The hottest gift under Australian Christmas trees this year may literally set your house on fire.
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Cheap "hoverboards" are being blamed for a series of housefires across Europe and the US, prompting the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to issue an urgent warning against purchasing them online.
The hoverboards - which are less Marty McFly and more like a self-balancing scooter - have Australia's peak consumer body concerned for two reasons.
The devices have an in-built battery, which is charged by connection to a main power source.
Electrical safety experts believe these batteries may not comply with Australian standards, placing them at risk of overheating, exploding and catching fire.
The ACCC also cited serious injuries caused by falls and variant local road rules as potential reasons to cross a hoverboard off the Christmas list.
A top-of-the-line hoverboard will set you back around $1700 but some are advertised for half that price on some overseas websites.
If you can't resist the urge to splurge on one though, the ACCC's deputy chair Delia Rickard said to ensure the packaging is marked with the Australian regulatory compliance symbol or RCM – a tick surrounded by a triangle.
"The RCM signifies that a supplier has taken the necessary steps to ensure the product complies with electrical safety requirements," Ms Rickard said.
Overcharging non-compliant devices may cause the battery to overheat which could result in a fire, Ms Rickard said.
"Always use the approved battery charger that came with the product. If there are signs of damage near the battery do not charge the unit until the device is inspected by a professional.
"Hoverboard owners are advised to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when using and charging their hoverboard. Adults should supervise the charging of all electrical devices for children."
