The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning the public that the New High Tech Enterprise Company Inc. X1-5 hoverboard has lithium-ion batteries that could overheat and pose a fire hazard that can lead to smoke inhalation and serious burn injuries. According to the CPSC’s alert, the New High-Tech Enterprise Company Inc. X1-5 hoverboard was sold to consumers online at nhthoverboard.com, Amazon.com and at ewheelusa.com/hoverboard/.
Details of the Recall
So far, CPSC is aware of one report of this hoverboard overheating and smoking. Even though this product bears a UL mark, the product is no longer UL-listed and a sample tested by CPSC did not conform to UL2272. All hoverboards sold in the United States must comply with the UL2272 safety standard. CPSC is urging consumers to look for the UL mark on a hoverboard they purchase. The agency has asked New High Tech to recall the product.
However, the company has refused to do so, which triggered this public alert from CPSC. The agency is warning consumers not to charge or use X1-5 hoverboards. These hoverboards have a label at the bottom that says: Model X1-5″ and “Product Name: Balance Scooter.” A holographic UL label is also at the bottom of the hoverboard. Consumers are urged to report any incident involving this product or other defective products to CPSC at SaferProducts.gov.
Hoverboard Dangers and Prevention
According to the CPSC, there have been more than 250 hoverboard incidents related to fires or overheating since 2015. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in March 2017, a house fire started by a hoverboard claimed the lives of a 2-year-old and a 10-year-old girl. CPSC estimates there have been 13 burn injuries, three smoke inhalation injuries and more than $4 million in property damage related to the hoverboards. In addition to fires, hoverboards have also led to injuries such as head trauma and broken bones after people lost their balance and fell off them.
Here are a few safety tips if you have a hoverboard at home or if you use one:
- Use only the charger that has been provided with the hoverboard.
- Only charge a hoverboard when you are there to watch it. Do not charge unattended, especially overnight.
- Keep the hoverboard away from flammable items when it is charging or even when it is stored.
- Stop using a recalled hoverboard right away.
If a defective hoverboard has injured you, please contact an experienced product defect lawyer to obtain more information about protecting your legal rights.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/content/cpsc-warns-consumers-not-to-charge-or-use-new-high-tech-x1-5-hoverboards-due-to-fire-hazard
