This Year’s Hottest Gift Banned from Airlines

This Year's Hottest Gift Banned from Airlines

Most major U.S. airlines have banned the newest technology hitting the streets: the self-balancing scooter, or “hoverboard.” These handle less modes of transportation have been banned over safety concerns regarding their electrical systems.

The airlines’ hoverboard bans came amid several reports of the devices’ batteries catching fire and exploding, in some cases causing serious damage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commison has received at least 10 reports of fires caused by the hoverboards, a number that is increasing daily.

The battery issues have been a major headache for the companies that make hoverboards, including IO Hawk and PhunkeeDuck. These executives point the finger at the companies supplying variations of their product. They say these knockoff products are causing all the problems due to taking shortcuts to cut down on cost. IO Hawk and PhunkeeDuck’s hoverboards cost over $1,000 while models from off-brands can cost as little as $385.

Delta, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue are among the major air carriers that have decided to ban hoverboards. Southwest, however, will still let you bring one on board.

Southwest explains that they will treat the hoverboard as a carry-on item as long as it can fit within a carry-on bag. If it is too large, they suggest it be packed in checked luggage an protected from “accidental activation.” Still, the airline is taking extra precautions, scooters with batteries larger than 160 watt-hours are not permitted on the plane, a rule that the airline has had for other electronics powered by similar batteries.

“Just out of safety precautions, I can understand where the airlines are coming from,” IO Hawk President John Soibatian said. “There isn’t a dollar amount you can put on somebody’s life. Each one of our components is tested before we put it into the marketplace. When we charge $1,800 it’s not for the logo.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities