Although hoverboards are likely to be the hottest Christmas present this year, thousands of imported models have been confiscated. UK officials have since warned consumers to buy them cautiously.

According to The Guardian, imported versions of the hoverboard, also called a self-balancing scooter, eboard or swegway, are considered a fire hazard.

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CNN Money reports that currently almost 90 percent of the hoverboards that were imported into Britain have been confiscated. This is because it is thought that they could explode.

Safety officials from the U.K. National Trading Standards said that thousands of hoverboards were impounded due to a faulty plug that will increase its likelihood of overheating, catching fire, or exploding. The number of hoverboards impounded to date is at 15,000.

Officials said that once the gadget has been fully recharged but is left plugged in, it might overheat due to the lack of a fuse.

Although most of the hoverboards that were confiscated due to safety risks were bought online, some that are sold locally also pose safety hazards.

High street retailer Halfords is reported to have issued a recall for three types of the “Air Runner Self Balance Board” - its own brand model. Some of the models sold with a main plug and charger did not pass British safety standards.

Some buyers of the said Air Runner boards received new plugs from Costco UK, along with a notice that informed them of a risk of electrocution.

Some homes have reportedly been burned down by fires resulting from a hoverboard overheating or exploding. Fire brigades in Buckinghamshire and in London have reported being called out to such incidents.

In the U.S., a hoverboard explosion also caused a Louisiana house to be burned down.

Currently, hoverboards are not permitted for use in public areas in London, such as streets and sidewalks. They are only permitted to be used on private property.

Use of the gadget has also been banned in New York; while in California they will be allowed starting January 1, but only on bike paths.

TagsHoverboard Explosion Risk, Hoverboard Overcharging, Air Runner Self Balance Board, Hoverboards Confiscated UK