Brighton mum warns of hoverboard risk after it caught fire while her son rode it

A Brighton mum has warned of the risk of hoverboards after her son’s board caught fire despite them following every precaution.

Sue Ivatt, a former watch manager who still works for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, initially refused 13-year-old Ryan’s request for a hoverboard after reading about fire risks online.

But eventually, Ryan got his wish after Sue and her husband found a reputable supplier, checked the board carefully and bought a fire extinguisher to use if the worst did happen.

And despite all their precautions, their fears were realised one day when the board did indeed start smoking while Ryan used it in his bedroom at his Saltdean home.

Sue said: “Our son really wanted one of the hoverboards that all his friends had. We were aware that there had been some fires involving hoverboards so we have a small fire extinguisher which was kept wherever the hoverboard was, and we taught my son how to use it just in case.

“We also told him not to charge it unless we were in the house. We bought it from a reputable internet company.

“My son was on the hoverboard upstairs in his bedroom when he shouted for help. My husband ran upstairs just as my son had pulled the pin on the extinguisher whilst smoke was coming out of the wheel of the hoverboard.

“My husband picked it up and threw it in the garden. It continued to smoke and we thought it may explode. We called 999 and the fire crews came out to deal with it.”

Aware that the incident could easily have been so much more serious if for example, this had happened at night when the family were asleep, sue is now warning people to be careful if they decide to buy one too.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has issued the following advice:

• Watch the press and trading standards websites for product safety messages and recalls.
• Never leave hoverboards charging overnight or when you are out.
• Only use the charger that was supplied with the product.
• Stop using your hoverboard immediately if it begins to overheat.
• Ensure that your home is fitted with sufficient smoke alarms which are kept tested and maintained.
• Ensure that you and your family know what to do in case of fire and that you have an emergency plan which includes alternative escape routes, not having to search for keys or alternative phones.