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Breaking news: a major hoverboard recall has been announced for several different brands of hoverboard. It’s unclear whether additional models will be added to this list. Currently, here are the brands and models that have joined the recall:
- Swagway X1
- Powerboard by hoverboard
- Razor Hovertrax
- the Hype Roam
- the Wheeli
- the iMoto
- X Rider
- the Airwalk Self-balancing electric scooter
- MobileTech
- Hover Shark
- NWS
- Back to the Future
- 2Wheelz
- any hoverboards purchased from Overstock.com
- any purchased at Boscov’s
As you can see there are several different brands included, but the investigation is still ongoing, so the CPSC says that it is possible more brands or models could be added in the future.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR AN OWNER OF ONE OF THESE MODELS?
The exact procedure varies from brand to brand, so you will have to contact either the brand or the store where you bought your hoverboard. Typically what will happen next is that you will be required to show proof of purchase, and then they will have you send in your hoverboard. Once the vendor has it, they may repair your hoverboard, replace it entirely (with a new or refurbished unit), or even issue a full refund (in some cases)
WHAT IF I HAVE ONE OF THE BRANDS LISTED, BUT I DON’T HAVE PROOF OF PURCHASE?
Ah, you didn’t see my Where to Buy A Hoverboard article, did you? It will depend on the brand of hoverboard; you will have to contact them to see. Check out where to find a cheap hoverboard for next time. Want to know how to make your hoverboard safe?
WHY ARE THEY RECALLING ALL THESE SELF-BALANCING SCOOTERS?
The biggest reason that they recalled these is that the risk of fires. There have been almost 100 incidents (according to the CPSC) related to hoverboards causing approximately $2 million in damages in 20 different states.
WHAT’S BEING DONE TO PREVENT FIRES IN THE FUTURE?
There is now a new safety standard in place UL-2272 that all self-balancing electric scooters are required to meet for them to be sold in the US. The standard includes more than 40 different tests, all designed to make the hoverboard safer for both riders, and their surroundings. You can learn more about the technology involved in making hoverboards safer in my is the Swagtron T1 safe review.
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