Imagine you splurge on a hoverboard for your child as a summer toy only to have it catch fire, creating the risk of serious injury.
This sort of incident has occurred with an array of electric devices, such as scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards, also known as micromobility devices. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps track of products that have been recalled due to hazards, and one report found that for micromobility products, the number of fatalities increased from five in 2017 to 117 in 2023, with a total of 373 fatalities over that period.
“CPSC reminds consumers to use micromobility devices and batteries that have been designed, manufactured, and certified for compliance with the applicable voluntary safety standards and always exercise caution when using these devices,” the commission states on its website.
They also offer some tips for safe riding.
Before You Ride
Review local traffic laws. Requirements for helmets, riding locations and roadway use are different in every community and are designed to reduce the risk of crashes and injuries.
Always wear a bicycle helmet when riding to protect your head, and check your device for any signs of damage, including to the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables and frame.
Follow manufacturer directions, review the safety information, and identify weight and age limits for the micromobility device.
During Your Ride
Obey posted speed limits, traffic signals and rules of the road. Use bike lanes or designated riding areas where required.
See and be seen. Most deaths involve motor vehicles. Many micromobility devices are small, quick and quiet, making it difficult for others to spot you, especially in parking lots, garages and other enclosed structures.
Expect vehicle drivers and pedestrians not to see you. Slow down and stay aware of your surroundings.
Use reflectors, headlamps, a bell or horn, and other visibility accessories to alert others.
Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements.
Beware of obstacles. E-scooters have small tires, so objects and uneven surfaces can cause them to stop suddenly, throwing you off.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars and keep items off the handlebars.
Slow down and lean back when approaching bumps.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Only one person per scooter; additional riders can increase the risk and severity of collisions.
After the Ride
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charging and unplug the device when done.
Always be present when charging micromobility products. Never charge them while sleeping or when you’re not at home. CPSC has seen many lithium-ion battery home fires and deaths happen at night while batteries were charging and families were asleep.
Only use the charger provided with or recommended by the manufacturer of your micromobility device.
Only use a replacement or secondary battery pack that has been tested and approved to work safely with your device and has been confirmed to be suitable by the device manufacturer.
If your lithium-ion battery or device is subject to a recall or product safety warning, follow the disposal instructions available on the CPSC website, cpsc.gov.
