It was only a few years ago that the first newspaper report came out: Hoverboards were catching fire and malfunctioning to such a degree that fire marshals in various states were issuing warnings. According to one organization that has seized upward of 17,000 Hoverboards, 88% of them are at risk of catching fire, having the battery explode, or overheating.
Does this mean you should not allow your child to use a hoverboard? Not necessarily. The evidence points to the idea that only certain manufacturers are producing these dangerous options. Keep reading to find out what to look for when shopping for a hoverboard. If your child has been the victim of an accident between a hoverboard and a car, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Some Hoverboards Are Safer Than Others
The news reports on these hoverboards are clear: Not all brands have serious safety issues. In most cases, the danger is the result of poor manufacturing of off-brand hoverboards on the market. Name brand options are sold by a company called Hover Board Gear. These start at $550 and can go up as high as $1,800. If you see a cheap option for $100 or less, that seems too good to be true – that is likely because it is.
How to Choose a Safer Hoverboard
If you do want to buy a Hoverboard, there are still options available for you. Just make sure that you know whom you are buying from. If you see an ad on the internet for a “discount” board, do not buy it unless it is coming from a company you have heard of. If you are unsure if the company is legit, do a quick Google search. You can also reach out to the manufacturer directly with any questions. If you cannot find contact information then you should assume they are not a legitimate company to work with.
How to Stay Safe When Using a Hoverboard
Once you have found a safe hoverboard, make sure you read the directions. They will tell you how to use it properly, how it should be charged, and how to store it. Make sure that the proper safety gear is worn. This generally includes the same thing a bike rider would use: Helmets, elbow pads, and kneepads.
Be sure to check with your municipality to see if there are rules about hoverboards and where you can use them. Some have banned them outright while others have banned them on streets or sidewalks. Make sure you are staying up to date with how they can legally be used.
If you or a loved one was injured while riding a hoverboard, whether by a pedestrian, a bike rider, a car driver, or anyone else, and the accident was at least partially their fault, then you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free case evaluation.
