Hoverboards Contributing to a Growing Number of Injuries
Hoverboards Continue to Be a Growing Issue for Famiies
Over the last year, hoverboards have become a popular accessory for individuals of all ages. Starting around last year's holiday season, hoverboard sales began to grow more and more. Unfortunately, so did the number of reported injuries caused by these two-wheeled devices. Our personal injury attorney in Georgia reports that in Forsyth County, Georgia, urgent care centers saw a large number of injuries caused by hoverboards.
In a single shift, one physician commented that she treated five patients for hoverboard injuries. The injuries needed various types of treatment and ranged in severity. Some patients had broken bones, others needed stitches for deep abrasions, and some had concussions.
Injuries on hoverboards are most likely when users try to stop riding them. Bringing them to a stop can be tricky, and can cause a user to lose his or her balance and fall. For first time users, the risk of a fall is even higher, since there is a bit of a learning curve to using the hoverboard. Hoverboards can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. At such a rate of speed, the risk of injury is significant, especially if no protective gear is being used.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, users of all ages, including both children and adults, should don safety gear while they ride hoverboards. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards should all be used to reduce the risk of injury.
However, falls are not the only issue that consumers are reporting with hoverboards.
There have been numerous reports of hoverboard fires as well. Some hoverboards reportedly ignited and exploded, creating a serious risk of injury or even death. Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines have all banned passengers from bringing hoverboards on a flight. In addition, hoverboards have been banned in the entire city of New York due to their hazardous nature. The risk of fire seems to be higher when the hoverboards are charging, since it is believed that battery malfunctions cause the devices to overheat.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in hoverboards, contain flammable electrolytes. If the company that manufactures the hoverhoards uses a low quality battery, the chance of the hoverboard overheating and catching on fire increases. If numerous batteries are needed to charge the hoverboards, the risk of a fire increases even more.
For the past two years, over half a million hoverboards had been recalled because of the risk of fire. Thousands of customers have sought refunds for their hoverboards, which may cost up to $900 a piece. Amazon also pulled several hoverboard models from its website last year due to fire hazards.
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Sources:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/Self-Balancing-Scooters-Hoverboards-Recalled-by-10-Firms/
https://www.montlick.com
http://thehill.com/policy/technology/286724-government-orders-recall-of-half-a-million-hoverboards
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