Half a million hoverboards recalled in U.S. over fire risk
Lithium-ion batteries could overheat, U.S. agency says
About 501,000 hoverboards are being recalled in the United States due to a risk of fire.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday there have been at least 99 incidents reported of the lithium-ion battery packs in the hoverboards overheating, sparking, smoking, catching fire and possibly exploding.
The commission said there have been at least 18 reports of injuries, such as burns to the neck, legs or arms. Property damage has also been reported.
The recall covers boards sold by 10 firms. Some of the brands included in the recall include products from Powerboard, Airwalk and iMoto.
Consumers are being told to immediately stop using the recalled products and contact the recalling company to return their board for a full refund, a free repair or a free replacement depending on the model.
The recalled hoverboards were manufactured in China and sold at stores across the U.S. and by online retailers between June 2015 and May 2016 for between $350 and $900 US.
With files from The Associated Press