Air Canada will no longer allow passengers to travel with hoverboards.
According to a statement released by the airline Tuesday, travellers will no longer be able to bring small lithium-battery powered vehicles as checked or carry-on baggage due to “potential safety risks associated with the size of the batteries that power them.”
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The announcement comes after multiple reports in both the U.S. and U.K. of the self-balancing scooters – more commonly referred to as hoverboards – bursting into flames. In one case, a Louisiana-area woman has alleged a hoverboard was to blame for a fire that destroyed her home.
Last week, more than 15,000 hoverboards were seized by U.K. officials due to safety concerns. According to the U.K.’s National Trading Standards board, officials found many concerns surrounding the plugs, cabling, chargers, batteries, or the cut-off switch within the boards, which sometimes fails.
READ MORE: 15,000 hoverboards seized by U.K. customs agents due to fire concerns
Officials said many of the hoverboards that were sent for testing were found to have noncompliant plugs without fuses, which increases the risk of the device overheating, exploding or catching fire.
Air Canada said those who wish to travel with the gadgets should contact Air Canada Cargo for information about dangerous goods packaging.
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