Video: Bye Bye Hoverboards

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STARKVILLE, Miss.—Citing safety concerns, Mississippi State is expected to approve a university policy change this month to prevent the use of hoverboards inside all campus buildings. The prohibition of hoverboards in residence halls is effective immediately.

Mississippi State’s executive council will meet January 25 to consider the measure.

MSU is joining SEC schools Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama in the ban, along with many others across the nation such as George Washington and American universities and the University of Connecticut.

No injuries on campus have been reported in relation to the self-balancing, motorized boards which are a fire hazard. However, MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said the university hopes to avert any potential safety risk.

“Numerous reports associating fires with hoverboards have been seen around the country, and we want to take appropriate precautions to make certain our students and community are safe,” Hyatt said.  “With a recommendation from our local fire marshal, hoverboards have been added to the list of prohibited items in our residence halls.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently examining why some hoverboards are catching fire while being charged and during use.

“These devices can burst into flame,” said MSU Police Chief Vance Rice. “We don’t want to risk the students’ safety or that of the entire campus community.”

While the devices were among the hottest holiday gifts for 2015, Hyatt said, “Students with hoverboards who live in campus housing should leave them at home.”