Hoverboards spark safety concerns this holiday season

Hoverboards are one of the most hyped-up gifts of the holiday season, but the hot gift is has gone up in smoke in a string of incidents. One burst into flames at a Washington state shopping mall and another is being blamed for burning down a Louisiana home.

Some of the battery powered hoverboards can overheat and catch fire.

Uncle Don’s Hobbies in Palm Desert sells all kinds of gadgets, but opted out of selling hoverboards.

“I’m a family owned operation and not quite prepared for that type of lawsuit,” said owner Kevin Koch.

Koch said he’s a fan of the two-wheeled machines, but he and the National Association of State Fire Marshalls say you should to do your homework before you buy.

Be cautious about purchasing them over the internet
Let your hoverboard batteries cool off before you charge Keep watch of it while it charges Don’t leave it plugged in overnight Keep it away from anything that could catch fire

“They’re not all bad nor do I think it’s something to be overly concerned about if you buy it from a reputable place,” said Koch.

The possible danger won’t stop some shoppers from taking one for a spin.

“I will hop on it as well, but I’ll probably get some knee pads to give it a shot,” said Kurt Gardner. “Or I’ll be running around with an extinguisher, one or the other.”