Among the items for green mobility, in addition to the widespread electric bicycles and fashionable scooters, we find the hoverboard to be the most colorful. Young people and children immediately grasped the fun that springs from this technical marvel, making it one of the most used and sold electric vehicles.
Its success factors are also others, such as price, ease of use, and the many accompanying accessories. Let’s see how it works and everything there is to know about the hoverboard.
What is the hoverboard, and how does it work?
The hoverboard is a self-balancing two-wheeled electric vehicle with its internal stability. It looks a bit like a skateboard, but with larger rubber wheels and a platform where you can rest your feet: a sort of Segway, but without the handlebars (to which, among other things, you can add it).
Unlike the skate, the hoverboard moves in the frontal direction concerning a person (it goes forward), while on the skate, you slide sideways.
Let’s move on to the operating principle: the hoverboard moves thanks to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that powers the engine, which is set in motion by the slight pressure of the feet that must be exerted on the platform.
The platform is divided into two parts joined together: each foot will control a wheel. The integrated self-balancing system will help the person adjust their stability on the vehicle, although it will take at least two or three hours of practice to be an expert driver. The wheels are designed for uneven terrain such as roads and sidewalks; those who want to venture into dirt roads must rely on hoverboards equipped with larger and more suitable wheels.
The speed of these vehicles does not exceed 12 miles/h, a decent speed if you think you can equate it to that of an electric bicycle: for this reason, it is recommended to always wear a helmet, knee pads, and other protections during use, especially in the case of small children (not recommended for use under the age of 8).
Some models are equipped with additional features such as the control of the remaining battery, the LED lights on the wheels, and the axle, and features such as the Bluetooth connection that allows you to connect the smartphone to the vehicle to listen to music while using it.
Game or means of transport?
Let’s clear up the doubt immediately: it is both. There are more colorful models, with lights, sounds, and connections to specific apps, which are the joy of children. Still, more sober ones are also suitable for contemporary urban mobility. But in essence, they are very similar, and both can be used for getting around and having fun in enclosed areas.
How to use the hoverboard
Is it difficult to use a hoverboard? Once the battery is recharged, just turn on the vehicle. At this point, you need to get on it and try to keep your balance: the first thing that can happen is that you want to put your feet forward and get off.
The secret lies precisely here: it is convenient to take advantage of that desire to “take a step forward” to exert, with your feet, slight pressure on the platform: in this way, you will activate the controls located on the axis.
And as we said, each foot has its wheel: with the pressure exerted forward, you can start and proceed frontally, while if you force yourself on the heel, the hoverboard will tend to brake and go in reverse.
How to turn on a Hoverboard
And to turn? It is necessary to press forward with the foot inside the curve and press back with the foot outside the curve, but be careful not to exert too much pressure; you risk falling. With the hoverboard, you can also go up and down: learn more for the climb and lean back as you go downhill.
How not to fall off the hoverboard
In order not to fall, it is necessary to practice and practice. Maybe the first few times, keep close to a surface so you can lean on it to maintain balance. In general, it takes about 2 or 3 hours to understand how to keep the balance on the vehicle.
It is important to pay attention to when you get off: it is necessary to get off with one foot at a time, leaving the vehicle in front of you. You go down from behind and not in front of the vehicle.
How to choose the Hoverboard: What should you evaluate before buying?
There are several factors to consider before buying; let’s see them in detail.
The weight of the hoverboard and the passenger
First, evaluate the weight of both the hoverboard and the maximum weight supported. The vehicles all have a standard weight of about 22 – 33 lbs, not a little if you think about how compact this article is: since you may unload when you are far from home (maybe you have not done well if you have to deal with the autonomy of the battery, and your vehicle is not equipped with a warning light for checking it), it would not hurt to have a vehicle that is not too heavy to take home.
Unlike the electric bicycle or scooter that can be driven even with a flat battery, the unloaded hoverboard is a stationary vehicle! The weight of the supported passenger should also be considered: on average, hoverboards need a minimum weight to operate them and have a maximum carrying weight. This fluctuates between 45 lbs and 330 lbs. As for the maximum weight, evaluate any backpacks or weights you plan to take.
Speed and type of wheels
The maximum speed of these vehicles never exceeds 12 miles/1h. The less powerful hoverboards range between 7 miles/h and 9 miles/h, while the more powerful ones arrive at 12 miles/h. For this reason, they are also easily included among the favorite means of green mobility, just like electric bicycles.
The speed can also vary according to the type of wheel that characterizes the vehicle, especially if you decide to take a more bumpy terrain. The diameter can range from 4.5 to 8.5 inches. We recommend the larger ones.
Battery life and charging time
One of the most important factors is that hoverboard batteries are not yet very powerful or durable. On average, the battery life is 9 – 12 miles. This factor greatly affects the price: greater autonomy will certainly raise it. The same goes for the charging time, usually around 2 to 3 hours. We recommend those vehicles equipped with warning lights capable viewing of the battery level at any time.
Bluetooth lights and connection
Some models are equipped with LED lights on the outer wheels and the floor to make the vehicle much more visible. Usually, with the warning lights, there is also a Bluetooth connection to connect your smartphone and listen to music while driving the vehicle. These models are especially recommended for children and young people.
>>> Where to buy a hoverboard for children?
Those models capable of carrying a maximum weight of 220 lbs are fine for children: being lighter than an adult, they will strain the internal mechanism and the platform less, so even cheaper models are fine. Don’t forget the LED lights and Bluetooth connection.
