53,000 hoverboards recalled over battery fire hazard after deaths of 2 sisters

After two deaths, a maker of electric bikes, scooters and other mobility products has recalled one of its hoverboard models because its lithium-ion battery pack can overheat and cause fires. 

The recall of 53,000 Jetson Rogue self-balancing hoverboards, made by Jetson Electric, comes after two girls died in a fire in April 2022  in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, with the personal transportation device identified as “the point of origin,” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s announcement.

The Hellertown Borough fire marshal determined the hoverboard started the fire that killed two sisters, ages 10 and 15, the CPSC said. It’s unclear, however, exactly what caused the fire, which spread across the girls’ house and also caused smoke inhalation injuries to their parents, the agency said in the release.

Recalled Jetson Rogue Self-Balancing Scooter/Hoverboard. CPSC.gov

There have been numerous other reports of the 42-volt “Rogue” hoverboards burning, sparking or melting and even causing flames, according to the CPSC.

Jetson acknwoledged the hazard.

“The lithium-ion battery packs in the self-balancing scooters/hoverboards can overheat, posing a fire hazard,” it said in a statement announcing the recall. Affected units were manufactured in 2018 and 2019 and have serial numbers that begin with “ROG.”

Owners of the hoverboards are entitled to full refunds for the devices, which originally retailed for between $100 and $150 through Target and Jetson. The self-balancing scooters have two wheels with light-up hubcaps and come in a variety of colors.

They are no longer for sale on Jetson’s website, although other similar motorized hoverboards remain available for purchase. 

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