NJ's Kean University bans hoverboards

NEW JERSEY (FOX 5 NEWS) - So-called hoverboards may be all the rage with many, but officials at Kean University in New Jersey have kicked the powered skateboards to the curb by banning the devices from its campuses in both Union and Ocean Townships.

Len Dolan of Kean University said this is an issue of the safety of everybody. He says the university is being proactive.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Consumer Safety Protection Commission tweeted there are 28 hoverboard fire investigations in 19 states, even encouraging citizens to keep a fire extinguisher handy as many have occurred while the device is charging.

Kean says only a few students had them last semester but officials do expect that number to increase once the kids return from holiday break possibly having received them as gifts. 

So far at least 16 universities nationwide including four in Connecticut have banned hoverboards from campuses.

School officials will confiscate the device from any student found with one. It will be returned to them with their assurance it won't be brought back.