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Hoverboards and self-balancing boards

Hoverboards and self-balancing boards usage and safety

Hoverboards and self-balancing boards are becoming popular, but the batteries in them can be a severe fire risk if used, charged or sourced incorrectly. Be aware of the dangers, know where to purchase your battery, and how to charge it safely.

Hoverboards and self-balancing boards (including Segways) are two-wheeled battery-powered devices where riders control the speed and direction by shifting their body weight on footpads.

The footpads are connected to gyroscopic sensors and electric motors to manage movement. Despite the name (a nod to the Back to the Future movies), they roll on wheels, typically reaching speeds of up to 12 mph.

Each wheel is driven by an independent electric motor, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack which stores a large amount of energy in a small space.

  • They must be stored and charged safely to reduce the risk of fire. Lithium-ion battery fires can occur from poor design, incorrect charging, or from damage to the battery. If the battery fails, it could lead to an explosive fire.
  • In the UK, riding these devices on pavements or roads is illegal under the Highways Act 1835 and can lead to fines, penalty points, or seizure of the hoverboard.
  • You may legally use them on private property with permission.
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Key points

  • Only buy hoverboards and chargers from reputable retailers.
  • Second-hand batteries and chargers can be a serious fire risk.
  • Charge your battery in a safe place, ensuring no escape routes are blocked.
  • Monitor the charging process and disconnect and unplug the charger when complete.

Buying a hoverboard, battery, and charger

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
  • You will find lots of online reviews of hoverboards, batteries, and chargers, but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
  • Only use the charger and battery supplied by the manufacturer. If the original battery and charger is lost, not available, or needs replacing, get a replacement direct from the manufacturer or one approved by the manufacturer. Not from market stalls, social media, or third-party sellers on online marketplaces.
  • It’s vitally important your battery and charger have been tested to conform to UK safety standards. Counterfeit and substandard battery chargers can be deadly. Look for misspellings or bad translations in the instructions and attempts to copy larger brands. These are all signs that your product may be substandard or counterfeit.
  • Substandard electrical items are often missing warranty cards and instructions. If there are no instructions included for charging safely, do not buy it.
  • Register your board and charger so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using and charging a hoverboard

  • Charge the battery in a safe place, ensuring it does not block escape routes if there is a fire.
  • It’s dangerous to charge a battery close to combustible materials or hazardous substances, or where high temperatures or direct sunlight are likely.
  • Avoid covering lithium-ion batteries while charging.
  • Monitor the charging, disconnect, and unplug the charger when the charge cycle is complete.
  • Leaving items on charge continuously or overnight is a fire risk. Overcharging, over-discharging, or charging the battery too quickly are some of the main causes of fires from lithium-ion batteries.
  • Regularly check the condition of the battery for signs of swelling, dents, deformities, and signs of overheating. If you notice any damage stop using and charging the battery immediately and replace it.
  • Ensure you have adequate smoke/heat alarms to alert you if there is a fire.
  • An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the battery or charger. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the charger is plugged in.

ALWAYS

  • Use the original charger or go back to the manufacturer for a replacement.
  • Register your hoverboard and charger with the manufacturer.
  • Charge the battery in a safe place which doesn’t block any escape routes.
  • Unplug the charger once fully charged.
  • Ensure you have adequate smoke and heat alarms in your property.

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand chargers or from third-party sellers online.
  • Charging the battery close to combustible materials or in direct sunlight.
  • Overcharging, over-discharging, or charging the battery too quickly.
  • Charging the battery continuously or overnight.
  • Using or charging the battery if you spot any signs of damage to it.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check the battery

Regularly check the condition of the battery for dents, deformities, and signs of overheating. If you notice any damage, stop using and charging the battery immediately and replace it. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

If you suspect you have a sub-standard or faulty hoverboard, battery, or charger, stop using it immediately and report the fault to the manufacturer or retailer.

Or call the Citizens Advice helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

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