Posted on Behalf of Dana Barrow, Fire Marshal
UConn Fire Department
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Safety is our highest priority.
As part of ensuring safety, hoverboards are no longer allowed to be charged, operated, stored or used inside residence halls and all other UConn buildings, including at UConn Health and on the regional campus properties.
This step reflects concerns about the ignitability of hoverboards, as demonstrated in several incidents nationwide recently.
A “hoverboard” is a self-balancing scooter that looks much like a skateboard. However, a hoverboard is electronic, requiring a rechargeable battery to operate. There have been several very concerning incidents in which hoverboards have ignited fires, whether during normal operation or charging.
The National Association of Fire Marshals has issued a warning regarding several incidences of hoverboards catching fire and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is in the midst of a massive investigation into the safety of hoverboards.
Taking into account the safety concerns raised by these organizations, and consistent with the steps taken at other colleges and universities, UConn has decided to be proactive in limiting the use of hoverboards on its campuses for the safety of our community.
Please be aware that hoverboards are prohibited from being used on any University property under Section 8.4 of the Rules and Regulations for Control of Parking and Vehicles on the Grounds of the University of Connecticut.
For more information on these rules, please visit: http://policy.uconn.edu/2012/08/21/rules-and-regulations-for-control-of-parking-and-vehicles-on-the-grounds-of-the-university-of-connecticut/
For more information, contact: UConn Fire Marshal at 486-4878