Earlier today, Overstock.com announced that it will no longer be selling those hoverboard-like (that’s being really generous) scooters that have gained popularity in recent months.
Overstock’s decision was the result of safety concerns such as those raised by the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Not only is it very easy to fall off a hoverboard-lite and bonk your head, there have also been numerous reports of the scooters spontaneously catching fire.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is currently investigating safety concerns surrounding the boards, telling Gizmodo:
The CPSC is looking into the safety of the entire product line. We have active investigations into incidents that have occurred in California, Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. There have been additional incidents in Florida and Pennsylvania.
As of this week, we have received more than 30 reports of people that went to ER and that number is likely to grow. These were not minor injuries, and that is just a snapshot of hospitals that we have relationships with. They are sending us real time data and some of those injuries have resulted in one open head wound and other cases of significant trauma to the arms and legs.
This is a new product we’re talking about today. There’s no safety standard in place.
Wolfson told Gizmodo that, to avoid risk of fire, hoverboard users should never plug their board in overnight. Customers who have purchased a hoverboard from Overstock.com have two weeks to return the item for a full refund.
(image via screenshot)
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