WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (UPI) — Several major airlines announced self-balancing scooters known as hoverboards will no longer be allowed on aircrafts due to a fire hazard.
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, United Airlines and British Airways announced Thursday hoverboards run the risk of bursting into flames due to internal short circuits within the lithium-ion batteries that power the devices.
Delta said hoverboards are powered by batteries that exceed the government-mandated 160 watt limit permitted aboard aircrafts.
“Poorly labeled, powerful lithium-ion batteries powering hoverboards are the issue. Delta reviewed hoverboard product specifications and found that manufacturers do not consistently provide detail about the size or power of their lithium-ion batteries,” Delta said. “While occurrences are uncommon, these batteries can spontaneously overheat and pose a fire hazard risk.”
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission opened an investigation into the scooters after at least 10 reports of fires and injuries.
“CPSC is looking into the safety of the entire product line,” agency spokesman Scott Wolfson said. “We are taking the position that if there is an incident … we are working to open an investigation right away.”
Online retailer Overstock.com announced it would stop selling hoverboards due to safety concerns.
“With the continued emergence of news reports highlighting safety concerns with ‘hoverboard’ self-balancing electric scooters, we have made the decision to remove all similar products from our website as a precautionary measure,” said Overstock.com General Counsel and Senior Vice President Mitch Edwards.
