Date published
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
COMPETITION AND CONSUMER ACT 2010
Consumer Protection Notice No. 1 of 2016
Safety warning notice to public
Pursuant to paragraphs 129(1)(a) and 129(1)(b) of Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, I, KELLY O'DWYER, Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer:
(a) state that the consumer goods specified below are under investigation to determine whether those goods will or may cause injury to any person, or a reasonably foreseeable use (including a misuse) of those goods, will or may cause injury to any person; and
(b) warn of possible risks involved in the use of those goods.
Particulars of goods
Hoverboards are wheeled ride-on devices with a single axle. They are powered by a rechargeable lithium battery via connection to a mains power supply. These devices are also known as self-balancing scooters, gliders or modboards.
Investigation
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating whether hoverboards will or may cause injury to any person, or a reasonably foreseeable use (including a misuse) of the goods will or may cause injury, following the identification of safety related incidents linked to the goods.
Possible risks
There is a possible risk of injury to consumers resulting from:
(a) overheating of hoverboards or their chargers, and fires; and
(b) falls and crashes while using hoverboards.
Advice to consumers
Electrical safety hazard advice
- Ensure that the packaging is marked with the Australian regulatory compliance symbol or RCM - a tick surrounded by a triangle. The RCM signifies that a supplier has taken the necessary steps to ensure the product, including the battery and charging device, complies with electrical safety requirements.
- Overcharging non-compliant devices may cause overheating of the battery and result in a fire.
- Always use the approved battery charger that came with the product. If there are signs of damage near the battery do not charge the unit until the device is inspected by a professional.
- Hoverboard owners are advised to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions when using and charging their hoverboard. Adults should supervise the charging of all electrical devices for children.
- Exercise extra caution when purchasing these products online, as it may be difficult to assess the quality of the product and whether compliance requirements have been met.
- Consumers should check the recalls website to see if their product or charger has been recalled.
Fall injury and road usage advice
- Users should ensure they use appropriate safety equipment, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. Always wear shoes when riding a hoverboard.
- Riders are strongly advised to check with their local traffic authorities or police before riding a hoverboard in a public place.
Disposal of non-compliant devices
- Consumers who have purchased a non-compliant or recalled device should contact their supplier for advice.
Dated this 12 day of January 2016
KELLY O'DWYER
Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer