Whether you have kids who still love scooters or know someone looking to get into the e-bike trend, be careful. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning over a popular brand that sells e-bikes and scooters. Read on for the details on the potentially defective items and what you should do next.
Here’s the backstory
Included in the warning about defective products are hoverboards. They work as a low-to-the-ground platform with large wheels on either side. By shifting your balance, the angle of the platform dictates the direction the electric wheels turn. One of the largest suppliers of hoverboards is GoTrax. The company also manufactures electronic bikes and scooters. After receiving several complaints against GoTrax, the BBB has issued a warning regarding the safety of its products. The BBB has issued an “F” rating for the company after investigating complaints across 41 states. In one incident, a consumer charged a GoTrax scooter in the kitchen. After several minutes, the charger melted into the countertop. Other users had product issues and reached out to GoTrax for a replacement. When customer support could be contacted, users claim they were sent defective or broken replacement products. “We issue warnings such as this to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and always encourage them to see what we have to say about a particular company as part of their research,” said Monica Horton, spokesperson for BBB of North Central Texas.
What you can do about it
Part of the BBB’s “F” rating for GoTrax is that the company is often unreachable by customers. Many detailed how they have struggled for months to get a reply on an email or for someone to pick up the phone. If you have a defective GoTrax scooter, e-bike, or hoverboard, you can contact the BBB. The agency has a robust Complaints & Review process where you can report a company for bad practices. Here are some tips on how to stay safe:
Only buy products from reputable companies. You can browse through the list of businesses that follow BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.Before buying any product, read reviews from other customers. Not everybody will be happy with a device or service but avoid items that many are not satisfied with.Research companies before buying from them. See how long they have been in business, what people on social media say about them or if they have been in the news for bad practices.
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