The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, has banned the use, possession or storage of hoverboards, Swagways or similar devices in all of its buildings. The school also cautioned against storing the items in vehicles.
In a statement issued Monday by the school, fire concerns were cited as the reason for the ban. The motorized scooters use lithium-ion batteries, according to a report referenced by the university. These mass-produced cells contain electrolytes that can ignite if exposed to air.
“There have been no instances of hoverboard fires on campus,” a university representative told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “This new policy is preemptive given instances of fires that have happened across the country.”
The statement also noted that the ban “may be altered when additional information regarding safety standards can be developed.”
Hoverboards, which were particularly popular during the holiday season, have been banned at American University, George Washington University, Loyola University Maryland and residence halls at George Mason University due to fire concerns. Similarly, Atlanta-based Delta Airlines has banned them from carry-on and checked baggage on its flights.
The devices have been blamed for recent fires at a Georgia home and hotel room.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating hoverboard-related fires across the U.S.
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