Safety Concerns Halt Sale of Hoverboards on Amazon

When we buy toys and gifts for young ones, the last thing we worry about is the toy causing serious injuries. Unfortunately, this has been the case of hoverboards, which have been catching fire and causing widespread concern worldwide. Several brands of these self-balancing scooters made by Swagway have been yanked from many stores and online sellers, including Amazon.

In early December, right before the busy holiday season, Amazon sent out a notice to all hoverboard sellers requesting them to provide documentation showing that their products are compliant with safety standards. This move was in direct response to the Internet retail giant’s expressed concern over potential dangers from hoverboards’ batteries and chargers. The majority of the reported fires and explosions associated with the hoverboards have been linked to overheating of the items’ lithium ion batteries.

Dangers Associated With Hoverboards

Hoverboards are devices that feature two wheels with a platform between them and are powered by electric motors. These devices gained notoriety when celebrities like Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner posted photos of themselves on social media falling off of hoverboards while riding them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is currently investigating reports of 28 hoverboard-related fires in 19 states and 70 ER-treated injuries.  Some of these injuries have been serious, including concussions, fractures, contusions/abrasions and internal organ injuries.

As a result, the use of these devices have been banned in many public places, including college campuses, streets and sidewalks, and airports. Among the more recent adopters of the college campus ban are American University, George Washington University and Louisiana State University. More than 60 airlines have barred hoverboards on their flights.

The Ban of the Sale of Hoverboards

Although Swagway confirms that its hoverboards meet all safety standards and that it has provided Amazon with the requested safety information, Amazon still refuses to sell these devices on its site. In addition to Amazon, Overstock.com has also announced that it will not be selling Swagway hoverboards on its site due to safety concern issues.

What To Do If Injured On a Hoverboard

Similar to any other defective product, if you were injured while riding a hoverboard, you should immediately consult with an Orange County product defect attorney. An experienced attorney can help protect your legal rights and file a claim or lawsuit against the liable parties who were responsible for your injuries.

Call Us Today!

The legal team at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas is dedicated to helping our clients reach the best monetary settlement for victims and families after they have suffered harm dog bite injuries.

If you have questions after being injured in a hoverboard accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys are available to personally review your case.  Call us at 1-888-848-5048 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.