New Campus Hoverboard Policy Announced

Fire hazard confirmed by administrator

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Provost and President-Elect Andrea Luxton recently lost her car to a fire while parked in the administration building parking lot. The fire was reported by a student en route to the library to study. Campus Safety and the Berrien Township Fire Department responded within minutes.

Upon further investigation, Campus Safety determined that a hoverboard was the cause of the fire. For the safety of the campus population, the Andrews University Risk Management Committee has decided to ban from campus all hoverboards not certified by the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory or NRTL.   

According to Wikipedia, a hoverboard, sometimes called a self-balancing board, is a type of portable, rechargeable, battery-powered scooter. Hoverboards typically consist of two wheels arranged side by side, with two small platforms between the wheels, on which the rider stands. The device is controlled by the rider's feet, standing on the built-in gyroscopic sensor pads.

Made famous by Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox in the 1980s classic film trilogy, “Back to the Future,” hoverboards are considered a dream come true for many young adults today. Although still small in number, hoverboards have been increasing in popularity amongst students on college campuses all over the country. Students find it a great alternative to other forms of quick transportation, such as bicycles or skateboards, to commute between classes, the cafeteria, or the library.

“I’ve enjoyed riding my hoverboard across campus in the evenings as a way to relax and unwind after a stressful day at work,” shares Luxton.  “My two nephews gifted me one last Christmas and, although it took a bit of practice at first, I’ve come to enjoy it and find it really convenient. It’s small, lightweight and simple technology.”

Ben Panigot, director of Campus Safety, was surprised to discover a hoverboard was the cause of the fire in Luxton’s car. When he presented the accident report to the Risk Management Committee, committee members stated they had heard of cases on other campuses connecting hoverboards to fires, but that they’d figured the other schools’ administrations were overreacting. With the newfound evidence from Luxton’s unfortunate experience, the Committee decided to ban all hoverboards not approved by the NRTL.

Students had mixed reactions to the announcement regarding hoverboards on campus.

“I don’t understand what the big deal is,” says James Green, sophomore graphic design major. “I mean, spontaneous combustion can’t possibly be that bad as long as I’m getting to class on time. I can always buy new clothes.”

Senior Raquel Hernandez understands and appreciates the new policy.

“Ever since watching ‘Back the Future’ I’ve thought hoverboards were creepy,” she says with a shudder. “I don’t think they have any place on a campus like ours.”

If you own a hoverboard that is not certified by the NRTL, it must be removed from any building operated by Andrews University as it poses a danger to life and the provost’s car. If you have questions please contact Campus Safety.