WASHINGTON: Customs agents at JFK Airport confiscated almost 1,400 counterfeit and dangerous hoverboards at the end of last year, officials said Friday.
The hoverboards, which came via air cargo from China, each contained potentially explosive lithium batteries that are banned in the United States, said customs spokesman Anthony Bucci. The retail value of the hoverboards was about $447,000. The federal government plans to destroy all of the boards, said Bucci.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating a spate of incidents in which the popular gizmos have caught fire across the country. Hoverboards were a big hit during this past holiday season despite widespread reports of incendiary mishaps and users getting hurt in falls.
The MTA has banned hoverboards from all its subways, buses, railroads and transit property, saying it does not want exploding batteries on board. They are illegal to ride on streets, sidewalks and in parks in the city. They also are not allowed on most US airlines.
