9 Hoverboard Safety Tips: Avoid Fires, Falls and Fail

By Greg Hambrick (Patch Staff)

Atlanta GA -- It looks so easy when you see celebrities using hoverboards, but the latest tech craze looks so dangerous when you watch Darth Vader wipeout in a viral video.

And then there’s the fire hazard. A few hoverboards are grabbing headlines after exploding and catching fire.

Fire and safety officials are offering these tips to hopefully keep your holiday merry (and free of ER visits and fire extinguishers).

Charging your hoverboard:

• Give the device time to cool down after use before you start charging.
• Don’t leave the device unattended while it is charging.
• Don’t overcharge the device; follow the manufacturer’s recommended charging times and do not leave the device plugged in overnight.
• Use the manufacturers’ recommended electrical chargers; don’t use imitation chargers - they may be unsafe.
• Keep to one plug per socket.

Operating your hoverboard:

• Wear safety equipment similar to when riding a bicycle.
• Don’t text or operate a cell phone while in use.
• Operate the device in accordance with its intended use.
• Overheating – if you notice the device is very hot, stop using it and check with your manufacturer or retailer.

Tips courtesy of Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue. More safety information.

Photo of charred hoverboard that caught fire in Gaithersburg, Md. courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services blog