Hoverboard Update: Product Defects Causing Fires and Injuries Prompt Recall
In 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recalls of more than 500,000 hoverboards due to fires and explosions. The announcement came after six months of investigation across 20 states into fires caused by hoverboards that destroyed homes and apartments. The most recent fire occurred at a Gwinnett County apartment complex; AJC.com reports that nine families have been displaced as the result of a fire caused by a defective hoverboard.
The commission says the recall is major and “should be responded to immediately.” Of the 10 manufacturers recalling their products, several are the major brand names in hoverboards – Swagway and Razor – according to the CPSC. Consumers should ask about replacements or repairs. The manufacturers participating in the recall can be found at the commission’s recall web page.
“Homes and apartments have been destroyed because of fires related to hazardous hoverboards,” CPSC chairman Elliot Kaye said in a statement July 6. The “CPSC has investigated more than 60 hoverboard fires in more than 20 states that resulted in more than $2 million in property damage. To prevent another fire and possibly a death, I am urging consumers who have a recalled hoverboard to take advantage of this recall.”
Harris Lowry Manton LLP posted a report about the hazards earlier this year. We urge you to discontinue use of defective hoverboards until they can be repaired or replaced with something safe and reliable.
The hoverboard resembles a skateboard but is powered by a lithium ion battery. Riders roll up to 12 mph, using the pressure of their heels and toes to determine where to go – backward, forward or a tight turn. The batteries are proving unreliably dangerous. They catch fire with no notice, whether charging or not. Inspectors suspect the circuit boards malfunction as well.
Control is also an issue. The boards will shoot forward without warning, causing injuries. One high school athlete using a hoverboard suffered a subdural hematoma when his board shot out from underneath him. That feature led Consumer Reports to describe them as “almost too responsive.”
Kaye continues to recommend a skateboard helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards for protection from falls when using a hoverboard.
Several lawsuits for injuries sustained from alleged product defects have already been filed against hoverboard makers.
Product Liability Attorneys in Georgia
Harris Lowry Manton attorneys have decades of experience helping clients with defective products and related claims. If you have had property damage or been injured by a hoverboard and think you need help, contact us for a free consultation. Call us toll-free at 404-961-7650 or fill out our online contact form.
Harris Lowry Manton LLP is a dedicated full-service trial law firm. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers fight for the injured throughout every step of the legal process. We explain how litigation works from the moment you come into one of our offices in Atlanta or Savannah until your case is solved. Our legal team has achieved remarkable success because we leave no stone unturned when investigating our client’ claims and what should have been done to prevent their injuries. We file claims against all responsible parties — not just the most obvious one.
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