Hoverboards have had numerous recalls and caused severe damage, injury and even death due to the explosive risks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission last year recalled more than 500,000 of the devices from 11 different companies. Many airlines have banned them on flights, and several local colleges do not allow them university buildings.

HOW DOES A HOVERBOARD CAUSE INJURY?

Hoverboards are powered by lithium-ion batteries like those used in smartphones and laptop computers. These batteries are compact and hold a lot of energy, but also pose a significant fire risk when manufactured cheaply. A defect inside the cell of a low-quality battery may cause it to short circuit, resulting in an explosion and/or fire. These products are also being investigated for potential design flaws that may make them difficult if not impossible to operate without falling off.

One recent tragedy happened close to home just last year. The incident occurred March 11, 2017 in Harrisburg, Pa., when a recharging hoverboard set a row house ablaze, killing a 2-year old and a 10-year old while leaving a 3-year old and 4 year-old with injuries.

Fire officials say the family heard a “sizzling or crackling” in the toy and suspect it caused the fatal blaze.

In the wake of the tragedy, the federal government is once again warning consumers about the dangers of these toys and associated safety hazards.

In October 2017 a hoverboard explosion caused $500,000 worth of damage to six homes, displacing 12 people in York County. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

HOVERBOARD RECALLS

The following were recalled because they “overheat, posing a risk of the products smoking, catching fire and/or exploding.”

• Swagway X1 model
• Razor Hovertrax
• Airwalk Self Balancing Electric Scooter
• iMoto
• Hype Roam
• Wheeli
• 2Wheelz
• Back to the Future
• Mobile Tech
• Hover Shark
• NWS
• X Glider
• X Rider

Retailer Overstock.com is recalling all 4,300 hoverboards sold on its website, and Pennsylvania-based retailer Boscov’s is recalling about 1,300 Orbit brand ones.

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED BY A RECALLED HOVERBOARD?

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries or burns as a result of a malfunctioning hoverboard, you call one of Pisanchyn Law Firm’s experienced hoverboard lawyers now for a free consultation at 1-800-444-5309. We have offices in Harrisburg, Scranton and Pittsburgh and will travel to you.