Airlines around the world are banning the high-tech toys known as hoverboards over concerns that their lithium-ion batteries could cause fires. American,Delta and United are among the airlines that announced Thursday they won’t allow the popular toys on board amid reports of their batteries overheating and starting fires in places like shopping malls, according to The Washington Post. Consumer groups have already reported concerns over the toys’ lack of labeling or consistent safety standards. British Airways also said that “due to safety concerns wecannot allow customers to carry these items as part of their hold or cabin luggage,” The Wall Street Journal reported.
Hoverboards don’t actually hover, but are two-wheeled, self-balancing platforms shaped like skateboards. Airlines have already limited shipments of lithium-ion batteries and the FAA has said its tests show that if they ignited, a fire would spread quickly and the chemical suppressants on board aircraft would be ineffective. ICAO also is working on regulating the carriage of lithium batteries, likely by limiting their internal charge to 30 percent if shipped on an airline, according to the Journal. The International Air Transport Association recommends that airlines allowing hoverboards keep them in the cabins and not in the luggage holds. The organization also wants to stop the sales of the toys at airport retail stores, the Journal reported.
