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Safety concerns prompt campuswide ban of Hoverboards

By Noelle Connors ’19

Over the winter break, many students were surprised to see an email regarding the Hoverboard ban on campus. The ban was effective immediately on Jan. 11, 2016, and, as the email states, prohibits the use or storage of “Hoverboards, battery-operated scooters or hands-free Segways.” Hoverboards are a futuristic transportation device which allow the rider to steer, start and stop just by leaning. They were a very popular gift around the holidays, but their prevalence has revealed some dangerous risks.

According  to  Campus Safety Director Fran Manfredo, the ban was started after “serious safety concerns from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)” were issued to the general public. Hoverboards have been found to start fires or explode when their batteries are not charged properly. In a recent report, CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye reported that “Hoverboards are under investigation for starting up to 40 fires in 19 states.” The CPSC is also investigating Hoverboards because of the number of falls they have caused, some resulting in serious injuries  including head trauma, fractures and concussions. Right now, there are no safety standards for Hoverboard companies; however, some companies have begun to take responsibility. Amazon is currently allowing anybody who purchased a Hoverboard through their service to return it for a full refund.  These new Hoverboards can not only cause serious problems for those customers, but also for the general public.

Students seemed to be either in support of the ban or unaware of what Hoverboards are. Caroline Collis ’19 reflects, “while Hoverboards seem fun, the possibility of them setting on fire in a dorm or anywhere else on campus is a little terrifying. Also our campus is small enough that walking it is manageable!” Collis’ view is consistent with many other students who find Hoverboards to be unnecessary on such a small campus, especially given their high monetary cost and potential for danger.  Hoverboards have also been banned at more than thirty colleges and universities nationwide as the danger is investigated.

Currently, Manfredo explains that “there is no campus policy” regarding Hoverboards, as they have too recently become a risk. However, they are still banned from use until further research is done. Manfredo summarizes, “When the technology around Hoverboards is improved and safety concerns are addressed Hamilton will revisit the issue and then decide whether to continue the ban.” The Hoverboard ban on campus is not necessarily permanent, but it was instituted to immediately protect students until more is known about the potential dangers of Hoverboards.

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