Popular hoverboard toys have been banned at the University, according to an announcement by the University chief of police.
In an email sent to students Jan. 15, University Police Chief Michael Gibson announced that self-balancing electric wheeled boards — commonly known as hoverboards — will no longer be allowed on any property owned, leased or controlled by U.Va. or the Medical Center.
The policy, effective immediately, applies to students, faculty, staff, employees, patients, visitors and volunteers at the University.
Hoverboards also cannot be charged or stored on University property. The policy will be enforced by University officials, who will confiscate any hoverboards used or stored on Grounds.
The policy was created by University safety professionals to “protect the University community from the individual safety and fire hazards associated with these devices,” according to University spokesperson Matthew Charles.
Hoverboards have been known to catch fire during charging and use, according to a release by the National Fire Protection Association.
Other Virginia colleges, like Virginia Tech and Radford University, have also banned hoverboards.
However, Charles said the decision to enact the policy on Grounds was independent of the actions taken by other universities.
“The University is focused on the safety and well-being of our community,” Charles said. “The decision to prohibit these devices was based on information provided by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Association of State Fire Marshals.”
The policy may be reviewed if the product’s safety standards are redeveloped and implemented to remove the safety risks associated with hoverboards, Charles said.
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