KID joins other safety groups urging consumers to use only hoverboards that meet the latest UL 2272 Standard

 

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Alert to Consumers: Use Only Hoverboards Meeting Latest UL 2272 Standard and Remove all Recalled Hoverboards from Your Home

 

Fire Risk: Our organizations, Safe Kids Worldwide, Kids In Danger and the Consumer Federation of America, urge consumers to continue to exercise caution when purchasing, using, storing or charging self-balancing scooters, known as hoverboards. Over the past few years, hoverboards have caught on fire due to the malfunctioning lithium ion battery inside, causing property damage and serious injuries or death. The dangerous product caused the tragic death of two young girls in Harrisburg, PA after it overheated and set their house on fire. We urge you to purchase hoverboards that meet the current UL 2272 standard to prevent fires, burns, and other serious injuries. Remove all recalled hoverboards from your home.

Recalled: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled half a million hoverboards in July of 2016 after 100 reports of them exploding or catching fire were obtained and over $2 million in property damages were reported.

Urged to Comply with UL Standard: In February 2016, CPSC Acting Director, Robert Howell, wrote a letter to hoverboard manufacturers urging them to comply with the most recent UL voluntary safety standards. He stated that products not up to standards pose an “unreasonable risk of fire to consumers” and that consumers “risk serious injury or death” if they use an uncertified hoverboard. It was not until May 2016 that UL deemed any version of the hoverboard safe enough to be on the market. On November 21, 2016, UL approved the most updated and complete safety standard regarding e-Mobility devices, UL 2272. It should have this label on it (at right).

Still in Use, Still on the Market: Even though a stronger safety standard now exists, many hoverboards continue to be sold and used that do not meet the UL 2272 standard. They can be found to this day on-line and at garage sales. These products pose a serious risk to consumers. If you own a hoverboard, check for the UL certification UL 2272. Any hoverboard purchased between June 2015 and May 2016, even those not part of the recall, could pose risks to your family and home and should be disposed of in a safe manner or returned immediately. You can see the list of recalled products by searching on CPSC.gov.

Wear Protective Gear: Consumers should also be aware that the most recent safety standards only account for fire safety, and that consumers should take the necessary precautions to prevent and protect against falls. Especially as we come to the summer months when children are more likely to be outside on bikes, scooters, and hoverboards, safety should be prioritized: When on a hoverboard, children should always wear a helmet and other protective gear. These products should never be used at night and should be used away from cars.

Contact any of our groups with any questions or concerns about hoverboard safety.

Anthony Green, Safe Kids, 202.662.0606, agreen@safekids.org
Nancy Cowles, Kids In Danger, 312.595.0649, nancy@kidsindanger.org
Rachel Weintraub, Consumer Federation of America, 202.939.1012, rweintraub@consumerfed.org

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