Ever since Marty McFly made hoverboards “cool” in “Back to the Future,” we’ve been head over heels for these nifty devices. But not all that glitters is gold. Some hoverboards are catching fire, quite literally.
Should we be alarmed? Don’t sweat it, folks. We’re here to lay down the facts, separate myth from reality, and answer your burning questions.
Together, we’ll dive into some notable fire incidents, explore why these fires occur, and arm you with tips to keep safe. So buckle up and join us as we zoom into the world of hoverboards, tackling the fiery issue head-on.
How to Tell if Your Hoverboard is About to Catch Fire
Sign to Look For
Fire Risk
Overheating batteries
High-risk
Sparking/sizzling sounds
High-risk
Unusual odor
Moderate risk
Bulging/swollen battery
High-risk
Leaking fluids
High-risk
Excessive vibration
Moderate risk
Burn marks on hoverboard
High-risk
Unresponsive controls
Moderate risk
Notable Cases of Hoverboards Catching Fire
First, let’s take a trip down memory lane—not the kind that warms our hearts, but one that will surely heat up the conversation.
Case 1: A Christmas Nightmare
In the winter of 2015, a family from Louisiana had a “Home Alone” scenario play out, but with a nasty twist. The hoverboard they’d just unwrapped for Christmas turned their festive joy into a living horror show, torching their dream pad to the ground.
“We heard this hissing sound,” the homeowner recounted. “Next thing we knew, our place was all lit up like a Fourth of July bonfire.”
Case 2: The Hoverboard Explosion of 2018
In 2018, a family barely dodged a bullet when their hoverboard turned into a rogue firecracker. The kaboom and fire that followed chewed up a chunk of their property, making folks sit up and question just how safe these trendy gizmos really are.
Case 3: The Amazon Product
Back in 2016, a Nashville family watched their home go up in smoke when their Amazon-bought hoverboard decided to blow up out of the blue. This horrific incident rang alarm bells for consumers everywhere, spotlighting the possible dangers that can come with these hoverboards.
The hoverboard in question was bought as a gift for a child. After a few months of good times, one fine evening, out of nowhere, the board blew up in a fiery explosion, turning their sweet home into a raging bonfire.
“It was like watching a fireworks display,” the family shared, recounting the nightmarish ordeal.
Which Hoverboards Are Catching Fire? Underlying Causes
What caused these hoverboards to catch fire in the first place? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it:
1. Hoverboards with Bad Lithium-Ion Batteries
At the heart of these fires, we often find the ubiquitous lithium-ion battery. Hoverboards run on lithium-ion batteries—the same technology that powers our smartphones and laptops.
But these batteries can become ticking time bombs if they are not manufactured and maintained correctly. As the “powerhouse” of most hoverboards, these batteries can potentially overheat, causing what we technically call a “thermal runaway”—a fancy term for “they can explode.”
2. Hoverboards with Poor-Quality Components
In the quest to produce cheaper hoverboards, some manufacturers cut corners, and the result is often substandard components. This isn’t just “penny-pinching”; it’s a serious risk factor for hoverboard fires.
3. Regulatory Deficit: Lack of Standards
In many places, hoverboards operate in a sort of Wild West scenario—there’s a severe lack of regulatory standards. This gap can lead to unsafe products hitting the streets, posing risks to users and bystanders alike.
Safety Measures and Preventions
Stick with Reputable Brands
Our first tip here, folks, is to stick with reputable brands when buying a hoverboard. Now, we know what you’re thinking—the lure of a deal can be tempting. But remember, sometimes a “bargain” is a shortcut to a world of problems.
Renowned brands have reputations to uphold and are less likely to risk them by cutting corners on safety and quality. They use top-notch components and follow stringent manufacturing processes.
In other words, they’re less likely to turn your hoverboard experience into a flaming nightmare. So do a bit of research, read reviews, and choose a brand you can trust.
Check for Safety Certifications
Next up on our safety checklist are certifications. Now, this might sound like “mumbo jumbo,” but it’s super important. Safety certifications like UL 2272 mean that the hoverboard has been tested and meets specific safety standards.
So, what should you do? When you’re eyeing up that shiny new hoverboard, flip it over and look for a certification mark. No certification, no purchase—it’s as simple as that. Treat it like a green light for your safety and peace of mind.
Proper Use and Care
Now, let’s talk about looking after your hoverboard. You wouldn’t run a marathon in brand-new shoes, would you? The same applies to your hoverboard—don’t overwork it. Avoid overcharging the battery, and try not to deplete it entirely before recharging.
That can stress the battery out, and stressed batteries can lead to trouble. You must keep your ride in tip-top shape. Keep an eye out for any dings or damages, especially after a rough and tumble ride, and fix any problems right away.
Use Protective Gear
Yeah, yeah, we get it; safety gear ain’t exactly runway material, but trust us on this: it’s a non-negotiable when you’re cruising around on your hoverboard. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads—they’re your best friends if you faceplant.
Because, let’s face it, looking “hip” isn’t going to be worth a hill of beans if you’re nursing a banged-up knee or a serious head injury.
Follow Local Regulations
And lastly, don’t forget to play by the rules. Different locales have their own set of dos and don’ts when it comes to hoverboards. So whether it’s about where you can cruise, how fast you can ride, or what safety gear you’ve got to sport, always stay on the right side of the law.
Ignoring these rules can not only put you at risk, but it can also land you in hot water with the law.
Well, when we talk about hoverboards “exploding,” what we’re talking about is the lithium-ion batteries they use. These batteries are like the heart of your hoverboard—they give it life!
But just like our hearts, they can run into trouble if they’re not treated right. When these batteries overheat or get damaged, a reaction can occur, causing what scientists call a “thermal runaway.” Basically, it means they can heat up super fast and, in some cases, start a fire or explode.
Cheaply made or counterfeit batteries are more likely to suffer from these issues, so it’s always important to go for quality.
There’s some easy-peasy stuff you can do to keep your hoverboard from turning into a bonfire. First off, go for the good stuff. Pick a brand that’s got a solid reputation. Also, double-check that the hoverboard has some legit safety stamps, like UL 2272.
This isn’t just “mumbo jumbo,” folks; it means they’ve put the product through the wringer for safety. Once you’ve got your hands on your hoverboard, treat it like gold. Don’t keep it plugged in forever or ride it on a low battery, ’cause that’s going to fry the battery.
Give it a once-over regularly for any signs of damage, particularly after a crash. And don’t forget, your hoverboard isn’t just a plaything; it needs a little TLC to keep it running smoothly.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your hoverboard is catching fire, dialing the fire department should be your first move.
Don’t go playing Superman and try to put out the fire yourself—lithium-ion fires can be a real bear to tackle and need special gear to put out. Meanwhile, hustle everyone out of the house and keep a safe distance.
Always bear in mind, guys, that you can buy new stuff, but you’ve only got one life. So, don’t gamble with the dicey stuff.
Not all hoverboards are dangerous, and we can’t let a couple of shady ones ruin the whole bunch. Many manufacturers out there are committed to safety and have rigorous testing in place to make sure their products are safe.
So, don’t be put off from enjoying a hoverboard. Just do your homework and buy a safe, reliable model. And, as always, use it responsibly.
When it comes to picking a safe hoverboard, you’ve got to channel your inner Sherlock and do some serious detective work. Look for signs of quality, such as a reputable brand name, safety certifications, and positive customer reviews.
Also, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t go for those cheap hoverboards; they often cut corners on safety. It’s better to invest some extra cash for that peace of mind.
Remember, buying a hoverboard isn’t just about getting the coolest gadget on the block; it’s about getting a gadget you can enjoy without any unwanted “surprises.”
Conclusion
Hoverboards that tend to go up in flames are those with bad parts and batteries.
While some hoverboards have caused fires, there are practical steps we can take to ensure our rides are safe and fire-free. Let’s enjoy the thrill of cruising on our hoverboards without having to worry about them turning into “fire-breathing dragons.” Here’s to fun, safe, and fire-free hoverboarding!
So there you have it, folks! The answer to your question: “Which hoverboards are catching fire?”
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
