There was a time when hoverboards were the stuff of science-fiction fantasies and retrofuture visions. The most famous hoverboard is the Mattel Hoverboard, featured in Back to the Future II. Although a flying skateboard is far from reality, hoverboards were one of the most popular gadgets in 2015 and are a cherished personal vehicle of teens, kids and even adults. Learn more about hoverboards and their functions by reading this piece.
Is there a name for a two-wheeled vehicle?
Many people ride through the streets on scooters with electric engines that appear like a Segway with no handlebar. The latest models go under various names, with the most popular one being "hoverboard." Other come names include "glide boards," "balance boards," "self-balancing personal transporter," or "self-balancing electric scooters."
People who aren't familiar with these may refer to them as "two wheeled self balancing electric vehicles," "two wheel stand up electric scooter," or "two wheel scooter."
What is a Hoverboard?
Hoverboards aren't just something you see in films. In simple terms, the personal mobility devices are Segways without the steering handle. Two motorized wheels comprise the invention of the transportation device joined by two footpads, which can be used to steer and control the hoverboard. (Learn how to ride on a hoverboard.)
Hoverboards are small and often can be carried in backpacks and under the arm. They can be taken and used anyplace there's an area that is flat (as long as they're legal- which isn't the case within New York City or London due to the pollution). Some have been riding their hoverboards off-road, but we would not recommend this unless you purchase a sturdy model. They come in various sizes, usually dependent on the wheel size.
How do Hoverboards Work?
The hoverboards are equipped with two self-balancing gyroscopes connected to two motors on each wheel, allowing the device to balance and move the exact direction the person using the hoverboard desires. Hoverboards are divided in two and joined via an axle, so they can be flipped so that one wheel may rotate out of sync with that of the other wheel (which allows the person riding the hoverboard to move in the form of a circle).
Are Hoverboards Safe?
In the last quarter of 2015, there were numerous incidents of hoverboards being set on fire because their batteries were overheating and explosions. This led to several hoverboards being pulled back and removed from sales across the United States because of those safety issues.
This led to the introduction of the new UL certified standards have been established to stop these battery problems. Every hoverboard available across Canada or the US Canada currently must be equipped with UL 2272 certified.
With the latest safety guidelines, the hoverboards are as secure as the electric skateboards and other personal transportation devices. We suggest that you wear the same security equipment for a skateboard, especially if you're not familiar with it or plan to perform crazy hoverboard stunts; kneepads, elbow protectors and a helmet are advised. You're more likely to be thrown off if you're beginning to learn to use a hoverboard.
Where can you purchase a Hoverboard?
We provide several resources to choose the best hoverboard for you:
How Much do Hoverboards Cost?
Although hoverboards are the newest technology, many different hoverboards are made by various manufacturers and are priced from $1,000 up to hundreds of dollars. Like everything else, you get the value you pay for; make sure you choose your hoverboard with care. We suggest this model of hoverboards when you're searching for efficient two-wheel self-balancing transportation.