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What is the hottest gift this season for teens? It is the hoverboard which may also be called motor board, balancing board, or balancing scooter. It does not matter what it is called it comes with many risks and last week it was banned from carry-on and checked baggage on major U.S. airlines.

How does a hoverboard work?

According to NBC News “Hoverboard" is the term that has come to encompass two-wheeled, electric, semi-self-balancing scooters. A person stands on them, and by pressing forward or back with one or both feet, he/she can cruise forward at a fast walking pace, turn corners or spin in a circle.

Forbes magazine reports that hoverboards and other motorized walking-replacement devices are growing in popularity. They are seen everywhere from city sidewalks, to NBA locker rooms, to YouTube and Vine videos shot by social media stars.

Fire risk

The risk of fire is great. Just after Thanksgiving, CBS12 in Louisiana reported that a family’s house caught fire as the result of a Fit Turbo hoverboard exploding in their home. Since hoverboards run on lithium batteries, they need to be recharged. The 12-year-old son had just plugged the hoverboard in when flames started shooting out from both ends.

An 11-year-old girl from Boca Raton, FL was riding her hoverboard when she felt it become hot under her feet. She immediately hopped off, and the hoverboard burst into flames causing damage to the kitchen area, but no injuries.

The national news reported Friday, December 3, 2015 that a hoverboard, with no one on it, burst into flames in a shopping mall in Seattle, Washington.

Even though the U.S. CPSC has not recalled any hoverboards as of now, thousands have been impounded at ports across the UK after they were found to pose a fire risk that could possibly explode due to faulty batteries, cables and charging plugs. The International Business Times calls the hoverboard “The most dangerous Christmas gift.”

CNN reports that in October 2015 the British authorities declared hoverboards illegal to ride in public because they are considered vehicles, and vehicles cannot be driven on sidewalks. New York City has also declared them illegal in the city.

What are the risks of injury?

Because the center of gravity for the board is so low, the risk for falls is especially high in those with poor balance and a weak core. The risk of having the board actually run over your foot or ankle if you lose control and fall forward is one chief concern, and has already been reported, according to Forbes.

The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) said on November 30, 2015, that there have been eight reported injuries involving hoverboards requiring trips to emergency rooms over the past three months.

Further reported by the CPSC is that the risk of falls which result in traumatic brain injuries or concussions are immediate concerns in addition to contusions and fractures of ankles, wrists, knees and lower backs and spines. The risks are similar, but even greater, says the CPSC, than operating a bicycle, skateboard or a pair of rollerblades.

“Hoverboards are dangerous. Contact the experienced lawyers at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., if you have been injured as the result of having a hoverboard,” said Naples Product Liability Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Naples Defective Products Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.