Half a million hoverboards recalled, in case you still thought these were a good idea - CNET

If you've ignored any of the previous reports of unsafe hoverboards that can catch fire, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission would really like you to pay attention now. In a new product recall alert posted to its website, the CPSC was that "The lithium-ion battery packs in the self-balancing scooters/hoverboards can overheat, posing a risk of the products smoking, catching fire and/or exploding."

The recall covers products from 10 companies including online retailer Overstock.com and Swagway (not to be confused with Segway), one of the most popular hoverboard brands. In a statement posted to the CPSC website, chairman Elliot Kaye said, "This is a major recall that families and consumers across the country should respond to -- immediately...Homes and apartments have been destroyed because of fires related to hazardous hoverboards. CPSC has investigated more than 60 hoverboard fires in more than 20 states that resulted in more than $2 million in property damage. To prevent another fire and possibly a death, I am urging consumers who have a recalled hoverboard to take advantage of this recall."

Swagway, which is facing a recall of 267,000 units, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.