University Of Illinois Bans Hoverboards At Urbana-Champaign Campus Buildings

CHICAGO (CBS) -- When University of Illinois students return to classes next week at the school's flagship campus, officials want them to leave their hoverboards at home.

Effective Monday, the popular two-wheeled self-balancing electronic scooters will be banned from all university buildings at the Urbana-Champaign campus, including residence halls.

Hoverboards have become the focus of a Consumer Products Safety Commission investigation, after many of them have caught fire while charging or in use.

"We have consulted with our fire protection providers and determined that it is prudent for the safety of our campus community to recommend that all battery-powered self-balancing personal transportation devices be prohibited in our campus facilities at this time," said Craig Grant, director of campus code compliance and fire safety.

Students who live in university dormitories have been told not to bring hoverboards to campus, and any devices already stored in residence halls must be removed by Monday. While the ban does not apply to outdoor areas of the university, hoverboards will not be allowed inside any school facilities.

"Until sufficient regulations exist to ensure the safety and safe storage of these vehicles, it is important that our community members comply with these restrictions to keep themselves and others safe," University of Illinois deputy police chief Skip Frost said.

The university is still on winter break, and classes are scheduled to resume next Tuesday, Jan. 19.

At least 20 other U.S. colleges and universities have banned or restricted the use of hoverboards on their campuses.