What is a hoverboard?
A hoverboard is a new means of transport, which is equipped with a platform and works according to the technique of self-balancing. It is also called a self-balancing board or an electric skateboard.
For the record, the idea and design of the hoverboard are inspired by a film: Back to the Future. This film was released in the 1990s and it was through the props used in it that the idea of designing an electric board was born. In other words, the first person to test the first ever hoverboard. In the film, the electric board levitated on the different surfaces, thanks to a jet thruster with which it was equipped. At the time, there were not yet technologies that made it possible to materialize this fictional accessory. It was only a few years later that the inventor of the hoverboard was inspired by the jet-powered electric skateboard system to set up the first hoverboard model.
How does the hoverboard work?
The hoverboard is a kind of electric skateboard on which its user will ride and thus, he will be able to move. It looks like a scooter at first glance, but it actually works very differently. Already, a hoverboard is in principle devoid of handlebars. Some also describe it as a Segway without handlebars. To move forward with the hoverboard, its user will have to lean towards the direction to take.
The hoverboard consists of multiple accessories. It is equipped with a gyroscope which makes it possible to regulate the speed as well as the balance of the machine. It is also equipped with an electric motor, which keeps the balance and moves the machine forward by propelling it.
How to ride a hoverboard?
Learning to ride a hoverboard doesn’t have to take a lot of time. On average, it takes between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the user’s profile. You will need a companion for your first time. You will indeed need a person to hang on to for the time to find the right balance in relation to the ground.
Once you have found this balance, you must now learn to maintain it. To do this, you have to keep yourself straight and the body must be well relaxed. It is important that you have confidence in yourself, you must look straight ahead. The feet must be positioned according to the pedals of your hoverboard.
On what criteria to choose a hoverboard?
During the first years when hoverboards were developed, we could not speak of a cheap hoverboard, they were not quite accessible to everyone in terms of price. Moreover, on the market, there are currently several models available. Reason for which, it is not always very easy to make a choice. They come in all sizes, shapes and prices. It is the same for the functionalities, all the models do not offer the same possibilities.
The brand
When we started to develop the first models, there were many accidents due to battery explosions. These incidents have resulted in numerous lawsuits against the builders. This is why we advise you to turn to well-known brands that are already renowned. For now, the market leaders are the Ninebot / Segway brands, Razor, an American brand and finally, the Ever cross brand. But there are also other brands that are less popular, but also have great products.
The maximum speed
The most efficient models can reach speeds of 20 km/h. But for models that are a little more classic, the maximum speed varies between 12 and 16 km/h. It should be noted, however, that the maximum speed authorized in UK is 10 km/h if you wish to use the sidewalks. You can take a model offering between 8 and 10 km / h of maximum speed if you live in town.
The autonomy of the hoverboard
The autonomy of the battery is one of the most important criteria, it defines how long the machine will be able to drive before being charged again. On average, a hoverboard can travel up to 10 to 15 km, or a range of one to two hours. But these are data that can also change depending on the speed at which the hoverboard is rolling and the weight of its user.
Charging time should also be taken into account, especially if you plan to use your hoverboard on a daily basis. Typically, it takes three hours for the battery to recharge.
Utilization facility
In principle, the hoverboard is a type of vehicle that is easy to drive and still very intuitive. However, on some models, the sensors are much more sensitive than on others. In this case, it is easier to handle the hoverboard, since the more sensitive sensors make it possible to detect movements more quickly and thus to manage the machine with more precision.
wheel size
The size of the wheels is an important criterion for the comfort of use and the performance of the hoverboard. For the most part, the wheels that hoverboards have are way too small. The board follows, it is also of a more or less reduced size. This is not a problem if you have to walk on a flat surface, but on the other hand, for slopes or to climb sidewalks, this characteristic is going to be a problem.
The weight of the hoverboard
In some situations, you will be required to carry your hoverboards since you will need to take it with you. In this case, it is advisable to take a light model, which you can easily transport. Some models are equipped with carrying bag.
