PRODUCT WARNING: Argos issues hoverboards recall amid 'electrocution' fears

Following concern over cheap hoverboard brands causing fire hazards, the must-have gift for Christmas has become evermore controversial as Argos issues a fresh warning.
An exmple of a self-balancing scooter known as a 'Hoverboard' (Stock photo. Source: YouTube).An exmple of a self-balancing scooter known as a 'Hoverboard' (Stock photo. Source: YouTube).
An exmple of a self-balancing scooter known as a 'Hoverboard' (Stock photo. Source: YouTube).

The major retailer has insisted customers return their purchases of their Nevaboard brand, which Argos has the exclusive rights to sell in the UK.

The recall follows previous concerns that charging issues caused explosions, and now the high street name is concerned after testing of its own stock found products also carried a rsk of electrocution.

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National Trading Standards has seized tens of thousands of the gadgets after deeming them unsafe.

Hoverboards have caused numerous fires in the run up to Chriistmas, and one fire has been reported on Christmas day, in Wales. This hoverboard was extinguished by London Fire Brigade.Hoverboards have caused numerous fires in the run up to Chriistmas, and one fire has been reported on Christmas day, in Wales. This hoverboard was extinguished by London Fire Brigade.
Hoverboards have caused numerous fires in the run up to Chriistmas, and one fire has been reported on Christmas day, in Wales. This hoverboard was extinguished by London Fire Brigade.
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Derbyshire Trading Standards issue hoverboards safety alert

And now the Chartered Trading Standards Institute confirms that Argos has issued a recall notice for 'Nevaboard' branded products after safety tests.

The notice said: "As a responsible retailer, Argos takes customer safety extremely seriously.

"You may be aware there have recently been reports of safety concerns involving hoverboards.

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"We have conducted additional testing on all components of our Nevaboard product, supplied by Debut Sports, and sold by Argos exclusively in the UK and Ireland.

"As a result of these tests, we have identified a safety concern and have therefore taken the decision to recall the Nevaboard, catalogue number 455/7669.

"The mains plug and transformer do not fully comply with the required technical standards and could pose a risk of electrocution.

"If you have a Nevaboard product, please stop using it immediately. Please return the product with all its component parts to your nearest Argos store for a full refund. No proof of purchase is required.

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"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience, but the safety of our customers is paramount. Our helpline numbers are UK: 0345 600 5388; ROI: 0044345 6402020."

Derbyshire County Council trading standards officers have issues a warning urging buyers to be cautious of cheap 'copycat brands', and now amid fears that a leading brand also fails to meet safety tests, ...

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for health and communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “Our trading standards officers have been alerted to consignments of these cheap imitations heading to Derbyshire and they may be seen as very attractive Christmas presents due to the lower price.

“Unfortunately, it is likely that most of the cheaper hoverboards could be potentially very dangerous.”

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The battery-powered hoverboards are priced between £300 and £600 from reputable outlets, but cheaper, fake versions costing around £100 or less, are also available, mainly online.

Of all imported hoverboards being tested, cutoms officers said 90 per cent have failed to meet standards and could be potentially dangerous.

Warnings to buy from established manufacturers and check for a CE mark are renewed - as well as being cheaper, some of these products may have fake safety marks on them and trading standards officers are urging suppliers to carry out checks on the goods before they put them on sale.

Councillor Allen added: “Our priority is to help people stay safe and that’s why we’re warning consumers to think twice about what they are buying.

“We are encouraging people to follow the advice and look for the warning signs. No matter how much of a bargain they appear to be, no saving is worth putting your safety at risk.”