Potentially dangerous hoverboards have been seized by trading standards across the borough ahead of the Christmas shopping rush.
Up to 26 of the self-balancing scooters have been removed from stores and depots in East Ham and Stratford after the council received intelligence from border officials.
There have been concerns that some imitation models have plugs that are either ill-fitting or not of the standard British plug design, do not have fuses or house substandard batteries. Cheaper versions are of particular risk, said the council.
The London Fire Brigade has issued its own safety warning about the popular gadgets telling people to keep an eye on them while they are charging. Crews were called to two house fires in as many weeks in October after charging hoverboards exploded.
Cllr Unmesh Desai, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour, said: “These hoverboards may be one of the most wanted Christmas presents this year, but nobody wants to be electrocuted or have their home burnt down by a cheap imitation.
“We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, if it’s too good to be true then it probably is. Cheap items are often either fake or stolen.
“We need our residents’ help to make sure these dangerous gadgets do not ruin anyone’s Christmas. If you spot these cheap hoverboards on sale in the borough please contact our trading standards team.”
Tests on around 15,000 imported hoverboards seized at UK ports found they failed to meet safety standards and could be potentially dangerous.
The council said it is now working with border officials to try to identify the source of the products found in the borough.
The following guidelines will help to ensure your hoverboard is genuine:
• Only buy from reputable or established retailers
• Check for a CE mark
• Check that warnings and instructions for the safe use of the scooter are written clearly and make sense
• Check for a name and address of the manufacturer or importer
Contact Newham Council’s trading standards team on 020 3373 0802 with any concerns.
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