Half A Million ‘Hoverboards’ Recalled For Fire Risk

Self-balancing scooters, nicknamed ‘hoverboards’, were the hottest new gadget last year and were on everyone’s holiday list. However, months later more than 500,000 of these hoverboards have been recalled due to the risk of the battery pack overheating, exploding or catching fire. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the recall after dozens of hoverboards began to spark and smoke, causing reports of personal injury and property damage. In December of last year, videos and pictures of hoverboards catching fire in houses and malls began to surface on the internet.

According to CPSC, there have been about 99 reports of injuries from the lithium-ion battery packs, such as burns to the legs, arms and neck, as well over $2 million in property damage. It’s extremely important to consult with a Tulsa Product Liability Lawyer if you have been injured by a hoverboard, or any other consumer product, to recover medical costs, property damage, and lost wages.

10 companies were named in the recall, including Swagway LLC in South Bend, Indiana, and Keeford, a Hong Kong based company. The hoverboards were sold in major stores, mall kiosks and online from June 2015 through May 2016 and cost around $900. To find out whether your hoverboard model is part of the recall, call the CPSC consumer hotline at (800) 638-2772 or check out CPSC.gov. Consumers have the options of a full refund, a free repair or a free replacement, depending on the model.

The risk of fire and injury have resulted in hoverboard bans on many trains, airlines and college campuses. The University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma University are among 30 colleges that have hoverboard bans or restrictions in place. Will Rogers Worldwide Airport has already prohibited the devices on all commercial carriers, which applies to both carry-on and checked luggage.

The CPSC reports that consumer product deaths, injuries and property damage cost Americans more than $1 trillion every year. If you are in need of a Tulsa Product Liability Lawyer, contact Wandres Law at (918) 641-4044 for a free consultation.