Since 2015, hoverboards have taken the personal transportation world by storm. The best self-balancing scooters are fun, economical, and a great vehicle for both kids and adults. Some consumers, however, may be wondering exactly what is a hoverboard. That’s where we come in.
What is a Hoverboard?
A hoverboard is a personal transportation vehicle that uses gyroscopic control to allow for thrust, motion, and overall speed. These scooters are mostly powered by batteries, and they come in different wheel sizes. The original hoverboard was invented by Shane Chen in 2013.
How Does a Hoverboard Work?
Hoverboards use balance to offer precise control. This is done via a number of mechanisms.
Gyroscopes
Hoverboards are typically outfitted with a number of internal gyroscopes that measure the rider’s posture, balance, and weight. These gyroscopes send this information to the board’s motors, where it is turned into movement and speed.
Insider Tip
The original hoverboard was invented by Shane Chen in 2013.
Motors and Wheels
These boards typically feature a pair of motors, each of which is housed in the right and left wheelbases. This dual-motor setup, along with the aforementioned gyroscopes, allows for ultra-precise control and helps keep the rider upright during movement.
Battery Packs
Modern hoverboards generally receive power from an integrated lithium-ion battery pack. These batteries can be charged via a typical power outlet. These batteries can get you anywhere from 20 minutes to a full hour of use before needing a recharge. As a warning, batteries will need to be replaced every one to two years. It’s fairly straightforward if you’ve been wondering how hoverboards work? Let’s examine some additional features.
How Fast Can You Go?
Results tend to vary depending on the make and model of the hoverboard. Riders can expect to achieve maximum speeds of six to 10 miles per hour. This metric can be severely impacted by the rider’s body weight, the terrain that is being crossed, the motor’s overall efficiency, and a number of other factors. In addition to being a lot of fun, the benefits of hoverboards can actually improve your health and overall wellness.
Before you get ahead of yourself, make sure you take the time to research how to buy a good hoverboard so you can be sure to get good value for your money while staying safe.
Hoverboard Safety Tips
Though relatively safe, riders should practice a number of safety measures as they ride around on a hoverboard. In addition to learning to ride a hoverboard correctly, you’ll want to be mindful of a few additional things.
Check the Battery
Always be sure to check the battery before heading out on a ride. This can be done by plugging the charger into the board and glancing at the battery indicator light. If it is red or orange, the device will likely need to remain to charge for a bit before use.
Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
We strongly recommend that riders invest in some high-quality safety gear and wear these items while using the hoverboard. These pieces of equipment include standard helmets, knee pads, and shoulder pads.
Follow the Rules of the Road
Take caution to follow the rules of the road while out on your hoverboard, just as you would while riding a bicycle, traveling in a car, or even walking. Be sure to check both ways before crossing the street, for instance.
Insider Tip
As a warning, batteries will need to be replaced every one to two years.
F.A.Q.S
How do hoverboards work?
Hoverboards use a combination of gyroscopes and wheel-based motors to offer balance-based control. In other words, subtle differences in posture translate to speed and thrust.
Are hoverboards safe?
Hoverboards are on the safer side, so long as you wear protective gear and follow the rules of the road. We would also recommend to always keep an eye on the board’s lithium battery.
Do hoverboards have additional features?
Some hoverboards have integrated Bluetooth transmitters and built-in speakers. These allow the riders to stream music from their phones as they travel.
