How to Prevent Your Hoverboard From Exploding

NORTHBROOK, IL - As predicted in a movie some 30 years ago, hoverboards have become a sign of the times in the 2010s. But as innovative as they may be, the airborne devices have also created a serious danger.

More than 350 reports of hoverboard explosions have been made in the United States over the last six months, including one caught on video in Highland Park that severely damaged a house.

A Northbrook-based global science safety company is aware of the problem and has issued some useful tips to help prevent future disasters.

Hoverboard fires start either from the lithium-ion battery or due to bad compatibility with the power supply, according to Underwriters Laboratories, which released “The Facts About Hoverboards” on its website. Here are some things consumers can do to prevent the situation from occurring again.

1. Keep the hoverboard away from flammable materials while charging.
2. Do not overcharge the board. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended charging times.
3. Do not charge the hoverboard overnight.
4. Only use the charger that is packaged with the hoverboard.
5. If an incident does occur, it may be incorrect to use a fire extinguisher due to the nature of battery chemical fires. Instead, leave the area and call 911.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission is investigating the root of the numerous incidents of fires and explosions, including one in which a hoverboard exploded four times while it was charging in a home in Orland Park.

While the company says it has yet to certify any hoverboard product for safety, UL says it is “ready to support” retailers and manufacturers on fire and electric safety when it comes to hoverboards.

The company says it is also alert when it comes to counterfeit products, pledging to work with agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize counterfeit products.