Parents warned: Hoverboards could pose serious fire hazard

The hoverboard is one of the coolest (and most expensive) items on Santa's list this year, but parents who shelled out up to €500 for one in the last few weeks may be unwittingly about to put their kids in serious danger. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has suspended the importation of approximately 1,400 Smart Balance Wheels (Hoverboards) at Dublin Port. The consignment was prevented from entering the Irish market due to significant safety concerns which were identified through market surveillance activity. The Commission is currently engaging with a number of businesses who supply similar products, or who are planning to place them on sale in Ireland.

“Following the examination, the Commission was concerned that consumers may be at risk should the AC adapter / charger or the battery pack overheat and potentially cause a fire." revealed Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. "Our investigation is ongoing but at this point we are aware that similar products are on sale here and we are investigating to determine whether these products meet the relevant Irish and EU safety standards."

Consumers who wish to buy a hoverboard are advised to make sure that the manufacturer’s name or trademark is visible on the packaging and, critically, that it has this genuine CE mark: Consumers are also urged to choose a reputable retailer because if a fault does occur, the retailer is obliged under consumer law to offer a remedy. Have you bought a hoverboard this year? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.