Among the items for green mobility, in addition to the widespread electric bicycles and fashionable scooters, we also find the most colorful: the hoverboard. 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.
The factors of its success are also others, such as price, ease of use, and the many accessories that accompany it. Let’s see in detail 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 with a platform where you can rest your feet: a sort of Segway, but without the handlebar (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 settle sideways.
Let’s move on to the operating principle: the hoverboard moves thanks to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that powers the engine, which in turn ” 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 to adjust their stability on the vehicle, although to be an expert driver, it will take at least two or three hours of practice. The wheels are designed for uneven terrain such as roads and sidewalks: those who want to venture into dirt roads will have to 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 on the axle, and 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, there are also more sober ones, suitable for contemporary urban mobility. But in essence, they are very similar, and both can be used for both getting around and having some 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: just learn a little 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 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 to evaluate before buying?
There are several factors to consider before buying; let’s see them in detail.
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 it may happen that you 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 that you plan to take with you.
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 12 miles/h. It is also for this reason that they are 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
This is one of the most important factors to consider: hoverboard batteries are not yet very powerful and durable. On average, the battery life is 9 – 12 miles. This factor affects the price a lot: a 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 of viewing 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, together with the warning lights, there is also the Bluetooth connection to connect your smartphone and listen to music while driving the vehicle. These models are especially recommended for children and young people.
Which hoverboard to choose for children?
For children, those models capable of carrying a maximum weight of 220 lbs are fine: 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.
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