Some models of the gadget have exploded, caught fire.
By Dileep Thekkethil
Amazon has notified its hoverboard customers in the UK to abandon the gadget as soon as possible as buyers complained of a few models either exploding or catching fire.
The e-mail was sent to the customers who bought different models of hoverboards with non-compliant UK plugs from the leading e-commerce website.
Amazon apologized by writing: “We regret the inconvenience this may cause you but trust you will understand that your safety and satisfaction is our highest priority.”
Amazon has also guaranteed a full refund of the amount paid by the hoverboard enthusiasts.
UK’s Retail Ombudsman, Dean Dunham, while speaking to Sky News, lashed out against retailers who are selling hoverboards that are dangerous and warned people who bought it to be careful while using it.
“I would urge UK retailers to take the responsible step of removing unsafe hoverboards from sale or face the risk of the full force of the Consumer Protection Act, under which the retailer can be held liable for any injuries caused by unsafe goods,” said Dunham.
He added: “Consumers who have already purchased a hoverboard, perhaps as a Christmas present, should contact the retailer and ask for their written assurance that it’s safe and in particular that it has a compliant plug with a fuse.”
Many instances of hoverboard catching fire have been reported after the product was launched in the US and the UK. The reason for the explosion of hoverboards is believed to be the poor quality of the batteries used by the manufacturers.
According to media reports, Amazon and other online retailers have discontinued the sales of hoverboards in the US until further notice but the gadget still shows “in stock” in the US website of Amazon.
All major US-based airlines have said no to the export of hoverboards and the devices are no longer allowed inside aircraft.
Delta Airlines was quoted saying that, “..the (hoverboards) poorly labeled, powerful lithium-ion batteries powering hoverboards are the issue…Delta reviewed hoverboard products specifications and found that manufacturers do not consistently provide details about the size or power of their lithium-ion batteries.”
According to latest reports from federal officials, at least 11 cases of hoverboards catching fire has been reported from 10 US states, including California.
According to recent reports from the US, the authorities have seized close to 164 hoverboards that came with fake batteries or other imitation stuff. Also, a majority of the hoverboards are manufactured in China and they use the unscientific method to evade from questions about intellectual property and other trade regulations.
Earlier, the New York Police Department and the State Department had banned the use of motorized hoverboards on the roads stating that any motorized vehicle needs to undergo a registration process.
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