If you’ve ever seen someone riding a hoverboard down the sidewalk, you probably thought it was a lot of fun. And we must frankly admit to you: it is so. Hoverboards and hover scooters have been around for a few years now and they are becoming more and more popular as a means of transportation, a way to travel with friends or a great way to relax for young people who would like to ride around the area.
Hoverboard: what is it?
A hoverboard may look like a kind of skateboard, and a hoverboard works like an electric scooter, but it is much more unique. This is an electric device with a platform suspended on two wheels. When you ride, it looks like you are sliding, but you are always connected to the ground. There are many different models of hoverboards and hover scooters, but we must deal with the main question: what is the difference between hoverboards and hover scooters if we mention them separated by commas? A hoverboard looks like a skateboard with comfortable notches for the feet, and a hover scooter … is the same, only with a telescopic handle that allows you to control the direction of movement, not only with the help of balance, but also with the help of your hands, thanks to the transfer of the center of gravity. However, these two names are often used interchangeably. But there is a caveat: the price of a hover scooter is slightly higher. Handles, you know, also cost money.
Types of hoverboards
When you want to join the thousands of people who enjoy glide rides, you will notice that the description of a hoverboard can include the words “classic”, “off-road”, and “autonomous”.
Thus, three main models can be distinguished:
- Classic hoverboards have a gyroscope and a standard body shape, but do not have a smart balance mode (the ability to prevent falling due to self-balancing). The wheel size in the classic model is 6.5 inches and this model is mainly designed for sidewalks and streets with a hard and even surface. The speed of the hoverboard in this modification reaches 15 km/h.
- Off-road hoverboards, also called all-terrain or heavy-duty hoverboards, have larger 8-inch wheels, more powerful engines and off-road tires, so you can use them on gravel or other uneven surfaces. They also tolerate grass and forest paths very well. The speed can reach 18 km per hour, but the worse the road, the lower the speed. A powerful hoverboard with large wheels and comfortable handle, also called off-road hoverboard, is the most comfortable vehicle for bumpy terrain.
- Self-balancing hoverboards (autonomous) are the most advanced models. They have an internal gyroscope and are self-balancing so you always stay level with the ground. That is, even if your balance skill is not very developed, such a board will do everything for you. Note that if you choose a self-balancing hoverboard (this is the one with a handle), then it will be extremely difficult to fall off it.
The principle of operation and control of the hoverboard
The design of hoverboards is at first glance very simple: they are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and the standard model will have a gyroscope, microprocessors and a motor that determines weight and pressure. In general, all hoverboards are self-balancing, but their gyroscopes have different accuracy. In the classic version, you don’t have to lean forward and backward much, but you do need to maintain balance to control direction. Controlling a hoverboard is as easy as controlling your body. To move and turn (and spin if you want), you just need to adjust the position of your legs. You can lean back, forward, left and right to make your wheels move in that direction. But don’t be zealous. It is easy enough to carry the center of gravity. Tricks on a hoverboard are associated not so much with jumps and loops, but with the ability to phenomenally balance.
With all this, we do not recommend purchasing a hoverboard for children (especially under the age of 10 years). Balance develops with age, children fall when running, so a children’s hoverboard will be a better solution. It is a little easier to control the handle and transfer the center of gravity on it.
Benefits of owning a hoverboard
In fact, there are a great many of them, but let’s name 5 of them:
- An affordable way to travel. The hoverboard is connected to a conventional electrical network. It does not need gas or gasoline, that is, additional costs for its maintenance are minimal.
- They reduce your carbon footprint. The batteries on which the original hoverboards operate are durable and can be recharged more than 1000 times without loss.
- They are inexpensive to maintain. These devices require minimal maintenance and are lightweight, so if you happen to be in a no-ride area, (shop or your work) you don’t need parking. You can take it under your arm.
- They act like sports equipment. It may seem like all you are doing is sliding, but using a hoverboard does burn calories. It also tones your muscles, improves your flexibility and core strength, and improves your posture and balance as you are always moving around and don’t get tired, slight body twists and slight muscle tension are very helpful.
- They come in different models and have many optional accessories.
Accessories
Hover scooters and hoverboards that cannot go faster than 18 km per hour, it would seem, do not require any protection systems and additional options. However, why not. Manufacturers of hoverboards are not limited to different models of platforms and their colours.
In order to make your sliding walks more fun, you can also purchase:
- Special mirrors (often found on hoverboards from China);
- LED lights for the tires;
- Built-in Bluetooth speakers.
You can familiarize yourself with the usefulness of certain additional elements by looking at the reviews on hoverboards.
Glide with pleasure.
Also, we describe the types of mountain bikes and the selection of children’s bikes as clearly as possible.
