According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have been 52 incidents in the United States where the lithium ion batteries in these Hoverboards reportedly caught fire, destroying bedrooms and even entire homes, causing up to $2 million dollars in property damages.

A letter from the CPSC director regarding “hoverboard” testing meeting UL electrical requirements
 was sent to manufacturers/ distributors of  these self-balancing scooters, urging them to “review [their] product line and ensure that all if they are manufactured, imported, distributed, or sold in the United States, they are in compliance with the voluntary safety standards.”
CPSC spokesman Scott Wolfson says, “We want to be able to deliver for the public, but we hope they’ll be able to appreciate that what’s going on right now is a very thorough science-based investigation.” Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the safety currently lies in the hands of the manufacturer and their willingness to comply with safety standards.