Science fiction was almost right about 2015 and the invention of the hoverboard. However are they as safe and cool as they were once portrayed?

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has received more than 30 reports since hoverboards were put on the market, of the product catching on fire. The fires have caused destruction from a single bedroom, to an entire house. While it may have been the best holiday present for some consumers, it may have cost others more than just $400 to purchase the hoverboard.

The problem lies within the lithium ion batteries inside. Because the batteries are filled with liquid, they are highly flammable; if the piece of plastic inside that separates the positive side from the negative side is broken, the battery overheats.

As a result of the frequent fires, many places have banned hoverboards as a precaution. Delta airlines and American airlines have banned hoverboards from boarding the plane. Consumer websites and stores such as Amazon and Target have decided not to sell them. Many colleges  across the country are banning hoverboards on campus.

So what are some precautions to take before buying a new hoverboard?

Do not charge the board overnight, or when no one is home. This is the main reason the boards are catching on fire.

The board comes halfway charged, so if you use it until the battery dies, there is a greater chance that it will not catch on fire.

Make sure the hoverboard is from a reliable company. Do research; do not settle on a brand only because it is the cheapest. It will cost a lot more in the end.