Beware of cheap smart-scooters!

Beware of smart-scooters as it can land you in hospital!

Smart-scooters, also known as hoverboards and segways, have proved to be the main cause of fire accidents in 2015, Civil Defence General Director Brigadier Mohammed Showaiter said, while announcing the latest figures related to fire incidents caused by electrical failures during the past year.

Brigadier Showaiter warned of cheap brands of smart-scooters, noting “they’re likely to explode while being charged for long periods.”

He confirmed that 417 reports of fire cases caused by electricity errors were received by the directorate in 2015 alone.

He said that negligence, charging mobile phones for many hours and lack of maintenance of electric devices were some of the other main causes for such mishaps.

He called for raising more awareness among citizens and residents on the importance of using quality electrical devices and wirings that are matching safety conditions.

DT News reported during the past few months that the cause of several fire accidents was attributed to segways that were unattended or left charging for many hours.

Dubai bans hoverboards

Dubai has joined New York, Netherlands, UK, Hong Kong and New South Wales, Australia in banning hoverboards in public, UAE media reported. Dubai Municipality announced yesterday that the boards were now banned in public areas.

A municipality official said,  “As per the new guidelines, hoverboards are prohibited in crowded areas, sidewalks, roads, and other public areas. They can only be used in designated parks that have an allocated space for bicycles.”