You may have heard that hoverboards aren’t safe. Is this true? With hoverboards being a fun present and eco-friendly form of transportation for adults, teens, and kids, it’s important to know whether safety is an issue or not with these self-balancing boards.
What are Common Worries about Hoverboards?
When hoverboards first came onto the market, there were numerous reports of them sparking and catching fire. A recall was put on hundreds of thousands of the models, from a range of manufacturers, by the Consumer Product Safety Commission back in 2016 due to safety concerns.
Unfortunately, many people still think this fire issue still occurs, but if your hoverboard is UL 2272 certified then this isn’t the case. UL 2272 certified means the hoverboard’s electrical train system – which includes its battery and electrical parts – have been tested to meet the requirements of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which is a product safety organization recognized across the United States.
The majority of those past hoverboard safety issues seemed to happen during charging; in other words, the battery cells overcharged, got too warm, and caught fire. Nowadays, any quality hoverboard with the UL 2272 Standard has undergone significant safety testing for construction, electrical workings, and performance, and has met the safety standards for certification. The UL has been in existence over 100 years.
How to Buy a Safe Hoverboard
What all of this points to is that you ought to choose a trustworthy manufacturer that only uses quality parts and offers a UL 2272 certified hoverboard. The description of the motorized scooter ought to say “UL 2272 certified.” If you don’t see this notification for its included battery, then reach out to the seller or manufacturer to ensure it meets this standard, and even ask to see the certificate. The company will be happy to provide this information, and if they put up a fuss about doing so then you have to wonder if they have something to hide.
If you decide instead buy your hoverboard from a manufacturer who doesn’t have a great reputation, you can buy an external universal charger for it. Although this step won’t totally eliminate the risks of fires, it will help safeguard against overcharging issues.
Also, take steps to prevent accidents on hoverboards. What follows are tips to improve your safety while on the motorized scooters.
Hoverboard Safety Tips
As the previous two-wheel scooter issues point primarily to problems during charging, it makes sense to keep an eye on the toy as it charges. Rather than charging the hoverboard overnight as you sleep, do so while you’re putting around the house, or within close proximity, just in case there’s an overheating issue. While it’s unlikely there’ll be a problem, there’s always a chance – as with anything in life – that something could be wonky.
Another safety tip for hoverboard users is to treat your board with care. While many of the best hoverboards have undergone impact testing, this does not give you permission to totally beat it up and still expect it to work properly. If you crash it, an issue might occur with it down the road.
You also have to abide by local laws; these motorized scooters are not allowed everywhere. Breaking the law where you live by riding the toy, there could not only result in having to pay a fine but also could put you in danger if you see a police officer and try to avoid her or him by swerving suddenly into traffic or elsewhere. An accident that causes you physical injury could be the unfortunate result.
Lastly, always make sure to follow the instructions for the particular model you decide to buy. And pay attention to its features. For example, if it cannot go up steep inclines then don’t try to make it do so as you could wind up falling or have another injury. Most devices have limits, and you are safer if you abide by them. If you are looking for a hoverboard, check out the Top 10 Best Hoverboards at http://www.top10besthoverboards.com/.
Do you have any additional hoverboard safety tips?
Really informative post Christy. Thanks for clarifying that battery issue which I’m sure scared off many people, :)
That battery issue is absolutely scaring off people from getting hoverboards. Thanks for appreciating where I was coming from with this one, Debby :)
:)
Helmet for certain… A friend had one I braved a ride on. I can assure you I was doing some fancy maneuvering in the beginning finding the balance point. Once found I had lots of fun and was amazed at the speeds they can attain. You can only live once so had to try it, now it has been checked off my bucket list.
Great you had the opportunity to try it, Rolly! And sounds like you had fun :) I agree about the helmet.
Nice post Christy. I want a scooter. They seem practical and look like fun.
my son has been trying to get me to buy him one. I’ve had my foot down for a while, but it’s good to read about this. Now i know what to look for when he finally manages to sweep my feet.
Helmet makes sense to Lisa’s point. I think they look like fun…would love to try one…
I’m such a klutz that the main thing I need to know is “DON’T!” LOL. Thanks for the tips, Christy. TGIF hugs.
Awww so I take it then that you weren’t a rollerblader either… I wish you a wonderful week, Teagan :)
I haven’t tried so difficult for me to say
If you do try it, let me know what you think :)
For sure Christy
:) :)
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I think you should always wear a helmet when riding one. I fell off of one and landed hard on the ground. I didn’t get hurt, but I can see how there could be some serious head injuries if you don’t ride one with caution.