You may have seen these electric skateboards cruising around town.
The 4 lb. skateboards are operated by a Bluetooth remote and have the ability to accelerate to speeds as high as 22 mph on city streets and elsewhere. The boards also contain a lithium-ion battery that allow a range up of travel up to 12 miles. They come with an electric drive train controlled by a handheld throttle that enables you to accelerate to high speeds.
Boosted Boards are available for sale directly from the manufacturer. The products come as a Dual+ (2,000 watts of power with maximum speed of 22 mph) or Dual (1,500 watts of power with maximum speed of 20 mph). They are available to be shipped anywhere in the U.S. and will soon be obtainable in Germany, France, and the U.K.
The company’s website touts the boards as an “Awesome riding experience” and that they “will last for years and thousands of miles.” The manufacturer additionally flaunts the boards can ride over “uneven city streets, through unexpected potholes, or off the occasional curb.”
But what are the safety realities for riders of these boards?
Consumers have reported that the difference between riding a skateboard as a kid and an electric Boosted Board is analogous to the difference between a “dinky bike and a motorcycle.” In fact, the throttle accompanying the Boosted Board amounts to a new variable that changes every aspect of using a regular, old skateboard. Other consumers reported the torque is “very impressive.” And, if you are not delicate with the throttle, you can “easily buck yourself off the board.”
A major additional caveat from consumers is that the board does not appropriately brake downhill when the battery is fully charged. If you are braking and travelling downhill, the remote will start beeping to warn you and the brake will then completely and suddenly cut off. There have been other serious problems.
On January 12, 2017, a recall was announced due to the lithium ion battery pack overheating and smoking, posing a fire hazard. Consumers were informed to immediately stop using the boards and contact the manufacturer for replacement battery packs. The recall was conducted voluntarily by the company under the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission’s Fast Track Recall process.
Harford, P.C., is currently investing injuries arising from the use of a Boosted Board. If you or someone you know has been injured by the use of a Boosted Board skateboard, please contact us immediately at (212) 390-8983 for a free case consultation. You may also complete the form on the side menu and we will contact you to set up a free consultation.
