One of the top gifts to give or receive this past Christmas was the hoverboard, which is also being referred to as the “smart board” or “balance board.” Unfortunately, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has started investigating these popular items due to a fire danger they present.
The CPSC is performing tests on new and damaged boards in an attempt to determine why certain models have caught fire while being charged or in use. The agency also has concerns regarding the risk of falls from hoverboards due to the number of injury reports it has received from hospitals.
Below are hoverboard safety tips from the CPSC website:
- Avoid buying the product at a location (like a mall kiosk) or on a website that does not have information about who is selling the product and how they can be contacted if there is a problem. If you do not think you could find the seller again if a problem were to arise with your board, that should be a warning to you not to do business with the
- Do not charge a hoverboard overnight or when you are not able to observe the board.
- Charge and store in an open dry area away from combustibles (meaning items that can catch fire).
- Do not charge directly after riding. Let the device cool for an hour before charging.
- If giving a hoverboard to someone for the holidays, leave it in its partially charged state. Do not take it out of the package to bring it to a full charge and then wrap it back up. Often, the product comes partially charged. Leave it in that state until it is ready to be used.
- Look for the mark of a certified national testing laboratory. While this does not rule out counterfeits, the absence of such a mark means your safety is likely not a priority for that manufacturer.
- Do not ride near vehicular traffic.
- This tip needs to be reiterated: It is important to wear safety gear when using a hoverboard. We recommend the same safety gear that you would wear when riding a skateboard – a skateboard helmet, and knee and elbow pads and wrist guards for protection from falls
If you or a loved one has been injured by a hoverboard or other product, we can help. Contact a Bremen personal injury lawyer at Murphy & Garner today to talk about your options in a free consultation. We represent good people who were hurt through no fault of their own. We will stand up for you and work hard to get you the full and fair personal injury settlement (or jury verdict) you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
