Slashdot Mirror
Hoverboards Recalled For Fire and Explosion Risks -- Again (cnbc.com)
An anonymous reader shares a report: The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled hoverboards from several companies over concerns the devices could catch fire or explode. The series of recalls affects roughly 16,000 hoverboards from brands including iHoverspeed, Sonic Smart Wheels, Tech Drift, iLive, Go Wheels, Drone Nerds, LayZ Board and Smart Balance Wheel. All the brands of self-balancing scooters share a common problem: lithium-ion batteries that could potentially overheat and cause a fire or explode. The agency is advising owners to stop using the hoverboards immediately and return them to the appropriate company for a replacement. Consumers can visit the CPSC website for details on the recalls and how to contact companies for replacements.
Hoverboard is to skateboard as sideways electric bike is to pedal bike. I see folding electric bikes selling for thousands of dollars, but never sideways ones. Upside down, sure, sidecar, sure, 15' tall, sure. Sideways? No.
The original that they're copying was self-balancing, like a segway! These knockoffs just have pedals that wiggle, with a transistor attached, so you can "balance" it yourself. It is like the difference between a wheelchair, and riding a bike with no hands! No problem for kids, or after you've learned it, but it doesn't really target the people most in need of improved personal transport.