Hoverboards Outlawed On Campus

If you got a hoverboard over the holidays and you were thinking about taking it for a spin around campus—think again. You’re not even allowed to bring it on campus, according to a statement from the university.

“Temple University is prohibiting these devices on all university campuses, including in residence halls and academic buildings,” said Temple Senior Vice President for Construction, Facilities and Operations James Creedon.

Officials say the main concern is the several safety hazards they present. The hot-ticket items have caught a reputation for catching fire, which has sparked an investigation from the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“CPSC engineers in our National Product Testing and Evaluation Center in Maryland have tested and will continue to test new and damaged boards in search of an answer for why some models caught fire,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye. “Our expert staff is looking particularly closely at the configuration of the battery packs and compatibility with the chargers.”

Another safety concern: riders losing control of the boards and injuring themselves or others. Now that class is back in session and campus is again bustling, the university ended the announcement with this reminder about common courtesy while moving about campus:

Whether you are walking, biking, riding a skateboard or driving a car, keep personal and public safety in mind. Be responsible and respectful of others and mindful of pedestrians. Also, our skateboard community is encouraged to be respectful of campus property when using your board. Do not use it on steps, hand railings, ledges or use campus furniture as obstacles. Please be sensitive to plant life and high-traffic areas.

The statement from the university goes on to say that the boards will remain indefinitely banned, “unless or until the university determines that appropriate standards can be implemented to reduce associated safety and fire risks.”

It is unclear what – if any – repercussions a scofflaw would face under the new policy.