Lithium Ion Batteries for Hoverboard: Myth & Reality

We have already discussed the topic about safety of hoverboards and why It might catch fire (Read more here: http://snip.ly/wzea5), but it seems that the question still remains on the agenda.

Yesterday when I was chatting with several clients who were thinking about buying a hoverboard, I noticed that the main question which makes them worry is safety and how to choose the batteries for a hoverboard to protect it from fire.

News about hoverboard explosions overrun the Internet. US government claimed hoverboard as dangerous. A week ago Amazon stopped selling hoverboards due to safety issues.

It is really so dangerous? Have we ever thought about how many car accidents occurs every second all over around the world? And how many people die in that car accidents? Is hoverboard more dangerous than a car?

But let’s start from the beginning. What might cause the fire?

BATTERIES: 

According to CNET, most hoverboards use lithium ion batteries, the kind often used in laptops and cell phones. The liquid inside these batteries is flammable.

OVERCHARGING: one people say Lithium ion batteries cannot accept overcharge. 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.

BUMPING AROUND: 

Wired notes that any lithium ion battery is more prone to explode when it gets bumped around a lot — and unless you're super skilled at hoverboarding, It will like bash into walls and corners on the regular.

SAFETY TIPS:

1.     Do not charge the hoverboard overnight

2.     Do not charge the hoverboard more than 2 hours

3.     Avoid running the hoverboard into hard sufarces, like rocks

4.     Don't drop the hoverboard

5.     Wear safety gear