Dodgy safety certificates behind Aussie 'hoverboard' recall
Australian businesses are being scammed by some Chinese ‘hoverboard’ suppliers who are providing dodgy safety certificates for the controversial products.
Nine companies have been listed on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's recall list, all of them noting defects with the battery chargers.
The safety certificate scandal was uncovered by lawyer John Burrell who was hired by Jyro, one of the businesses on the recall list.
He conducted an audit after 37 products from the New South Wales company were recalled due to reports of fire risks, the Herald Sun said.
Jyro have stated on their website they will not be selling the product until further notice.
“Jyros are currently NOT available for sale while the government conducts an industry-wide safety review,” the statement said.
Mr Burrell found the faulty component to be the battery charger and noticed that the accompanying safety certificates were either incorrect or non-existent.
In some cases certificates would be present, however, the product numbers on the document would not match the numbers on the items being sent into the country.
“There is a potential risk of overcharging the battery and causing fire,” Product Safety Recalls Australia said on their website.
They said hoverboard fires are caused by products that ‘would not comply with Australian electrical requirements’ or the use of chargers meant for other devices.
On Tuesday, Federal Small Business Minister Kelly O’Dwyer issued a safety warning notice for hoverboards, which will launch an official investigation into the safety aspects of the product.
The ACCC has advised customers who have purchased products from Jryo and other listed suppliers to stop using the toy.
“Cease using the scooter and its battery charger immediately. Switch off the power at the socket outlet and unplug the charger from the socket outlet. Package the scooter and charger up for return to Jyro,” the ACCC wrote on their website.
Customers are entitled to a full refund.
Despite being a popular item among young people, hoverboards have gained plenty of negative media attention over recent months:
Big W issues urgent recall on hoverboards
Big W has been forced to issue a recall on one of the year's hottest gifts, just over a week away from Christmas.
Family's home destroyed in Melbourne after hoverboard sparks blaze
A hoverboard that was being charged in a child’s bedroom, caught fire and destroyed a family home in Melbourne.
Man absolutely cannot believe his 'Hoverboard' caught on Fire
Safety concerns over “hoverboard” scooters, one of this year’s most popular Christmas gifts, have been raised after an Alabama man shared a video of his after it caught fire.
