No More Hoverboards Allowed on MBTA Buses, Trains, Commuter Rails

MASSACHUSETTS—They're already banned in other public areas and buildings, including many schools, and now hoverboards are prohibited on all MBTA property, including stations, buses, subways, trains, and commuter boats.

Personnel from the MBTA's subways, along with Keolis Commuter Rail staff, have been informed of the immediate change. There are no exceptions.

"Due to a string of recent injuries, fires and explosions associated with hoverboards nationwide, the MBTA conducted an assessment of the devices and determined that they are a safety risk," said the announcement. "As a result, they are banned from MBTA property. The assessment incorporated findings, recommendations, and corrective actions that are in line with other transit systems throughout the country."

Because of failures with the Lithium-ion battery that powers the Hoverboard, they can catch fire, and currently there are no safety standards on the product in the United States. MBTA rules do not allow articles of an inflammable or explosive nature to be carried into any station or into or upon any passenger vehicle.

"A potential fire ignited by a hoverboard can expose customers to smoke and toxic gas, which can result in injury or death. They also increase the risk of personal injury to riders due to falls, collisions, as well as the possibility of falling into the train pit," said the announcement.

Transit authorities in New York, California, and Chicago, in addition to major domestic airlines have restricted customers from boarding their systems with hoverboards.