Amazon has stopped selling certain models of the popular self-balancing scooter, commonly referred to as “hoverboards,” after it was discovered that in some instances counterfeit models had been equipped with faulty batteries that could lead to them exploding.
Amazon has pulled several of the scooters from its store, including models from the popular manufacturer Swagway, in order to root out potential counterfeit models amid safety concerns. Swagway have given Amazon their full backing in regards to the safety checks, releasing a statement saying: “As safety is on the forefront for Swagway, we applaud Amazon for taking these steps to weed out the low quality boards and want to note that this removal is NOT specific to Swagway, but includes 97% of the other branded hoverboards that were also selling on there.”
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating at least 11 fires related to the scooters in the US over the past year. Speaking of the investigation, deputy director Patty Davis said: “We’re actively testing samples of hoverboards in our lab, both new ones and those involved in incidents.”
There has been a huge disparity in the quality and price points of hoverboards featured on Amazon in the past, with lower priced models retailing for around $300 prior to Amazon recalling them, while high-end models can sell for around $800.
Amazon has not released a statement in regards to when the investigation will be concluded, nor when the scooter models found to be safe will return to the site.
