Robert Morris University Bans Hoverboards Over Safety Concerns

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - It's the latest rage: hoverboards!

You've seen video of people falling off 'em, but it's the possible fire danger that has some colleges and universities saying "no" to them.

A spokesperson for Robert Morris says the university has banned them in the interest of safety.

"We were motivated mostly by news coverage of hoverboards spontaneously catching on fire," said Jonathan Potts, RMU Spokesperson.

"We don't have a margin of error, particularly when it comes to our residence students."

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According to an email sent out to students, the University of Pittsburgh is banning hoverboards from dorms and Pitt-owned apartments. It goes into effect on March 13, but students are still allowed to use the boards on campus grounds.

"I think it's kind of ridiculous, but I also think you can justify it. It can be dangerous," said Pitt sophomore Dominick DeVincenzo.

California University of Pennsylvania has also banned them from university housing, according to a spokesperson.

IUP is also considering a possible ban. "We're currently studying and deciding how we should move forward to make sure our campus is safe," said spokesperson Michelle Fryling.

Potts says Robert Morris doesn't just have concerns over the boards when they're in use, but also when they're being charged.