USPS restricts the shipping of hoverboards, citing 'safety concerns'

 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If you're looking to get your hoverboard sent within or from the U.S. this holiday, be wary.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has restricted the shipping of hoverboards as of Dec. 17, where they'll only be able to be shipped via Standard Post/Parcel Select -- which uses ground transportation, not air.

This restriction applies to hoverboards sent domestically within the U.S., internationally from the U.S., APO, FPO, and DPO destinations.

In a statement on their website, the USPS cites that it's in line with the "abundance of caution and in line with major retailers and the airline industry" over the safety of motorized balance boards, or hoverboards, that contain lithium batteries, highlighting their "potential safety hazards."

The USPS maintains they have "long-time established rules and regulations regarding the mailing of lithium batteries both domestically and internationally."

Doubts over the safety of hoverboards have surfaced recently, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issuing a strong warning on Wednesday to those thinking of purchasing one, with concerns there are "no safety standard in place for hoverboards" according to CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye.

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