Hoverboards provide a lot of fun for adults and kids of all ages. Some parents, however, have become worried in recent years, wondering if a hoverboard was a safe toy for their child. Let’s take a look at the potential dangers and risks to safety when it comes to hoverboards so you can learn how to buy a good hoverboard that will be safe and fun to use.
What is a hoverboard?
A hoverboard typically comes in the form of a two-wheeled scooter that operates via a suite of sensors embedded into the motors. These sensors keep track of subtle body movements, turning these slight gestures into thrust and overall movement. Now that you know what a hoverboard is, let’s examine potential dangers.
Tip: A hoverboard typically comes in the form of a two-wheeled scooter that operates via a suite of sensors embedded into the motors
Hoverboard Dangers
Overall, the best modern hoverboards are safe for a child to use, as well as an adult. There have been safety issues in the past and there certainly are risks to riding one of these boards. The big thing is making sure you understand how to properly ride your hoverboard safely.
Risks of Riding a Hoverboard
There are certain risks inherent to riding a hoverboard, which we have listed below.
Hoverboards Catching Fire
When these boards first became popular, many companies rushed products to market that did not meet safety standards as set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. There were numerous reports of hoverboards catching fire. This was due to the inclusion of low-quality lithium-ion batteries. Reports of these fires have greatly lessened since 2016, as modern boards tend to feature well-built lithium batteries. Manufacturers have begun doing their homework, ensuring that these batteries do not cause fires.
Tip: Reports of these fires have greatly lessened since 2016, as modern boards tend to feature well-built lithium batteries
General Accidents
As with any mode of transportation, accidents can become a hazard for riders, so it’s important to understand how hoverboards work. These accidents can happen at any time, so we would advise extreme caution while riding, particularly if you are a child. We would also advise participating in best safety practices, including wearing a helmet, knee pads, and shoulder pads.
Off-road Accidents
Some brands of hoverboards are advertised as being perfect for off-roading pursuits. This may be true, but rough terrains come with their own hazards. Be sure to take your time as you traverse off-road trails and steer clear of rocky patches, which can cause accidents and cause damage to the internal components of the hoverboard or related device. Getting outdoors is one of the great benefits of hoverboards, but it’s important to exercise caution.
Tip: Be sure to take your time as you traverse off-road trails and steer clear of rocky patches
UL Certifications
Safe hoverboards and hoverboard brands typically provide a safety certification, which alerts riders that the risk of injuries from hoverboards is minimal. This certification typically comes in the form of a UL 2272 safety certification, which ensures products meet certain safety standards and avoid a number of common hazards, such as low-grade batteries. This certification sets a good safety standard for hoverboard manufacturers and should put people at ease when making a purchase, as one can rest assured the level of safety is high.
Tip: Safe hoverboards and hoverboard brands typically provide a safety certification, which alerts riders that the risk of injuries from hoverboards is minimal
- Related Post: Who Made the First Hoverboard?
- Related Post: Do Flying Hoverboards Exist?
- Related Post: How to Make a Hoverboard that Actually Works
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoverboard
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/141/4/e20171253
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735675718304844
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DPXyCaTMnw
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00247-016-3766-9
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0009922816687327
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-balancing_scooter
