Hoverboards - Wearing a Helmet

Kohl's Hard Heads Helmet Program

Hoverboards are a two-wheeled motorized device – essentially a self-balancing scooter. Most hoverboards can achieve a speed of up to 12 miles per hour.

The rider immediately begins to move by stepping onto two pressure-sensitive footpads, which allows one to steer and control speed. Hoverboards have a low center of gravity, which makes falls more likely.

A study published in Pediatrics, analyzed U.S. data over two years and found that there were 26,854 hoverboard injuries and 121,398 skateboard injuries to adolescents younger than 18 treated in emergency rooms. Injuries to the wrist were most common, followed by head and forearm injuries. Most hoverboard injuries occurred in the home. Riders who are distracted increases the risk of injury.

Along with the risk of falling, over 500,000 hoverboards were recalled after reports of the devices exploding or combusting. Upon investigation, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommended that any new hoverboards manufactured be UL 2272 certified.

Safety Tips

• For those who ride a hoverboard, make sure they wear protective gear, including:
  • A bicycle or multisport helmet
  • Wrist guards
  • Knee pads
  • Elbow pads
• Supervise children at all times. Kids have also had their fingers rolled over or pinched by the wheels.
• Check local laws, especially regarding age, before allowing your child to ride a hoverboard. In some areas, it is against the law to ride hoverboards on sidewalks, streets and other areas.
• To prevent fires, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends not leaving hoverboards plugged in, charging overnight or when nobody is home.