Whatever you call it - a swegway, hoverboard or a self-balancing scooter - it's bound to be top of someone's Christmas wish list in 2015 in your house. (Even if it's not actually the kids that want one...)
That's certainly the case in my house, which is why I'll be keeping a very close eye indeed on Black Friday deals in the hopes of snapping up a hoverboard for a song.
But I don't mind admitting to having a few concerns about buying a hoverboard - especially after reading numerous somewhat terrifying news reports about them.
According to the Daily Record, around 400 hover boards have been seized by Trading Standards at a UK airport this week, amid concerns that substandard versions of hoverboards, swegways and self-balancing scooters pose a fire risk - or worse.
STV News reports that "this latest gadget craze has created a market in cheaper versions that are dangerously substandard and could result in injury, death or fire".
In particular, Trading Standards officers warn that the adaptors supplied with many hoverboards, swegways and self-balancing scooters may not be adequately tested for British safety standards.
So if someone you love is longing to find a hoverboard underneath the tree this Christmas, here's how to buy one carefully:
Only buy a self-balancing scooter from a trusted and reputable retailer.
Shop around for a swegway which has been rigorously tested in accordance with British safety standards.
Don't replace the plug on a hoverboard bought outside the UK - contrary to popular belief, doing so will not compensate for any potential faults and may make the item more dangerous.
Check the charger on your hoverboard carefully before use, and do not leave a hoverboard charging without supervision.
If none of that's put you off, the RED5 hoverboard comes highly recommended by Tech Advisor, and we've got our eye on the Team Dogz Trooper X Electric Balance Board in Gold from Halfords.
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