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It is illegal to ride hoverboards outdoors in the city, officials said. Photo: SCMP Pictures

'Hoverboard' electric scooter starts fire in Hong Kong flat

Pre-dawn blaze in Choi Hung Estate leads to evacuation of some 150 residents, none injured

A newly-purchased electric scooter burst into flames in a local public housing flat this morning, leading to the evacuation of about 150 residents.

It was being charged in the living room of a seventh-floor flat in Kam Wah House at Choi Hung Estate on Prince Edward Road East in Choi Hung when the pre-dawn blaze broke out at about 5.30am today.

Its owner, a 31-year-old man – as well as his 53-year-old mother and his 30-year-old sister – were asleep inside the flat at the time of the incident.

READ MORE: Transport Department outlaws hoverboards on Hong Kong streets, pavements

The man was awakened by choking smoke, according to police.

"He woke up his mother and younger sister before they ran out of the burning flat," a police source said.

Ten fire engines and two ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and about 60 firefighters and paramedics were deployed after receiving a call, according to Fire Services Department.

A department spokesman said about 150 people had fled the Kam Wah House, and firemen broke into two flats and led seven residents to safety.

“The blaze was extinguished at 5.59am. No one was injured in the incident,” he said adding that the flat was slightly damaged.

Initial investigation showed a short-circuit was the suspected cause of the blaze and there were no suspicious circumstances, according to police.

It was understood that the electric scooter was purchased for about HK$1,000 on the mainland about two weeks ago.

READ MORE: Scooter assailant who sent sprint star Usain Bolt flying says sorry with a red bracelet

According to the Transport Department, riding self-balancing electric scooters, also known as hoverboards, on streets and pavements in the city is illegal.

A recent rise in global interest in the smart-looking, battery-powered two-wheeled gadgets recently prompted the department to classify them as motor vehicles, which must be registered and licensed before they can hit the streets.

The department said in a reply to the Post’s queries earlier this month that it would not issue any licences for hoverboards, which it deemed a threat to road safety.

In Hong Kong, a driver of an unlicensed vehicle is liable to a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment for three months on a first conviction.

But the department said it was legal to ride the hoverboards indoors.

The department said it was still investigating the cause of the blaze.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: 150 evacuated after hoverboard bursts into flames
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