Don't expect hoverboards to completely disappear any time soon

11 months ago

They were the most controversial gadget on wish lists this Christmas, and so-called hoverboards have seen their infamy reach the world’s biggest tech convention.

CES in Las Vegas, which opened this week, took the step of announcing a blanket ban on the mobility products as a form of transport across its venues during the convention. However, it did confirm that exhibitors could still showcase the products at their booths.

And as the show opens, it’s become clear this is a compromise that several firms have grabbed with both hands.

The devices have attracted controversy over claims they are prone to fire and explosions, with Amazon previously encouraging customers to return them in exchange for a refund.

The whole episode wasn’t lost on mobility rival Segway, whose own CES booth came complete with some fighting talk.

This can only end in some sort of 21st century joust, surely?