Searcy (LP) I’m sure you have heard about the new hoverboards, but have you heard about the recalls? These self-balancing scooters don’t actually hover like the ones in the movies.

 “They are getting really popular, but people don’t know how dangerous they are,” says senior Luke Counts.

Many parents rushed out to suppliers to get their children the hottest, newest gift, but what they didn’t realize would soon have them regretting their purchase. The federal government is investigating 22 reports of hoverboards bursting into flames.  As of Monday afternoon, there were 70 emergency room visits, due to people falling off and hoverboards bursting into flames, according to the U.S.

 “While the fire hazard has generated significant attention, I do not want to downplay the  fall hazard,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye in a statement earlier this month. “I am also concerned that there is no safety standard in place for hoverboards. Strong safety standards protect consumers.”

Tips:

1. Watch it charge. Stay alert. It’s not a cellphone. You can’t just plug it up and walk off. You have to stay near with your eyes glued to it and wait for the moment it might burst into flames
2. Wear a helmet. I know helmets aren’t cool, but they are cooler than concussions, aren’t they? Pop a helmet on your head, and when you experience your inevitable falls, crashes, and collisions, your head won’t suffer quite as much.
3. No parents!!! Parents: We know you’re cool. We know you’re fun. You do not have to prove it by stepping on one of these things. If you look under the “hoverboardfails” hashtag on social media, you will find numerous mishaps, mostly including parents, and sadly even a higher amount of videos including grandparents. Seriously, if you have a child, and especially if your child has a child.. Hoverboards are not for you.