ORIGINAL: Access
Only on paper. Those things can still malfunction, and be quiet harmful when they do.
The PSP, laptop computer, netbook, etc. typically sits on your lap, in your hand, or physically close to your person when in use.
How often do you hear of recalls for these items b'cos the battery protection IC mass-manufactuered in china for the lowest cost possible turned out to not perform how they believed they should. Just search youtube for ''exploding laptop'' and you will see what can happen. If an RC LiPo fails catastrophically, it is most likely not doing so in your hand, on your lap, on a passanger aircraft, etc. As for the RC LiPo, it's failing out in the field. Of course there is charging too (which might be done inside your house) but most chargers have just as much protective circuitry on their end as the consumer batteries do built-in.
Failure rates for LiPo are much higher than that of other media batteries. The elevated failure rate in conjunction with the greater potential for physical damage indicates a greater potential for failire. Not a destiny of failure, but a potential therefore.
The general RC industry does not have the financial backiing that the electronics industry has, and will rarely inititate (or publicize) recalls, as the expense could easily bankrupt a manufacturer. A reflection of this phenomena is indicated on disclaimers and warning labels.
In addition, there are decades of product development behind NiCd (also toxic) and NiMH batteries. The emerging technology of LiPo batteries leaves gaps product evaluation.
Toxicity, though a significant hazard is not the greatest when these items are placed in the home. The primary hazard is flammability/reactivity. This is not to say that lithium, dioxins produced through combustion of manufactured battery packs, methanol or other chemicals is negligable. It is a matter of assesing risk. Turning on a fan is easier than putting out your curtains.
Any chemical, when not handled properly is a risk. The inherent and induced risks of LiPo use are greater than that of other battery types, and is a significant factor in product selection. Coupled with the necessity of continual dedication required to safely handle LiPo batteries, and the complacent and negligent nature of young individuals, the risk is greater. As we age and gain experience and understanding of action/consequence, we tend to err on the side of safety.
There are always exceptions to the rule, but the probability remains the same. This entirely up to the buyer, however, my argument shall be that potentially complacent individuals should not be handed a high risk item without the expectation that there will be a significant cliability from mis-use.
To further answer P.fergusen's question in the first post:
LiPo's attain high speeds in 2 ways; 1) reduced weight 2) higher voltage
The top speed you are looking for can be attained by increasing voltage, as LiPo has been an option eliminated by the 'rents. RC electric drag racers acheived this by using either more cells, and smaller cells placed in the same space. You can look into smaller cells, that will fit where the standard pack goes, or utilize unused space in the car to add cells.
Another route is to increase efficiency of the drivetrain. Bearings, if not already equipped are a good solution. Upgrade bearing would be ceramic bearings. An easy, but costly upgrade is brushless. Do some legwork and research high kV brushless motors and ESC's, though it is often best to go with a big name manufacturer (Mamba, Tekin, Novak, Lerner, etc).
Also balanced parts will reduce drag on the drivetrain. More often than not, aluminum parts (drivesahft, hubs, axles) are better balanced than factory plastic. Allowing parts to rotate without flex or vibration will assure that more of the motors output will find its way to the pavement.
You can lighten up the car to get up to speed faster. Screws, nuts, tie rods, and pivots are individually small and insignificant, but when all replaced with titanium or aluminum, make for drastic weight reduction. This means longer runtimes, and a faster car "out of the hole".
Lastly, gearing can yeild high speeds. Bigger pinion, smaller spur will get you high top speed. It will draw more power to get up to speed, and ESC's, motors and batteries will get hotter.