topic Hoverboard danger in Off-Topic

Hoverboard danger

Cleoriff — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:40:19 GMT

Anyone thinking of buying one of these for Christmas may want to think again.

Trading standards officers are warning Christmas shoppers to be cautious before buying a hoverboard tipped to be one of this year’s most popular gifts – after thousands were impounded at UK ports after testing revealed they were at risk of exploding or bursting into flames.

Appparently of those tested 88% were found to be faulty

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/dec/03/hoverboards-explosion-risk-product-recalls-trading-standards

Re: Hoverboard danger

Cleoriff — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:43:38 GMT

Found this picture of one shown on the news today. It belonged to a 13 year old boy.

Re: Hoverboard danger

blissgirl — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:08:15 GMT

thanks for the heads up @Cleoriff don't think I'll be buying one

Re: Hoverboard danger

Cleoriff — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:17:16 GMT

A family member was looking at these (as were his friends) Certainly not on the list now. Problem is with fake imports or so it seems...

Re: Hoverboard danger

viridis — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:35:13 GMT

Why are they calling segway copies as "hoverboards"
First time I've ever heard them called that..

Re: Hoverboard danger

Cleoriff — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:45:35 GMT

I was a bit confused about that as well. On ITV news tonight they spoke to one reporter who actually said 'these devices don't actually hover'.......but all the reports are calling them hoverboards?

Like this one....http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/03/15000-unsafe-hoverboards-seized-by-trading-standards-because-of-explosion-risk-5541324/

Mind you whatever they are called they are still damn dangerous I think.....

Re: Hoverboard danger

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 23:10:01 GMT

Also these are illegal to use on pavements and on roads in the UK

But you just know Christmas morning the pavements will be awash with them

Re: Hoverboard danger

Cleoriff — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 23:13:19 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Also these are illegal to use on pavements and on roads in the UK

But you just know Christmas morning the pavements will be awash with them

Just hope people listening to the news are convinced otherwise ....

Re: Hoverboard danger

jonsie — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 06:22:47 GMT

Cheap fakes, dangerous chargers. The important thing is never to leave one unattended when charging, even the legal ones, especially overnight.

Re: Hoverboard danger

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:18:59 GMT

@Cleoriff wrote:

Found this picture of one shown on the news today. It belonged to a 13 year old boy.

Oh dear! I had no idea they were so dangerous. Thanks for sharing!

Re: Hoverboard danger

Cleoriff — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:29:52 GMT

Apparently @Anonymous it just exploded. The lad was on the news with his Mum. It was charging and she was close to it. Sustained 'shrapnel type' burns to her shoulder and arms. She said it was like a 'bomb going off'. Very frightening

Re: Hoverboard danger

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 08:34:03 GMT

I won't include it on my Xmas list...

Re: Hoverboard danger

Curr946 — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 09:21:04 GMT

The scary thing is, I've got my oldest daughter one. It wasn't cheap and she's really excited. How can we be sure of it's safety. I spoke to the retailer who said it is safe and as it's not faulty they wouldn't accept a return. Hmmmm it's rapped but should it find its way to the bin... Ohhhh

Re: Hoverboard danger

Cleoriff — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 09:41:38 GMT

It appears to be the charging that exposes the faults....?

Have you found out everything you can about the manufacturer? Then maybe research as much as you can about those classed as dangerous. I am sure there should be a list.....:smileysad:

Re: Hoverboard danger

viridis — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 12:46:55 GMT

What brand is it @Curr946

Re: Hoverboard danger

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 11:03:11 GMT

Yeah let us know once she tries it @Curr946, first impressions etc

Re: Hoverboard danger

viridis — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 11:23:57 GMT

I think he's more concerned with the safety aspect of it.
FYI though, most respected brand ones will be fine, the dangerous ones I guarantee are the replica of the replica ones that are much cheaper.
Hence why I asked which brand it is

Re: Hoverboard danger

Curr946 — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:27:12 GMT

Yeah, the wife got it on amazon. Think it's Segway but I'm going to get her to open it back up so I can research the model. It's got lights and cost £300 something. I don't think it was cheap for a toy, but...

Re: Hoverboard danger

viridis — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:31:16 GMT

Segway are the original so you'll be fine, same with any of the "skateboard" brands.
The problem will be if it's made by shinzen Co. Etc etc

Re: Hoverboard danger

Curr946 — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:37:17 GMT

Ah, I'll double check. How can big retailers such as amazon stock fake goods. It's crazy !