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

HOVERBOARD CATCHES FIRE: is it REAL or CREATED danger?

HOVERBOARD CATCHES FIRE: is it REAL or CREATED danger?

The hoverboard was undeniably the breakout gadget of 2015 and remains very popular in the beginning of 2016.

The news has been overrun the past few weeks with stories of hoverboards causing frightening fires and explosions.

Why are hoverboards exploding? The main reason hoverboards have self-destructed is because of their batteries. Most of hoverboard producers use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for power, and those can be dangerous for two reasons: cheapness and mistreatment. Li-ion batteries are used in everyday devices such as mobile devices and tablets, but typically the companies making those devices can afford to use higher-quality, more expensive batteries. You won't be able to tell how good the li-ion batteries are in your hoverboard, but it's safe to say that cheaper, "knockoff" hoverboards use mass-produced cells of lower quality to cut costs. Also hoverboard batteries are typically placed inside the footrest of the device, so they're getting stepped on, kicked, and roughed-up every time you go for a ride. It is obvious that hoverboards are going to be abused more than, say, your laptop, so there's a greater chance its battery could get damaged by rough play, and any damage makes them more susceptible to malfunction or explosion.

In the end of 2015 after one of the most popular hoverboards caught fire and damaged someone's home, Amazon pulled the hoverboard from its website, but it has since been brought back. 

Acoording to CNET, On Tuesday (22-FEB-2016), Amazon.com pulled all its hoverboards from its website, leaving only accessories such as decals and wheels still available. More details here: http://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-hoverboard-fire-risk-sales-no-more/

IS IT RIGHT TO SAY, that HOVERBOARD UNSAFE                                               or even DANGEROUS ITEM?

Hoverboard is a new product on the market, which opened a new era in transport. Can we make rush conclusion on the basis of few examples and claim that all hoverboards are unsafe?

HOVERBOARD vs CAR: is a car safe comparing with hoverboard? Have anyone even count how many car accidents occurs every minute around the world and in US particularly? Not to say about pollution and endless traffic jams, when hoverboard is environmentally friendly item.

We welcome your comments, ideas, critics! 

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