More Than 500,000 Hoverboards Being Recalled Due To Fire Safety Risk

It was hinted last month that there would be some big news in early July with regards to the hoverboard industry. That news has now been revealed. Over half a million self balancing scooters are being recalled due to being a fire safety hazard by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The lithium ion battery packs in scooters can easily overheat, causing smoking, sparking, fires or even explosions. Hoverboard fires have caused as much as $2 million dollars worth of property damage and burns injuries to users in 99 reported incidents.

Hoverboards sold online between June 2015 and May 2016 are affected, and they cost in the range of approximately $300-$900. 10 companies are involved in this recall, including major US brands Swagway (Swagway X1), Razor (Hovertrax) and Hoverboard LLC (Powerboard). NO hoverboard sold in this time was safe and consumers are urged to stop using their products immediately. Depending on the model you may be able to get a refund, repair or replacement.

The ONLY safe hoverboards are those that have been certified by UL (Underwriter Laboratories), with a new hoverboard specific certification called UL 2272. Only a handful of hoverboards have actually received this UL approval so far, Swagway’s T1 and T3 being 2 such models. Also the Ninebot by Segway MiniPRO. The CPSC advises only purchasing hoverboards that have been certified as safe by UL. Unfortunately this certification has come too late for many buyers.

Check if your hoverboard is on the recall list and see what to do next.

The biggest brand name affected by the recall is the popular Swagway – they are offering a repair or credit towards their new UL certified SwagTron model to anyone who purchased a Swagway X1 between September 2015 and March 2016. Swagway’s purchased after March 2016 are NOT affected as they contain UL certified battery packs.

Visit the following link to check if yours was affected: Swagway Product Recall