reported. CPSC officials said at the time of the larger recall that all those hoverboards involving 13 manufacturers were made with fundamental design flaws that put people lives at risk. Officials are urging consumers not to buy or use a hoverboard that does not meet UL’s electrical safety requirements for these products.

If You Have Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hoverboard explosion or fire, please remember that you have legal rights. You may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against a number of parties including the manufacturer, retailer, distributor, etc. You may also be able to seek monetary compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced product defect lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options.