Before the recall, hoverboards have already built up a bad reputation, and had been gradually taken off the market and off the streets.
In February, Walmart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, decided to stop selling hoverboards on its website.
Walmart joined other retailers, such as Amazon, who had already banned the devices. Walmart said it would not sell the hoverboards until manufacturers observe federal safety standards.
The move came just months after the retailer started selling the product.
In New York City last year, hoverboards were declared illegal on streets, highways, parking lots, or even sidewalks. Riders could potentially face a fine of up to $200, if caught.
The New York City public transportation system also began a campaign against the item.
“You cannot bring one into the subway, onto a bus, nor into rail cars or stations,” posters around the subway said. “Hoverboards may be the latest fad, but they are not safe because they have the potential to catch fire.”
The posters were put up about a month after the MTA, which runs the city’s transportation systems, announced a hoverboard ban.
The full list of recalled hoverboards can be found here.
