Federal Government Says Hoverboards Are Unsafe

Federal Government Says Hoverboards Are Unsafe
People ride their hoverboards on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, California on December 10, 2015. These so-called hoverboards, or self-balancing electric scooters, are surging in popularity in the first season where they have been available at relatively affordable prices -- as low as $300 for some models. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)
Federal Government Says Hoverboards Are Unsafe
People ride their hoverboards on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, California on December 10, 2015. These so-called hoverboards, or self-balancing electric scooters, are surging in popularity in the first season where they have been available at relatively affordable prices -- as low as $300 for some models. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)

Federal Government Says Hoverboards Are Unsafe

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has wrapped up its investigation into the safety-hazards posed by hoverboards. Its verdict is unambiguous: no hoverboard currently on the market is safe.

The CPSC sent out an official notice yesterday with new hoverboard safety standards to retailers, manufacturers and importers. The notice called for non-compliant hoverboards to be taken off the market as well. To discuss the news, Here & Now‘s Jeremy Hobson speaks with Mike Regan of Bloomberg Gadfly.

[Youtube]

Guest

Copyright 2016 NPR. To see more, visit NPR.