On Wednesday, Amazon said the United Kingdom hoverboards were deemed unsafe due to a noncompliant plug for electrical outlets.
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Another email sent to everyone who bought the boards warned that Trading Standards has raised concerns about their safety, in particular their rechargeable lithium batteries and plugs.
However, in recent days it has emerged that a “hoverboard” made by Swagway, one of the leading brands, caught fire in NY last week. Trading Standards are on the record saying they have seized 88% of the Hoverboards they have examined since October and London Fire Brigade note that at least 3 house fires have been caused by them.
She also said hoverboards should not be charged overnight or without someone present and recommended buying batteries and chargers that have been certified by a national testing laboratory.
CNNMoney checked Amazon’s website Monday and found that self-balancing scooters from IO Hawk, PhunkeeDuck and others had been removed.
Amazon has offered a full refund – roughly $375 – for the purchases.
Amazon sent another email to customers who bought hoverboards with compliant plugs offering safety advice.
“As safety is on the forefront for Swagway, we applaud Amazon for taking these steps to weed out the low-quality boards”, said spokeswoman Lauren Song.
There’s really no reason for customers to not dispose of their hoverboard if they have been told by Amazon to do so, not only does this shield them from a potential fire risk, but they will also get their money back in full. According to the BBC, the gadgets were recalled because they were “in danger of overheating, exploding or catching fire”, due to issues with plugs and faulty cables and chargers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received reports of 29 overboard-related emergency room visits and of 11 fires in 10 states.
Amazon has pulled hoverboards from the major producers, including Swagway, but some of the smaller companies that produce the devices are still up.
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“To date, the Commission has inspected a number of hoverboards and none of the retailers concerned were able to provide the required proof that they comply with the essential safety requirements”, she said. Be sure to check the plug – if it’s clover-shaped, you may be in trouble.
