January 10, 2016
Hoverboards may have been Santa’s gift of choice this year but the “Back To The Future”-inspired craft are prompting warnings from safety officials.
And the headaches they’re causing are not just because children are falling off the devices.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced last week it is conducting a formal investigation into the safety of the “self-balancing motorised scooters” following a fire which almost destroyed a house in Victoria.
The blaze is believed to have started in a bedroom while a hoverboard was being recharged.
Qantas and several other airlines, including Emirates, have banned all self-balancing boards in carry-on or checked baggage for domestic and international flights following reports the batteries can explode unexpectedly.
The ACCC has so far recalled seven hoverboard models.
A week before Christmas, Big W issued a recall notice on its Moonwalker 2 Hoverboard model, made in China, as the cord set and the battery charger did not comply with Australian standards.
Other models recalled by the ACCC are the:
- SelloProducts Self-Balancing 2 wheels Electric Scooter (sold on Ebay)
- AirWalk Self-Balancing Scooter (sold by Catchoftheday.com.au)
- Techwheel – Techwheel Z-01 (charger only)
- Self Balancing Scooter with Charger (sold by Scooter Emporium)
- Go Skitz Self Balancing E Board models S01 & S03 (charger only – sold by Go Easy Australia), and the
- Mod Board Model MOD001 (charger only, sold by Mod Products)
Fires aren’t the only safety problem with hoverboards.
The RACQ has also warned that Queenslanders risk fines if the devices are used in the wrong place or without proper safety wear.
RACQ Executive Manager Public Policy Michael Roth said hoverboards were classed as “personal mobility devices” under Queensland law.
“That means hoverboards can’t be used on footpaths or other road related areas at all if the rider is under 12 years old, and users from 12–15 years old in these spaces must be supervised by an adult,” Mr Roth said.
“Riders must also wear a helmet, just like any bike or Segway riders.
“Additionally hoverboards must be fitted with a speed governor to keep them below 12 km/h and a bell or warning device if people want to use them in public spaces.
“Don’t risk being slapped with a fine.
“Helmet and age restriction offenders could be penalised with fines of $117.80, while exceeding the speed limit could cost you $157.
“If your child is mastering the hoverboard, make sure they’re on private property, and wearing a helmet.”
Footnote: Unlike Marty McFly’s nifty flying skateboard in the movie ‘Back To The Future’, current hoverboards don’t actually hover. Maybe one day …
- External link: Safety Warning Notice On Hoverboards
