Hoverboards may be on many people's gift list but they present a dilemma for airlines, which are mulling the best way to transport the popular devices that could become a fire risk.

The three largest US airlines, American, United and Delta, each said they will ban hoverboards starting this week because of safety considerations.

An American Airlines spokesman cited an ongoing investigation into hoverboards by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The federal agency is looking into at least 10 reports of hoverboard fires in nine states, a spokeswoman said. The changes in carriers' baggage policy also coincided with comments from IATA that addressed hoverboard hazards.

Hoverboards are two-wheeled devices also known as self-balancing scooters or swegways. They have prompted a host of warnings from authorities, and not just because people may fall off them.

Earlier this year, police in Britain warned people it was illegal to ride the devices on both public roads and pavements, meaning people must stick to their own private land to try them.

(Reuters)