It's the only Christmas present 14-year-old Hayden West wanted. He says he's fallen off the hoverboard quite a few times when he first started. But now he can speed around the family home in Liberty on it with ease.
But his fun may be coming to an end soon.
Recently, Keenford Limited, a New York company which makes the Hoverboard 360 products, issued a recall due to safety concerns.
It's one of 10 companies recalling more than half a million hoverboards because the batteries can overheat, catch fire or even explode.
The recalls come after investigations of more than 60 hoverboard fires in 20 states resulting in $2 million in property damage.
When asked what he thought about the recall, Hayden said, "I don't like it because I won't get to keep it."
"He loves it and we've never had any problems with the battery," said Kristi West, Hayden's mother. "But if it's unsafe, we don't want to use it," she said.
Kristi West spent about $400 for the hoverboard. After getting the recall notice, she called the company to get either a new hoverboard or a refund. Instead, she was told her only option was to get $400 worth of clothes from the hoverboard wear line with limited size and style options Hayden checked out.
"They were pretty ugly," Hayden said.
"Taking away what he wanted I understand, but replacing it with clothes that he doesn't even care for I don't think is a fair option," Kristi said.
According to the Better Business Bureau, other companies affected by the recall are offering refunds.
The BBB currently gives Hoverboard 360 it's lowest rating, an F for failing to resolve customer complaints. That rating predates the recall. And so do almost all of the 319 complaints the BBB has the against the company in the last year.
The 41 Action News Investigators tried to reach customer service, but were only able to get a recording.
"Your party is currently unavailable to take your call, please record your voice message at the tone," the message said.
The 41 Action News Investigators left messages, but they were not returned.
"It's a recalled product, so I feel like we should be put in a position similar to when we bought it," Kristi said.
A Consumer Product Safety Commission spokeswoman says roughly 84,000 hoverboards sold by Hoverboard 360 are included in the recall. The spokeswoman confirmed the clothing exchange is currently the only option for customers. However, she also said customers may file complaints with the safety commission to push for other options.
------
Andy Alcock can be reached at anderson.alcock@kshb.com.
