When electric scooters burst onto the scene several years ago, there were a few high-profile mishaps. Some scooters began to catch fire due to poorly sourced lithium batteries and several models were recalled. Read on to learn more about this, and don’t forget to check out the latest modern e-scooters.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- In the past, several electric scooters have been recalled because of poorly sourced lithium batteries that were prone to catching fire.
- You can check on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for information on recalled scooters.
- Other risks involved with riding an electric scooter include accidents, injury, and general malfunction.
What Electric Scooters Were Recalled?
On average, more than 100 kid-friendly toys and gadgets are recalled each year. Due to their increase in popularity, recent years have seen some e-scooter recalls. Most of these scooters were made by disreputable companies, though several manufactured by Razor went up for a voluntary recall.
Insider Tip
On average, more than 100 kid-friendly toys and gadgets are recalled each year.
Notices and Recalls in Effect
You can check notices and recalls for a specific electric scooter, electric skateboard, self-balancing scooter, or a related item by clicking this link. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is a well-regarded government agency with up-to-date information.
Risks of Electric Scooters
Though most electric scooters are extremely safe, these are moving vehicles. As such, there are some inherent risks involved with riding one. At this point, it is important to understand what an electric scooter is.
STAT: Many of the scooters provided in the first year of manufacture were defective and likely to catch fire, resulting in a major product recall from multiple manufacturers during 2016. (source)
Accidents and Injuries
Scooter-related injuries are on the rise predominantly because electric scooters have become more popular. Accidents do happen, particularly if you ride in busier-than-average areas of your city. Accidental injuries are less common and primarily boosted by riders who are not wearing the appropriate safety gear. As a matter of fact, more than 95 percent of scooter-related injuries occurred to riders who were not wearing a helmet. Wear protective gear, including helmets, knee pads, and arm pads.
Insider Tip
Accidental injuries are less common and primarily boosted by riders who are not wearing the appropriate safety gear.
Fires and Malfunctions
Electric scooters have caught on fire in the past and it does still happen every once in a while. This is primarily due to a malfunctioning lithium battery. In the past, the number of these fires was increasing because companies were sourcing the batteries from disreputable manufacturers. This can still happen when you are buying a scooter made by a lesser-known company. We recommend sticking to the name brands and performing some research to ensure that the battery is up to snuff. You must be wondering, and rightly so, what electric scooter was caught on fire?
Manufacturing Issues
Sometimes scooters are recalled due to manufacturing issues that have nothing to do with the lithium battery. Wires can be soldered incorrectly, various components can be loose, and a number of other issues can arise. It is a good practice to stay abreast of this kind of thing before you buy a new electric scooter or hoverboard. It must be noted that these recalls are relatively rare.
Warning
More than 95 percent of scooter-related injuries occurred to riders who were not wearing a helmet.
F.A.Q.
Are hoverboards and electric scooters safe in 2021?
Sure, hoverboards and scooters are safe, within reason. Though they do not catch on fire quite as often as they used to, these are still moving vehicles and carry any associated risk.
What is a recall notification?
A recall notification is a general notice to consumers that a product they may have purchased is up for a voluntary or mandatory recall. Sometimes the notification just lets consumers know they need to bring the product in to be serviced.
How do I know if my product is being recalled?
We recommend checking on a governmental website, such as the one linked to above. Additionally, you can check with the original manufacturer and look for a recall notification.
