Man dies after falling from hoverboard in Dubai

'The accident occurred a few days ago at the parking lot of Mushrif Park. The deceased lost his balance and fell,' said Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, head of Dubai Traffic Police, adding that this is the first fatality.

DUBAI // A Filipino man was killed after the hoverboard he was riding hit a lamp post in Mushrif Park, police have said.

“The accident occurred a few days ago at the car park of Mushrif Park. The deceased lost his balance and fell,” said Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, head of Dubai Traffic Police, adding that this is the first fatality involving the self-balancing, two-wheeled devices in the UAE. There have been several accidents where riders have been injured.

“These boards pose a great danger, especially that they can suddenly stop when the battery runs out causing the rider to fall,” said Col Al Mazroui.

“There has been a similar accident where a rider suffered grave injuries after falling flat on his face because of the board suddenly stopping. We’ve had another case where a rider broke his arm for similar reasons.

“The Traffic Federal Council has banned the use of these boards on public roads for these reasons.”

Officers will confiscate any hoverboards seen being used on public roads. Shopping malls in Dubai have banned the use of the devices, which are also not allowed on all Emirates flights. They are not accepted as checked-in or carry on luggage.

Numerous accidents have been reported across the world due to people either falling off the board or it catching fire while being charged or even when being ridden.

Dubai police have warned parents and families of the potential dangers of using the devices.