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Hoverboards Recalled For Fire and Explosion Risks -- Again (cnbc.com)

Posted by msmash on from the oops-they-did-it-again dept.

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.

4 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. Total fraud... by Frosty+Piss · · Score: 5, Funny

    How about recalling them for false advertising? I bought one and it came with WHEELS . Not only that, After hearing all the hype, I was under the impression that riding one of these things would make me look hip and attractive to the opposite sex. So so very disappointed.

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    1. Re:Total fraud... by Aighearach · · Score: 4, Insightful

      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.

  2. Lithium Ion needs a major manufacturer by Luthair · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Maybe its just me, but personally I won't have anything to do with any product with a lithium ion battery that isn't from a major manufacturer. I find it too risky to accept that someone operating on thin margins is doing all the engineering necessary to ensure their products and supply chains are safe.

    1. Re:Lithium Ion needs a major manufacturer by Highdude702 · · Score: 5, Funny

      So you're saying you would ride it with a Samsung battery installed inside of it? Lets just think back on that one..