Lately the media is in a whirlwind of “hoverboard explosion” and “hoverboard fire” stories.
What exactly is happening here? How can we be safe?
UPDATE: There are now UL 2272 certified hoverboards available! Read our brand new Hoverboard Buying Guide!
Do Hoverboards explode?
No, not really. Using the term “explosion” is due exclusively to the media’s knack for exaggeration. There have been only fires, no explosions.
What causes these fires?
The fires start in the battery pack.
Lithium ion batteries contain different cells at 4.20V each. Sheets of Polypropylene or Polyethylene (electric insulators) separate the individual cells.
When one or more of the separating sheets are compromised through impact or overcharging, a short circuit occurs. The large current flowing through raises the temperature to the flash point of lithium, and an intense, flaring fire ensues.
Most of the fires seem to happen during charging, and that’s because Lithium ion batteries cannot accept overcharge. Your hoverboard’s charger features a cut-off mechanism which detects when the battery is charged, and stops the charging process automatically. Defects in this cut-off mechanism, may lead to overcharging of the cells, and to a fire.
UPDATE: SciShow, a popular science-oriented YouTube channel, has a nice video explaining Li-Ion battery fires (they are talking specifically about Samsung Galaxy phones overheating, but it all still applies for hoverboards)
How can I prevent Hoverboard fires?
The best way to prevent hoverboard fires is to buy from a trusted manufacturer that uses high quality components. [check out our 2016 guide of the Best Hoverboards]
Another good way is to monitor the charging process, at least when you charge the smart balance wheel for the very first time (as opposed to plugging it in and going to sleep).
If you wanna make absolutely sure that you have a good quality charger, even though your board doesn’t come from a reputable vendor, you can purchase an external universal charger.
While this won’t prevent fires caused by the piercing of the battery pack, it will definitely prevent the most destructive fires, the ones caused by overcharging (which mostly seem to happen during the night, while you’re charging your hoverboard).
Another good way to avoid fires is to simply be careful with your hoverboard. Don’t drop it, kick it, or hit sharp objects with it. Any of these things may damage the separator sheets in the battery pack and cause a fire. This is extremely unlikely, but if the board’s construction isn’t solid, it’s a possibility. Sturdier hoverboards, such as the Lamborghini hoverboard, may be better suited for you if you’re particularly heavy or clumsy.
EDIT: There is a company now that’s selling “hoverboard fire resistant safes,” which would ensure that any Li-Ion battery pack fire caused by overcharging (i.e. while the board is charging), is actually contained and extinguished. You can get one here. Make sure to select the appropriate hoverboard wheel size (6.5 or 8 inches—no option for a 10 inch hoverboard unfortunately).
Which Hoverboards are Safe then?
All of the hoverboards we recommend on our constantly updated Buying Guide are absolutely safe. We know which companies are using which manufacturers, and we simply avoid the bad ones.
If you’re interested in finding out more technical details on How Hoverboards Work, click here.
Stay tuned for a brand new Buying Guide featuring the new hoverboards on the market. It’ll be out soon, once we finish testing the new boards!
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