Raising Are hoverboards safe? What parents of kids 4–7 should know
Are hoverboards safe? Hoverboards are a product category, and the CPSC has warned about them since September 2015: as of October 2026, its alert cites more than 300 hoverboard fires or overheating incidents. The CPSC lists 25 hoverboard recall notices from 2016 to 2023 (several firms announced the same recalls separately), mostly for fire. In 2022, two sisters, 10 and 15, died in a fire in Hellertown, Pennsylvania; the borough fire marshal determined a Jetson Rogue hoverboard was the point of origin (CPSC recall notice). The CPSC says boards should meet the UL 2272 standard, but that even compliance can't guarantee a board won't catch fire. Age labels vary by model, from 6+ to 12+.
Hoverboards at a glance
- –Manufacturer age label above 7
Product category; models 6+ to 12+ - –Choking or small-parts warning on the official product
Not applicable - –Paid random items (blind boxes)
Not applicable - ✓Recall of the official product
CPSC: 25 hoverboard recall notices, mostly fire - –Resale prices above retail
Not applicable - ✓Government lawsuits, fines, or safety warnings
CPSC hoverboard fire warnings since 2015
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count.
| Type | Product category: two-wheeled self-balancing scooters with lithium-ion batteries |
|---|---|
| Age labeling | Varies by model: Jetson Dash 6+ (Target); Jetson Plasma X 12+ (Walmart) source |
| CPSC warning | More than 300 fire or overheating incidents; don't charge unattended or overnight source |
| Recalls | 25 CPSC hoverboard recall notices (2016–2023), mostly fire; about 501,000 units in July 2016 source |
| Deaths | 2022: two sisters died in a fire; fire marshal found a Jetson Rogue was the origin (CPSC) source |
| Standard | UL 2272; CPSC says even compliance can't guarantee a board won't catch fire source |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What is a hoverboard?
Short answer: A two-wheeled, self-balancing scooter that a rider stands on and steers by leaning.
Hoverboards run on lithium-ion battery packs. Many brands sell them, including Jetson, Hover-1, Gotrax, and Razor; some models add seats or kart attachments.
Are hoverboards safe? What the CPSC says
Short answer: As of October 2026, the CPSC has warned about hoverboard fires since September 2015.
- Incidents: more than 300 related to fires or overheating, plus burns, smoke inhalation, and property damage.
- Deaths: in March 2017, a 2-year-old and her 10-year-old sister died in a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, house fire started by a hoverboard. In April 2022, two sisters, 10 and 15, died in a fire in Hellertown, Pennsylvania; the borough fire marshal determined a Jetson Rogue hoverboard was the point of origin.
- CPSC advice: use only the supplied charger, don't charge unattended or overnight, and check for recalls.
Hoverboard recalls and age labels
Short answer: Many models have been recalled, and age labels vary.
- 2016: about 501,000 hoverboards recalled by 10 firms for fire risk.
- 2023: about 53,000 Jetson 42-volt Rogue boards; about 25,000 Hover-1 Helix boards in December.
- Ages: retail listings show Jetson Dash at 6+ (Target) and Jetson Plasma X at 12+ (Walmart).
The habit kids may copy: lean and go
On a hoverboard, the board moves the moment you lean.
Try tonight: stop before you go
Play a freeze game: walk, then stop on "freeze" and take one breath before moving again. Say: "Stop. Breathe. Then choose." In our program, this is the lesson "The Pause Button": stop, breathe, choose.
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FAQ
What age is a hoverboard for?
It depends on the model. Retail listings show Jetson Dash at 6+ and Jetson Plasma X at 12+.
Why do hoverboards catch fire?
CPSC's 2016 recall notice describes the battery packs overheating, sparking, smoking, and catching fire; its alert says UL 2272 compliance cannot guarantee a board won't overheat.
Have hoverboards been recalled?
Yes. The CPSC lists 25 hoverboard recall notices from 2016 to 2023 (several firms announced the same recalls separately), mostly for fire hazards.
How should you charge a hoverboard?
The CPSC says to use only the supplied charger and not to charge it unattended, especially overnight.
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