Consumer advocacy group Choice has issued a warning to Australian shoppers following reports of several fires started overseas by so-called hoverboards.
The toy, also known as a balance board, has been growing in popularity in the lead-up to Christmas. Powered by lithium batteries they allow riders to move while steering with their feet.
But there have been multiple reports that poor quality versions are a fire hazard.
Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey said Choice was aware of the hoverboards, or "self-balancing scooters" catching fire while charging.
"Although some carry warnings about overcharging in their manuals, it's important to ensure you charge the device as directed," he told SBS News.
"Don't put it on to charge and forget about it. Always remove it from the wall socket when fully charged."
Hundreds of residents had to be evacuated from a public housing block in Hong Kong after a newly-purchased hoverboard burst into flames in one of the flats.
According to the Hong Kong Free Press, the owner said she used the scooter once and was recharging it when fumes started coming out of it around two hours later. A fire then started, causing her to flee with her mother and brother.
Other cases include a family in England who said a hoverboard had exploded in their kitchen causing more than $52,000 damage. English fire crews have also attended blazes they said were caused by battery packs or chargers that don't have a safety cut-off function.
And in the United States, a Louisiana woman claimed her home was destroyed after her son's hoverboard caught fire while charging.
Chris Brown from hoverboard distributor Air Wheels Australia said the fires were most likely caused by inferior units made in China.
"Unfortunately with big-selling items like this they get knocked off very quickly," he said.
"Buy it from a reputable source that conforms to Australian and New Zealand safety standards, and can back it up with documentation."
Mr Godfrey said there were several things people purchasing the hoverboards needed to be aware of, including the battery charge time and the long distance claim.
Items to check before using a hoverboard:
- The manual should be easy to read
- The short battery charge time
- The long distance claim (meaning a longer charge will be maintained from the battery)
- The air in the inflatable tyre should be topped up to their required level
- Weight of the glider if you plan on carrying it
- Safety warning features when approaching maximum speed
