Trading Standards officer have seized over £100,000-worth of wheelie hoverboards in Salford.
The self-balancing toys are this year’s number one must-have present and parents are scrambling to get their own in time for Christmas.
But the council has warned people not to turn to crooks churning out poor-quality imitations that could put their children in danger.
Some of the first unsafe products identified often had a clover-shaped plug, say Trading Standards.
A faulty cut-off switch, which is designed to stop the battery from continuing to charge when it is at 100% could lead to the device overheating, exploding or catching fire.
A tip-off alerted Salford’s Trading Standard team to two businesses selling boards which did not comply with British safety standards.
Officers made visits and issued suspension notices which means both businesses can no longer sell or promote the toys.
Councillor Gena Merrett, Executive Lead Member for Housing and Environment at Salford City Council, said: “We want everyone to have a fun Christmas but we also want them to be safe.
“Hoverboards are very popular this year but the market has been flooded with ones that are dangerous. Some of the major safety risks identified include issues with the plug, charger, and battery of cut-off switch.
“The only way you can check the charger is safe is if it is made to BS 1363 – and the outer box and instruction leaflet refers to it too.
“Nationally more than 90% of the products tested have failed so please be very cautious.”
Salford’s Trading Standards team also seized £20,000 of stock from a business at the start of November.
The Department for Transport says the boards are illegal to use on public roads or pavements.
If you believe that any online or face-to-face seller is selling potentially dangerous goods, or something you’ve bought has made you suspicious, report it to Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06
