Hoverboards not allowed on Gulf Air

Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, said it will not allow small vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, segways and airwheels, as checked or hand baggage. 

A representative from Gulf Air confirmed to DT News that the items would only be allowed to be shipped through cargo. 

The Gulf Air website states that the restriction on such items is to ensure safety of its passengers.

Various airlines including Emirates Airline, British Airways and Air Canada have also placed such bans. Risks associated with smart scooters have come to light recently when a video of  the item catching fire went viral. 

Concerns have been raised about its safety by various organisations around the globe.  UK officials had also seized over 15,000 “unsafe” hoverboards that were reportedly likely to overheat. 

On Saturday, a hoverboard that was plugged in for charging exploded in the middle of the night in Isa Town. 

Though there were no casualties, the fire due to the explosion damaged several household items.

The Civil Defence Director General also highlighted that “the warning comes as similar fire accidents caused by unattended charging hoverboards were reported in a number of countries.”