Thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and countless reports of spontaneous combustion, we know that hoverboards are wildly unsafe to ride. Now we learn that they're even unsafe to import into the US because of possible patent infringement. As CNET reports, Segway — a technology relegated to mall cop and tour group duty — has struck back against today's hot boards with a patent complaint.

Specifically, the complaint relates to the self-balancing technology hoverboards and Segways both appear to employ. As such, the US International Trade Commission has issued a ban on import of "certain personal transporters" that could infringe on the technology.

Many if not most of the hoverboards we see in the US are manufactured in China, and in its General Exclusion Order, the ITC flagged 13 foreign companies selling the boards including popular makers PowerUnion and Robstep. However, the Order could pertain to far more than just the companies listed, Consumerist remarks, putting a virtual damper on the blazing hot trashfire of hoverboard popularity altogether.

Related: Feds: All Hoverboards Are Unsafe

"These Boots are Made for ahem... riding" by danishdynamite.

What with gas prices soaring, Segways -- those two-wheeled, self-balancing, electric scooter-ish type vehicles -- have seen a boom in sales recently. One Segway sales person in Oakland have seen sales triple over the last three months. This is fantastic news in that people really are trying to live a car-free life.

But the 100-pound heavy machines have been (rightfully) banned on Muni and Bart. (Santa Clara County, though, allows the vehicles on buses the drivers' discretion.) Perhaps if Muni created some sort of exterior storage doohickey, a la the front-loaded device buses have for bicycles -- then we can see Segways being allowed on buses. But Bart? No. (Has anyone seen one on a Bart train? Because that is a some gall.) After all, it would be lovely to see more of these things out there, especially if public transit could accommodate them, but we don't see that happening anytime in the near future.

Aaanwyay, as of now there are estimated to be around 3,000 Segways in the Bay Area. Hey, riders, tell us what it's like to ride one of these contraptions around the city, will you? Is it worth the price? Do people in passing cars make fun of you? Can we drive to Palo Alto in one? Will this happen if we ride one? Please advise.

The commission that said no to the Panhandle Bandshell a while back, has just said yes to Segways in Golden Gate Park. Enjoy the Channel 7 video but try not to chuckle at the part that goes, "officials say the Segway's top speed of 12.5 miles per hour is slower than most joggers." (Of course "most joggers" in the park go much slower than 12.5 mph, but oh well.)

This new rule allowing access to the park should be great news for people like the infamous stroller-pushing Segway Mom. They see me rollin'...they hatin', indeed. Look for more celebrities like Amy Tan and Steve Wozniak to be turkey fleeing, book shopping and injury avoiding on Segways. (Yes, that is our spry President George Bush taking a tumble.)

And speaking of injuries, check out this compilation video and also see how you can break three ribs here. If only we were all as skilled as these people. See you out there on your Segway PT!