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Feds warn they’ll seize or recall unsafe hoverboards

Associated Press
Shanna Abraham, 13, with the remains of her hoverboard at her home in Orland Park, Ill., on Monday. The hoverboard exploded over the weekend while charging, causing minor damage to her family’s home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday that hoverboards can be a fire hazard and will go after companies that make, sell, import or distribute hoverboards that don’t meet safety standards.
Shanna Abraham, 13, with the remains of her hoverboard at her home in Orland Park, Ill., on Monday. The hoverboard exploded over the weekend while charging, causing minor damage to her family’s home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday that hoverboards can be a fire hazard and will go after companies that make, sell, import or distribute hoverboards that don’t meet safety standards. Zbigniew Bzdak Chicago Tribune
NEW YORK

The government is cracking down on hoverboards.

In a letter to manufacturers, importers and retailers, U.S. regulators said they will seize or recall any of the of the two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters, which were a huge hit this holiday season, if they fail to meet recently released safety requirements.

The Internet is littered with photos and videos of hoverboards on fire and spewing black smoke.

The CPSC said it wants the hoverboard industry to follow requirements set earlier this month by UL, an independent company that tests the safety of products for manufacturers.

Concerns that lithium-ion batteries inside the hoverboards could spark a fire have led to bans by several airlines and college campuses.

The CPSC revealed last month that it was investigating hoverboard makers and sellers. Amazon.com Inc. also offered full refunds for customers who bought a hoverboard through the site.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 8:12 PM with the headline "Feds warn they’ll seize or recall unsafe hoverboards."

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