Safety advisers in the United States are probing dozens of fires involving hoverboards, the Office of Consumer Affairs has warned.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the US, many of these took place indoors and could have resulted in serious injuries without the quick actions of consumers.

The CPSC considers this investigation a priority and is devoting the necessary resources to find the root causes of the fires, Consumer Affairs stated.

Karen Marshall, executive officer of Consumer Affairs, said in a statement: “It is important to reiterate that the CPSC has not made any determinations to date about the safety of these brands and none have been recalled by the CPSC.

“Consumer Affairs will continue to provide updates and warnings to the Bermuda public as we receive them from the CPSC. Residents who may still be considering purchasing a hoverboard should heed all of the guidance provided here, do plenty of research, buy from a reputable retailer and, if buying overseas, check with the airlines regarding restrictions on flights.”

People who own hoverboards are urged to use great caution and follow these guidelines:

• Have a working fire extinguisher nearby while charging or using these boards in and around your home;

• Charge in an open area away from combustible materials;

• Do not charge it unattended, overnight or when you are not at home. The board should only be charged when someone is present and paying attention to it;

• Wear appropriate safety equipment including a helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads to avoid serious injuries in the event of a fall;

• Do not use a hoverboard on or near a road;

CPSC is actively investigating the safety of hoverboards made and/or sold by:

• Smart Balance Wheel/One Stop Electronic Inc

• Smart Balance Wheel Scooter/Glide Boards

• Hover-way Hands-Free Electric/Digital Gadgets LLC

• Swagway Hands-Free Smart Board/Swagway LLC

• Smart Balance Board/I Lean Hoverboards

• E-Rover-Mini Smart Balance Scooter/LeCam Technology

• Smart Balance Wheels/Kateeskitty

• Hoverboard360.com

• iMOTO/Keenford Limited

• YOOLIKED

• Smart Balance Wheel/Luxiya

• Uwheels

• E-Rover Smart Balance Wheel.

For more information, visit the CPSC website — www.cpsc.gov.