Hoverboards have become hugely popular since first entering the global markets in 2015. They are a popular way of traveling around cities around the world. In this article, we will be exploring how do hoverboards work.
They look like something out of a science fiction movie and you may often think about how hoverboards actually work and how do you use one? Well, we are here to help!
Enjoy this article on ‘How Do Hoverboards Work?’
How Do Hoverboards Work?
Let’s dive straight into the big question: How Do Hoverboards Work?
A hoverboard is a portable electric device that features two wheels that connect the board to the ground. Hoverboards are also known as self-balancing scooters.
Sensors within the board help to keep the board balanced and also communicate information to the board regarding what direction to go in and what speed to travel at.
Hoverboards are powered by lithium-ion batteries that are rechargeable. The main surface of the board comprises a platform that is wide enough for the rider to place both feet.
The board is operated entirely by the weight of the rider, tilting forwards to speed up and applying pressure to the right or left depending on which way you are turning. Balance is a huge part of operating a hoverboard as there is not anything to hold onto when riding the board.
The main parts of a board that are found on all models are:
- Power Switch: to turn the hoverboard on and off
- Charging Port: to charge the battery
- Battery: A Lithium-Ion battery is used to power the electric parts of the hoverboard
- Motor: powers the wheels when you tilt
- Microprocessor: regulate the power that goes to the wheels
- Pressure Pads: communicates that someone is on the board as well as the direction they want to go in
- Logic Board: processes information from various sensors and sends this onto the motors
- Tilt and Speed Sensors: communicates with the logic board and gyroscope regarding speed and tilt
- Infrared Sensors: used for a number of functions within the board
- Two Wheels: connecting the board to the ground and giving a means of moving
- Gyroscope: this is the most important part of the hoverboard as it adjusts the tilt of the platform to keep the rider balanced
While current versions of hoverboards cannot actually hover yet some companies are beginning to develop hoverboards that use propellers, meaning they actually hover, allowing you to float into work each morning or to the store.
We are excited to see how hoverboards continue to evolve and become more modern.
Basics Of How To Use A Hoverboard
- Place the hoverboard on a flat piece of ground in front of you
- Step onto the hoverboard, leading with your dominant foot
- Use your dominant foot for steering
- Always step backward off your hoverboard to prevent you from falling
These simple actions create a flurry of communications within the inner workings of your hoverboard. When you step onto the board and lean forwards the hoverboard understands to start moving forwards and depending on the tilt of the board it will know how fast to travel.
When you step off the hoverboard the pressure pads relay this information which results in the motor turning off, preventing the hoverboard from moving. Turning is probably the hardest part to master but it is simple to understand.
When you apply pressure to a certain foot the pressure pads translate this information to the logic board and onto the motor so that the board moves in the necessary direction.
For a right turn, the weight will go on the left foot or you will move it slightly ahead on the board and vice versa for a left turn. To turn in a circle simply tilt any leg forward and don’t remove pressure until the circle is complete.
Now that you understand the basics of how to use a hoverboard as well as how a hoverboard works it is almost time for you to step onto a machine but before you do, we recommend reading the useful tips below for beginners.
Still have questions? Check out our frequently asked questions section for even more information.
Tips For Beginners
- Check that the hoverboard battery is fully charged before heading out
- Always wear a helmet until you familiarize yourself with riding your board. Falls will be likely when you first learn so it is recommended to also wear knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to prevent serious injury
- Avoid practicing in areas where there is rough terrain or hills as well as busy areas where there may be a lot of animals and people. Stick to a flat, open space when learning
- Having a buddy while you are learning can be useful as it gives you something to hold onto when you first step onto the board and try to find your balance.
- You can protect your hoverboard from scratches and scuffs, which will likely happen when you are learning, by buying a rubber, silicone, or vinyl cover. You can buy these covers online or in any store that sells hoverboards.
- Check that the hoverboard battery is fully charged before heading out
- Always wear a helmet until you familiarize yourself with riding your board. Falls will be likely when you first learn so it is recommended to also wear knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to prevent serious injury
- Avoid practicing in areas where there is rough terrain or hills as well as busy areas where there may be a lot of animals and people. Stick to a flat, open space when learning
- Having a buddy while you are learning can be useful as it gives you something to hold onto when you first step onto the board and try to find your balance.
- You can protect your hoverboard from scratches and scuffs, which will likely happen when you are learning, by buying a rubber, silicone, or vinyl cover. You can buy these covers online or in any store that sells hoverboards.
- Check that the hoverboard battery is fully charged before heading out
- Always wear a helmet until you familiarize yourself with riding your board. Falls will be likely when you first learn so it is recommended to also wear knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to prevent serious injury
- Avoid practicing in areas where there is rough terrain or hills as well as busy areas where there may be a lot of animals and people. Stick to a flat, open space when learning
- Having a buddy while you are learning can be useful as it gives you something to hold onto when you first step onto the board and try to find your balance.
- You can protect your hoverboard from scratches and scuffs, which will likely happen when you are learning, by buying a rubber, silicone, or vinyl cover. You can buy these covers online or in any store that sells hoverboards.
- Check that the hoverboard battery is fully charged before heading out
- Always wear a helmet until you familiarize yourself with riding your board. Falls will be likely when you first learn so it is recommended to also wear knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to prevent serious injury
- Avoid practicing in areas where there is rough terrain or hills as well as busy areas where there may be a lot of animals and people. Stick to a flat, open space when learning
- Having a buddy while you are learning can be useful as it gives you something to hold onto when you first step onto the board and try to find your balance.
- You can protect your hoverboard from scratches and scuffs, which will likely happen when you are learning, by buying a rubber, silicone, or vinyl cover. You can buy these covers online or in any store that sells hoverboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now we have looked at How Do Hoverboards Work, let’s answer some of the FAQ’s
How Fast Can A Hoverboard Go?
Don’t be fooled by the size of hoverboards, they can go very fast for their small size. High-performance boards can reach up to 12mph while the majority of boards will be able to reach speeds of up to 10mph.
Due to numerous safety concerns, the speed of hoverboards has been regulated and a speed governor has been placed inside most hoverboards now which prevents the board from going over 7.5mph.
The speed governor is a small device in the hoverboard that regulates the speed by monitoring the rotation of the wheels.
Are Hoverboards Illegal In The United States?
Regulations that apply to hoverboards differ between states in the US as well as between countries.
Hoverboards are not illegal in most places but there are usually regulations put in place to ensure the safe use of hoverboards, for example in New York City hoverboards are banned from public spaces, and hoverboards are considered to be an illegal personal assistance device under New York State Traffic Law 114-d.
In California, some regulations apply to hoverboards that restrict the areas you can use hoverboards as well as the age of the user and the speed you may travel at. You are also required to wear a helmet when riding a hoverboard in California.
The regulations differ hugely between California and New York City and highlight just how controversial hoverboards can be. Before purchasing a hoverboard we recommend looking up the regulations in your state or country that apply to hoverboard usage.
How Safe Are Hoverboards?
Hoverboards can be relatively safe if you use them correctly. There are a number of factors to consider to ensure that you are protecting yourself and others around you when riding a hoverboard, these include wearing the necessary safety gear, the age of the person riding the hoverboard, and also the battery quality of the board.
You should always wear a helmet at the least when riding a hoverboard. Hoverboards can be difficult to master and so young children should not be riding one as they could become seriously injured from even the smallest fall or accident.
The battery quality of the hoverboard has a huge impact on the safety of the board. If the batteries are poorly insulated, they can explode so you should check the safety of a board before purchasing by checking if it has a genuine UL certification, which means the batteries are considered to be safe.
We hope this article on ‘How Do Hoverboards Work?’ has been helpful!
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