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About self-balancing scooters
Self-balancing scooters are a recreational transport device, generally popular among children.
Self-balancing scooters are also known as:
- hoverboards
- monoboards
- gliders
- smart boards
- sky walkers
- mod boards.
A self-balancing scooter is a ride-on device that:
- has one or two wheels
- has no steering grips, seat or handlebars, and
- is powered by a lithium-ion battery that is re-chargeable via connection to a mains power supply.
Risks and injuries from the product
Low quality lithium-ion batteries are prone to overheating causing a fire. This is caused by thermal runaway which is a complex combination of chemical reactions and/or electrical shorting in the battery cell.
There is a risk of death or serious injury from fires caused by low-quality lithium-ion batteries in some self-balancing scooters. The battery can ignite while or after being charged.
Things to look for when buying the product
Serious injuries have happened to people who own self-balancing scooters or hoverboards.
There have been several hoverboard related house fires. There have also been incidents of hoverboards sparking, overheating or producing smoke.
For this reason, there’s a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.
- Confirm that the product complies with requirements in the self balancing scooters mandatory standard. You can check with the retailer or manufacturer.
- If you’ve already bought a self-balancing scooter, check if it is subject to recall.
How to use the product safely
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use the approved battery charger that came with the product.
- Don’t overcharge the battery.
- Check the hoverboard for signs of damage and don’t charge if it shows signs of damage near the battery.
- Check the charger and don’t use it if damaged. Find out more about safely using products containing lithium-ion batteries.
