Hoverboard an emerging ride

Hoverboard an emerging ride

Whether you call them hoverboards, self-balancing scooter boards or explosions waiting to happen, these two-wheeled scooters are the hottest toys of the year.

Despite their emerging popularity, this tech fad has a dangerous side. The news has been peppered with reports of hoverboards exploding and catching fire. Cities are banning them from roads and sidewalks. Airlines won't let you bring them onto planes. Retailers such as Amazon and Overstock are stopping sales of some models or even telling consumers to trash ones they've already received. Accordingly, there is some confusion present in the market particularly the threats that it could pose to unacceptable threats which could be dangerous.

Hence if you're shopping for a board this holiday season and beyond, here are the things you should know before you buy.

What if the hoverboard catches fires?

There have been reports in 2015 of hoverboards combusting or exploding, and the culprit seems to be faulty batteries. Hoverboards are powered by large lithium ion batteries that can overheat and explode under rare circumstances.

Some reports suggest that these faulty batteries are an issue particularly with cheap, generic boards you can find on eBay and Alibaba for under $300. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating the safety of all hoverboards across all brands, trying to understand why the fires and explosions are happening. Until the investigation is complete, we won't know for sure which brands are prone to disasters. In the meantime, to minimize the risk of a fire, experts recommend not charging a hoverboard overnight or while away from your house.

What are the other safety concerns?

Riding any kind of vehicle, whether it's a skateboard, bicycle or hoverboard, can put you at risk for injury. Hoverboards can reach a maximum speed of around 10 mph, so you could sustain a more substantial injury than you would falling off a slower-moving skateboard.

Proper safety gear is a must while riding, including helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. This will lower your risk of fractures, sprains and other injuries if you fall.

As with bikes and skateboards, there's also a risk of getting into a traffic accident, especially if you're in or close to the street. A teen was struck and killed by a bus in London while riding a hoverboard. Please, don't ride a hoverboard in the street or near traffic.

What are the differences between brands?

There are many different companies selling hoverboards, starting around $400 and reaching up to $1,800. Many of them work just the same, with minor differences in specs and style. While there are subtle variations in how they ride, it's not easy to tell apart the high-end and less costly versions.

The biggest factor to consider when shopping is price because most hoverboards have similar specs. Nearly all can carry the same weight and have similar maximum speeds. Check out big-name models, including IO Hawk, Phunkeeduck, Monorover, Swagway and Powerboard by Hoverboard.

Where can I actually ride one?

Hoverboards are cool, but some states, countries and airlines aren't so excited about them. It's illegal to ride one on public roads or walkways in New York State, Australia and the United Kingdom. Many schools (including UCLA), malls, airports and other public places are banning hoverboards as well.

Before you pack one for a flight, know that most major airlines have banned hoverboards. American, Delta, United, Jet Blue, Southwest, Hawaiian and others have put out advisories stating they are no longer allowing them in checked or carry-on luggage.

On the flipside, California lawmakers recently signed a bill that allows motorized wheeled devices, including hoverboards, anywhere a bicycle can go, including bike lanes on streets.

Hoverboards are banned in many places, but California signed a law making them legal.

I still want a hoverboard. Where can I buy one?

Your best bet to buy a hoverboard is to go to the manufacturer's website to ensure you get a quality product and get a warranty that protects you from defects and disasters.

Overstock.com stopped selling the boards over safety concerns. Amazon pulled the listings of many popular hoverboards off its site but wouldn't comment on the decision. Currently, Amazon is not selling boards from Phunkeeduck, IO Hawk or Monorover, though other models, such as the Hover X and Razor Hovertrax are still available.

Why are they so popular?

Hoverboards are challenging but fun to ride. They can be tough to get the hang of. But once you master riding one, it moves seamlessly with you, stopping on a dime and turning easily. Riding one almost feels like an extension of yourself, and it doesn't require any manual motion, like a skateboard or kick scooter. You can pick up a lot of speed (again, most top out at about 10 mph), making them faster than walking.