Cary family gets refund after hoverboard catches on fire
CARY (WTVD) -- A Cary family's smokin' experience with their hot new hoverboard, which prompted a mall to stop selling the device, is ending on a cool note.
Following ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson's report last week about a 16-year-old girl's Smart Balance Wheel- which is a type of hoverboard - catching on fire while charging, the family is receiving a full refund.
RELATED: Cary family learns firsthand of hoverboard fire dangers
The girl's boyfriend said he bought the self-balancing scooter from a kiosk at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh as an early Christmas gift, and paid more than $400 for the device.
The teen said she enjoyed the hoverboard for a few days with no problems. However, last weekend while it was charging, she said all of a sudden something unusual happened.
"It started swelling and then smoking and then caught fire. It was like a fireworks show; it exploded," she said. "Our friend tried to throw water on it which didn't help because of the lithium battery. My dad grabbed the fire extinguisher and sprayed it and then it lit again. He then sprayed again and while it was still smoking, my dad grabbed it and took it out in the grass and sprayed it again. It continued to smoke for about 20 minutes."
Luckily, no one was hurt, but it was scary to think what could have happened if no one was home.
The family looked at the user manual but it is very generic. They couldn't see the manufacturer listed anywhere. There was also no warranty information anywhere on the box or in the user manual.
Crabtree Valley Mall did take action after learning of the incident.
A rep released this statement, "This vendor has operated at Crabtree Valley Mall for a number of years without any issues. Prior to selling this product, the vendor sought and received assurances from its supplier that the batteries were tested and certified. However, in light of this incident, sales of this product have been suspended."
Despite receiving a full refund for the hoverboard, the family is now dealing with thousands of dollars' worth of damage to their home due to the fire. They said they want others to realize the possible dangers that come with this popular gift.
