Why Are Hoverboard Self Balancing Scooters Exploding?

Hoverboards, Monorovers, Segways, whatever name you call them, I'm sure you're all familiar with the hottest Christmas gift item of the year, the Self Balancing Scooter.


Part Segway, part skateboard, these self balancing two wheeled scooters have been around since 2013 or so, however have only recently gained huge popularity due to celebrities and Youtube stars riding them and featuring them on social media and in Youtube videos.


It's also definately no secret that these things have been in the media a ton lately for the problems with the scooters both exploding and setting on fire; sometimes while charging, and on some occasions even while being ridden.


Over the weekend Amazon pulled down about 99% of Hoverboard listings, only allowing those to remain up who can show they have all the proper certifications on their board. The Jetson Self Balancing Scooter is one of the few left on the site. 

Is The Danger Of Hoverboards Overhyped?

 

I would have to answer that with a resounding yes. There's been about 9 stories about fires. All lithium ion batteries have the capacity to explode or start on fire. There have been stories of iPhones, smartphones, RC cars, tablets and laptop computers exploding and injuring users. So why all the attention and hype surrouding hoverboards?

It's no secret that these things are made in China, and both the quality of materials as well as assembly in some cases leaves much to be desired. Though there are companies like iOHawk who sell much more expensive boards, essentially all these things are made from similar components and made in China, though some may have a bit more attention to quality of materials and detail in assembly.

The reason Hoverboard Self Balancing Scooters are both exploding as well as catching fire has to do with the batteries and the chargers. Not only are the batteries mass manufactured and cheaply made, but just due to the nature of the device, something that is ridden, and often abused, a battery which is punctured or battered about has the capability to short circuit and either start a fire or a small explosion.

How To Fix The Dangers Of Hoverboard Batteries & Chargers

A friend who works on scooters, golf carts and other electric devices explained it to me like this. A quality battery works where each individual cell is charged and monitored. On a Hoverboard battery it's charged as a whole. This means if one cell fails to charge, another cell will overcharge to compensate. Both over charged and under charged cells are not only harmful to the longterm health and function of the battery, but are also a fire hazard. Many of these scooter batteries also lack a fuse.

As for the chargers, the fault lies in them not turning off when a battery is fully charged causing the batteries cells to overcharge, as well as many of them lacking fuses and/or fans to keep them cool.

Why Are Hoverboards Catching Fire?

Do I Feel Safe Owning A Hoverboard?

I am not at all concerned. With that being said I do excercise a few common sense things. First, I only charge my hoverboard when I am at home and monitoring it. I would never charge it while away or overnight. I also excercise the same cautions I do with all Lithium ion batteries which is not charging them too long, not over charging them, and trying to let them cycle once a week by charging the battery fully and then draining it fully. A battery is like a muscle and needs to be excercised.

What are your thoughts on Hoverboards and all the recent hype in the media? Are you worried? Do you own a Hoverboard? Would the recent news attention cause you not to buy a hoverboard for yourself or as a gift?