Elon Musk’s flamethrower faces criticism and a possible ban

MAVERICK businessman Elon Musk has made more than $6.2 million in one day from a bizarre new product — but critics say it is too dangerous for the public.

MAVERICK businessman Elon Musk has raked in more than $6.2 million in one day as part of a bizarre new business venture.

Over the weekend, the multi-billionaire founder of electric car company Tesla and tunnelling company Boring opened preorders for flamethrowers at $700 ($US500) a piece, with shipping slated for spring in the United States.

Last week, he pledged that if The Boring Company sold 50,000 baseball caps at $30 ($US25) each, he would start selling the fiery devices.

Musk announced the preorder sale over the weekend, tweeting: “Guaranteed to liven up any party!”

When the zombie apocalypse happens, you’ll be glad you bought a flamethrower. Works against hordes of the undead or your money back!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2018

Elon Musk Sells $5 Million in Flamethrowers to Fund Tunnel Plan.

This has to be a joke

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) January 29, 2018

In a video post on Instagram, Musk said, “don’t do this”, then proceeded to run towards the camera with the flamethrower alight.

“Also, I want to be clear that a flamethrower is a super terrible idea,” he added. “Definitely don’t buy one. Unless you like fun.”

Boring Co. plans to sell 20,000 flamethrowers in order to fund an ultra-fast “hyperloop” underground transportation system between Washington, DC and New York City.

Musk joked on Twitter that the weapons would help in a zombie apocalypse but that he’s not secretly raising an undead army to generate demand. He changed his Twitter bio to “Zombie Defender”.

Many on social media have been left questioning whether it’s all a big joke and the legality of selling such a weapon online. However, the company says it’s serious.

One of those not buying into the flamethrower revolution is California Assembly member Miguel Santiago, who released a statement stating he intended to introduce legislation that would prevent Musk’s company from selling the flamethrower to the public — at least in the state of California.

At first he thought the flamethrower sale was a joke, but he became concerned when he realised it was serious.

If this is real, I’m outraged and you should be too. If this is a joke, then it’s a terribly insensitive one given that we’re coming off of the worst wildfire season in history. Either way: NOT FUNNY. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. https://t.co/DCC2xyVsn4

— Miguel Santiago (@SantiagoAD53) January 29, 2018

“Like most Americans, I am in awe in of Mr. Musk’s genius — the brains behind Tesla, PayPal, SolarCity, and Space X,” he wrote.

“But as President Truman and Stan Lee have taught us all, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ There are many times in which technology and inventions benefit society, but are not made available to the public.

“We don’t allow people to walk in off the street and purchase military-grade tanks or armour-piercing ammunition. I cannot even begin to imagine the problems a flamethrower would cause firefighters and police officers alike.”

However, Musk hit back on his Twitter page, saying: “ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] says any flamethrower with a flame shorter than 10 ft is A-OK. Our design is max fun for least danger. I’d be way more scared of a steak knife.”

NO FLAMETHROWERS IN CALIFORNIA, SAYS ASSEMBLYMAN. LOOKING AT YOU @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/qCK2iCf9eP

— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) January 29, 2018

I mean sure I’ll preorder. This feels illegal doe…

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) January 28, 2018

ATF says any flamethrower with a flame shorter than 10 ft is A-ok. Our design is max fun for least danger. I’d be way more scared of a steak knife.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2018

you don't need to pay 500$, you can do the same by using these pic.twitter.com/TwmGIS0PBQ

— İbrahim Doğan (@ibrahimd06) January 29, 2018

Bloomberg reports that Boring Co. obtained a permit to begin digging under a stretch of a Maryland highway last year as part of a potential “hyperloop”, a high-speed transportation concept using tubes outlined by Musk.

The hyperloop would ferry people between Washington, DC, and New York City.

Musk has resorted to unconventional techniques to raise cash in the past. For the Model 3 electric car, Tesla took $1240 ($US1000) deposits from customers to reserve a spot in line to buy one.

In addition to flamethrowers, fans can spend an extra $37 ($US30) on what Boring Co. describes as an overpriced fire extinguisher.

“You can definitely buy one for less elsewhere,” the website explains. “But this one comes with a cool sticker.”