Hoverboards are Cause for Concern for US Consumer Safety Group

By Joe Messa

Dec 30

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have likely heard about the foreign-manufactured hoverboards that took Christmas lists by storm this year. You’ve likely also heard about the many reports of spontaneous explosions and fires caused by the hover boards. In response to these reports, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) chairman, Elliot F. Kaye, released a statement about how the CPSC is responding to the product’s dangers and what consumers can do to keep their families safe.

Hoverboards Causing Major Safety Concerns

Chairman Kaye assures consumers that he has directed staff to work non-stop in order to find the root-cause of the hoverboard’s fire hazard. “Every consumer who is riding a hoverboard, who purchased one to give as a gift during the holidays, or who is thinking about buying one deserves to know if there is a safety defect,” Kaye said.

His statement also explains the process by which the CPSC is investigating hoverboard-related accidents, noting that the commission is in possession of brand new and defective hoverboards for testing, as well as in contact with many emergency rooms nationwide, collecting data on injuries caused by the items. Injuries reported to the CPSC include concussions, fractures, contusions/abrasions, and internal organ injuries.

Kaye also includes a list of helpful safety tips for anyone in posession of a hoverboard, smart board, or balance board;

  • Do not purchase the product at a location that does not offer contact information for the manufacturer in the event of an accident or product defect.
  • Do not charge the board overnight when you are unable to observe it.
  • When you do charge the board, make sure you do so in an open, dry area away from combustible or flammable items.
  • If giving the board as a gift, leave it partially charged. Do not open to fully charge and then re-package.
  • Only purchase a board whose packaging displays the mark of a certified national testing laboratory.
  • It is important to wear all proper safety gear when using a hover/smart/balance board. The CPSC recommends the same safety gear that would be word while skateboarding – helmet, knee/elbow pads, and wrist guards.
  • Consumers should report ALL INCIDENTS to the CPSC via www.SaferProducts.gov.

New Jersey and Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys

The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling personal injury cases involving serious injuries resulting from defective products.  Our extremely skilled team of personal injury attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries.  If you have been injured by a defective product, or have endured any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates for a free consultation.  Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.

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About the Author

Joseph L. Messa, Jr. is the founding partner of Messa & Associates, P.C. He is an AV-rated attorney (highest rating available), listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Read More