METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Chicago's Metra bans hoverboards

Effective immediately, onboard personnel who see anyone attempting to board a Metra train with a hoverboard in their possession will require that person to exit the train.

January 15, 2016
Chicago's Metra bans hoverboards

Soar Boards

2 min to read


Soar Boards

Chicago's Metra commuter rail line announced that hoverboards will no longer be permitted onboard its trains due to concerns over potential fire hazards related to the self-balancing, electronic scooters.

“The safety of our passengers and employees is our top priority,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “There have been multiple reports of fires and injuries caused by hoverboard use throughout the country, and while there have been no incidents on Metra, we simply want to be proactive by banning this potential fire hazard from being carried on our trains.”

Ad Loading...

Douglas Rahden

The popular two-wheeled motorized scooters have been banned for transport by all major U.S. airlines, Amtrak and L.A.’s Metrolink rail system due to concerns over reports of fires thought to be caused by the lithium ion batteries used to power the devices. Use of the scooters has also been reportedly banned or restricted at more than 20 college campuses across the U.S. and from use on New York City streets.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced in December 2015 that it has launched an investigation into the root cause of these fires. Just this week, the commission reported that it's now investigating 28 fires in 19 states tied to the motorized scooters.

Effective immediately, onboard personnel who see anyone attempting to board a Metra train with a hoverboard in their possession will require that person to exit the train.

More Security and Safety

Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
DART's light rail station at 8th and Corinth
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative

The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.

Read More →
RTD Launches All-in-One NextRide App
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 26, 2026

RTD Launches NextRide App to Consolidate Trip Planning, Fares, Security Reporting

The app expands on RTD’s existing NextRide web application and allows customers to view real-time vehicle locations and service alerts, purchase and store digital fares, and access customer support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with technician hands working on an engine and text reading "TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesAugust 25, 2026

TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance Operations

The revamped program addresses 26 OSHA standards for maintenance facilities, with TAPTCO pointing to training, documentation, and everyday shop hazards as continuing challenges for transit operations.

Read More →
An image of a doorway on a public transit vehicle with a yellow outline overlay.
SponsoredAugust 18, 2026

How VaporVision Adds Value to Transit Door Systems

Wabtec engineers explain how the system improves doorway detection, strengthens diagnostics and gives transit agencies and OEMs greater operating flexibility.

Read More →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Alex RomanAugust 14, 2026

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak

Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Layered Safety Strategies Take Hold in Chicago and Maryland
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanAugust 13, 2026

Chicago, Maryland Expand Non-Law-Enforcement Safety, Rider Support

The CTA and MTA are launching new programs aimed at de-escalation, crisis response, rider assistance, and greater transparency.

Read More →
AI Powers Bus Lane Enforcement
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 12, 2026

LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement

The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.

Read More →
A man speaks with two Los Angeles Metro Ambassadors.
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesAugust 4, 2026

LA Metro Reports 57% Decline in Homelessness on Transit System Since 2024

The agency's latest homelessness count offers new data on how care-based services and cross-sector partnerships can complement traditional transit security strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An image of the white house with text overlayed reading "FTA Launches Transit Performance Dashboard."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesJuly 24, 2026

FTA Launches 'Transit Moves America' Dashboard to Highlight Agency Safety and Performance

The online dashboard transforms National Transit Database information into a public-facing resource that allows users to compare transit agencies on key operational and safety metrics.

Read More →