The Victorian Government is asking federal authorities to consider a nationwide ban on hoverboards, in the wake of a fire which destroyed a Melbourne family's home.

Key points: Victoria's Government pushing for ban on hoverboards

Victoria's Government pushing for ban on hoverboards Says fire-prone toys are potentially deadly

Says fire-prone toys are potentially deadly Inspectors checking hoverboards in retail stores

Inspectors checking hoverboards in retail stores ACCC recommends not using products until safety improved

The family of five lost their home on Monday night when a hoverboard caught fire while on charge in a bedroom.

Flames spread throughout the property, and while Ash Ibraheim and his four daughters managed to escape unharmed the damage bill was estimated at $500,000.

Now the State Government is sending inspectors out to retailers across the state to check the safety of the popular but fire-prone toys.

Victoria's Consumer Affairs Minister Jane Garrett has asked the Federal Government to consider banning the toys.

"I've ... written to Kelly O'Dwyer, the federal Minister responsible, and said the Federal Government needs to consider a permanent ban on these toys, given there are many products out there that don't meet the standards and can be deadly," she said.

The self-balancing motorised scooters, similar to electric skateboards, have been banned in the UK.

A number of major airlines do not allow them on flights due to safety concerns around the gadget's lithium-ion battery, which has been blamed for sparking fires around the world.

Actor Russell Crowe made headlines after he vented his frustration when Virgin Australia stopped him taking his son's hoverboard on a flight last month.

Hoverboards were a popular Christmas present this summer, leading the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to issue a safety warning for the toys, urging people to make sure they complied with Australian standards.

But Mr Ibraheim said he made sure the toys he purchased for his children met those standards.

The ACCC recalled six hoverboard models between December 15 and 29.

'Don't use them': ACCC

Ms Garrett urged anyone owning a hoverboard to double check that it was safe.

"Please check Energy Safe Victoria to see if it's been a model that's been recalled and if it is, you have to get it out of your house now," she said.

Hoverboards have also ignited house fires in the United States. ( Supplied: Chappaqua Fire Department )

"We've got a blitz on with Consumer Affairs inspectors right across Victoria going to retailers and checking toys on the shelves.

"Any toys that don't meet those strict standards will be removed and fines can be imposed."

ACCC deputy commissioner Delia Rickard said she believed the incident in Melbourne was the first fire caused by a hoverboard in Australia, and it should not have happened.

"My personal advice would be not to use them whilst we don't understand this - not to charge them, not to use them," she said.

"We know that some people, they are going to insist upon using them, they are not going to listen to the safety warnings they'll say, "Oh it won't happen to me'.

"So at a minimum, we are saying if you are insisting upon using them, keep an eye on them.

"Do not leave them unattended for long periods because it could result in fires."