One of 2015’s most talked about Christmas present has been getting some bad press…and it’s no surprise with safety concerns and 4 house fires linked to faulty products in this category.
After a series of events caused by these self balancing scooters many were recalled or banned from sale earlier this year with the ACCC releasing a safety warning notice and announcing an investigation in January this year.
Further to this ACCC investigation, last month the Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer announced an interim ban on the sale of Hoverboard products that do not meet safety standards for batteries and related circuits.
That ban was announced on the 18th of March this year and put in place for 60 days, however the ban has since been extended to July 17, 2016. In April I contacted Melbourne based company Kaiser Baas regarding their Hoverboard product that I have previously reviewed, the Revo Glider. I spoke with Evan Kourambas, CEO. Listen below.
Hoverboard recalls to date
- Hunter Sports—Moonwalker Electric Balancing Scooter sold at BIG W (link is external)
- eBay Trader ‘SelloProducts’—Self-Balancing 2 wheels Electric Scooter (link is external)
- Catchoftheday.com.au Pty Ltd—AirWalk Self-Balancing Scooter (link is external)
- Techwheel—Techwheel Z-01 (ChargerOnly) (link is external)
- Scooter Emporium—Self Balancing Scooter with Charger (link is external)
- Go Easy Australia – Go Skitz Self Balancing E Board models S01 & S03 ( Charger Only) (link is external)
- Mod Products—Mod Board Model MOD001(Charger Only) (link is external)
- Jyro Pty Ltd—Jyro Self-Balancing 2 Wheel Electric Scooter (link is external)
- Smart Scooter ANZ—Smart Scooter ‘Hoverboard’ (link is external)
- TCB Contracting Pty Ltd—Balancing Scooter ‘Hoverboard’ (link is external)
- Freego Australasia Pty Ltd—Freego Hoverboard W1, W2 and W2SR (Charger Only) (link is external)
- Smart Wheels Australia Pty Ltd—”Neo” Hoverboard (Charger and Appliance Connector Only) (link is external)
- Ohmama—”Swegway” Hoverboard (link is external)
- Crazy Technology Pty Ltd—Smart Electric Self-Balancing Scooter / Hoverboard (Charger Only) (link is external)
- Austwide Consumer Products—Two Wheel Self Balance Drift Board (“Hoverboard”) (link is external)
- Glideboard—Balance Wheel Electric Scooter (“Hoverboards”) (link is external)
- Awesomewheels Pty Ltd—SEGGi Self-Balancing 2 Wheel Electric Scooter (“Hoverboard”) (link is external)
- Home Garden Sales—Smart Self-Balancing Scooter/Hoverboard Charger (link is external)
- Hoverboard Store—2 Wheel Self-Balancing Scooter/ Hoverboard (Charger Only) (link is external)
- DayNight Technology Pty Ltd—Self-Balancing Scooter/Hoverboard
It’s worth noting that many of the above products are cheaper imports and while they may look almost identical to some of the premium scooter models, it has been revealed that their internal workings are very different and of poor quality.
Before you buy or try any of these products, firstly ensure they are being sold legally and are compliant with Australian electrical standards and be sure to wear appropriate safely gear such as knee and elbow pads and a helmet.
