NJ TRANSIT Bans Hoverboards On Trains, Light Rail
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- NJ TRANSIT has announced a system-wide ban of hoverboards on trains, light rail and Access Link vehicles, effective on Wednesday.
"In the interest of putting safety first for our customers and employees, we're taking a proactive approach to this issue," NJ TRANSIT Senior Public Information Officer Jim Smith told 1010 WINS.
Hoverboads, which grew in popularity in 2015 were put under scrutiny as a potential fire hazard after a series of fires and explosions were blamed on defects in the scooter's lithium ion battery.
In late December, two families — one in New Jersey and one in Brooklyn— reported their motorized scooters had burst into flames. A December house fire in Westchester County was also caused by a hoverboard explosion.
"We've seen too many instances of people falling, injuring themselves and others and in some instances these hoverboards can create fire hazards," Smith said.
Delta Airlines banned hoverboards on flights in early December, after a consumer alert was issued for the hugely popular motorized scooters.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority followed suit in late January, banning the item from its trains, buses, stations and platforms.
Amtrak as well as Chicago's Metra and Los Angeles' Metrolink have also already instituted bans.
Smith said NJ TRANSIT has not had any reported incidents involving hoverboards.
"Really the goal of all this is to prevent an accident before it happens," Smith said.
According to a statement released by NJ TRANSIT, in-line skates and skateboards are already prohibited on trains and light rail, with some regulations set for those traveling with bicycles.