Hoverboards seized at JFK for fire safety

Remember how hoverboards were such a popular gift this past Christmas, even though they were catching on fire? Now, Reuters has reported that nearly 1,400 of the two-wheeled, self-balancing electric scooters were seized at New York’s JFK Airport during the month of December 2015, because the devices were powered with counterfeit lithium-ion batteries that were potential fire hazards.

U.S. customs officials said the high number of seized items highlights the concerns about the safety of hoverboards. Most of the hoverboards were made in China and were equipped with batteries stamped with counterfeit trademarks. The total estimated retail value of the devices was nearly US$500,000.

Customs officials and members of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with other federal regulatory agencies, examined the hoverboards after seizure. The CPSC sent a letter to importers, manufacturers and retailers asking them to comply with voluntary safety standards, including those involving lithium-ion batteries, or they could face another seizure, or even a recall.

The CPSC said a total of 52 hoverboard fires have been reported, from a total of 24 states, resulting in more than $2 million in property damage, including the destruction of two homes and one vehicle. Dozens of riders have been taken to emergency rooms after falls and collisions due to the devices in recent months.

American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have banned hoverboards in carry-on and checked baggage. Additionally, JFG has banned them both inside and outside of its facilities.