After the two deaths, Jetson, a maker of electric bikes, scooters and hoverboards, recalled one of its hoverboard models due to the risk of its lithium-ion battery packs overheating and starting fires.
According to an announcement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 53,000 42-volt Jetson Rogue self-balancing hoverboards were recalled following the deaths of two girls in an April 2022 personal transportation device fire in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. .
The Hellertown Borough Fire Marshal determined that the hoverboard started the fire that killed the two sisters, ages 10 and 15, the CPSC said. According to the announcement, however, it is not clear what exactly caused the fire, which spread to the girls’ house and injured their parents due to smoke inhalation.
CPSC.gov
According to the CPSC, there have been many other reports of “rogue” hoverboards burning, sparking or melting and even causing fires.
Jetson acknowledged the setback.
Batteries pose a fire hazard
“Lithium-ion battery packs in self-balancing scooters/hoverboards may overheat, creating a fire hazard,” it said in a statement announcing the recall. Affected units were manufactured in 2018 and 2019 and have serial numbers beginning with “ROG.”
Hoverboard owners are entitled to a full refund for the devices, which originally retailed for between $100 and $150 through Target and Jetsons. The self-balancing scooters have two wheels with light-up hubcaps and come in a variety of colors.
They are no longer for sale on Jetson’s website, although other similar motorized hoverboards are available for purchase.
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