10Techy
10Techy
  • Guide
    • Hoverboard Safety Tips
    • Master Drone Photography Like a Pro
    • Surround Sound System Setup
  • Electronics & Technology
    • Cameras
    • Cutters & Printers
    • Home & Garden
    • Projectors
    • Routers
    • Shavers
    • Speakers & Sound
  • Science
  • 10Techy

Hoverboard Safety Tips and Precautions

  • John Smith
  • October 3, 2020

Hoverboards have been a “thing” for quite a while now, and with the Christmas season just around the corner, it is reasonable to think that hoverboard sales are going to spike again.

If you are a teenager, there is a huge likelihood that you are definitely getting a hoverboard from one of your relatives. If you are an adult, there is a big possibility that you are planning to get a hoverboard for a beloved child or relative.

There is one thing you have to keep in mind when shopping for hoverboards, though. They can be dangerous if not used correctly. Here are some hoverboard safety tips and precautions for avoiding hoverboard-related accidents.

Our Hoverboard Safety Tips

1. Buy a Quality Hoverboard

This can be a little tricky because there are no universally established or accepted standards related to hoverboards mainly because they are new. Also, there is still a little argument among some groups as to whether these things are vehicles or mere toys.

a quality hoverboard

Anyway, we think the safest option is for you to be as careful as if you are buying a motorized scooter. Buy only from reputable sellers, and check the labels on the box or the device itself. See to it that your hoverboard passes all required inspections and standards and has all the necessary certifications.

Research thoroughly first, and compare prices last. When you (or whoever you are giving a hoverboard to) will be standing on a highly insecure vehicle that can send you hurtling toward your nan’s garden or set you on fire, you really do not want to prioritize money.

All checkpoints make us choose it to come first in our top hoverboard safety tips list.

2. Do not Leave It Charging Unattended

You may think that because it is relatively safe to leave your smartphone charging overnight, you can do the same thing to your hoverboard just because they have the same battery. Smartphones are engineered to stop consuming power once they are fully charged, but we are not sure if the same thing can be said about hoverboards.

hoverboard charging unattended

In fact, there have been incidents where a hoverboard exploded or caught on fire while charging. To be safe, never leave your hoverboard charging unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher handy as well just in case. It is not too much to ask, really. A hoverboard takes merely two to four hours to charge fully.

3. Don’t Beat It Up Too Much.

All consumer goods undergo quality assurance testing before they are sold to the public. However, this does not mean that the hoverboard you purchased is invincible and unbreakable. It can handle small bumps and minor crashes, sure, but that does not give you the license to do it all the time.

beat hoverboard up

Handle and ride your hoverboard with care, especially because it is powered by a highly volatile lithium-ion battery. Hey, if smartphones can explode due to battery-related matters, there is no reason for your hoverboard, which faces much more possibility of bumping, crashing, and many other forms of mishandling should be spared from such accidents.

In fact, hoverboards have been in the news a lot due to incidents of them exploding or simply just catching fire.

4. Know Where You Can Ride It, Avoid Cop Chasing

Different states, cities, establishments, and other territories have different laws and regulations regarding hoverboards. Make sure to find out if you are even allowed to ride hoverboards where you are before you even buy one.

Aside from the possibility of being reprimanded by authorities and paying fines, there is another (although indirect) danger from riding hoverboards in places that do not allow them. In case you do get chased by a cop, for example, your first reaction may be panic, and nothing good ever comes out of that.

Do not assume that hoverboards are banned only in few obscure places. In fact, riding them is illegal in the UK, in New York City, and in several colleges.

5. Wear Hoverboard Safety Gear

To a teenager, nothing is dorkier than wearing a helmet and some protective pads. However, it is highly recommended that you wear these, especially if you are just starting out. In addition to your helmet, you want elbow and knee pads and a wrist guard.

Remember to buy only quality protective gear. You will look even dorkier if you end up getting injured because of substandard gear. Buy from reputable sellers, choose products with high-grade materials, and do not skimp on quality just because of price.

6. Do not treat it like a skateboard.

Although they look similar, hoverboards and skateboards are not the same and definitely do not work the same way. Skateboards are lightweight and easier to maneuver because you are only working against momentum. Hoverboards are a completely different story.

Do not attempt to go as fast on them as you would on a skateboard, let alone do the same tricks! By no means should you try to ride your hoverboard down a flight of stairs on some railings. Forget about ramps altogether.

Hoverboards should be restricted to even pavements and low speeds. Quit trying to push those limits because they may not end well for you.

7. Ride It Properly

Those who have had the honor of riding hoverboards before the rest of us have a few pieces of advice on how to ride it properly. First, you have to make sure that your hoverboard is nicely calibrated.

Lift the wheel, and press the footpad with your hand (the same thing your foot will touch it once you are actually riding it). The wheel should spin nicely and smoothly. If you observe that it is shaking a bit, that means your hoverboard is not yet calibrated. Check its manual to find out how to rectify it.

Ride it properly

Other tips include having proper posture, disembarking by stepping back, and standing correctly. Keep your back straight and look ahead. Avoid committing the novice mistake of looking down because that may cause your weight to shift forward, causing you to fall. The same thing goes for having the right posture.

When getting off your hoverboard, you may want to step back instead of forward. To be more specific, slow to a stop, and then step backward one foot at a time. Finally, do not jump on and off your hoverboard.

8. Start by Practicing Indoors

Find a place in your home where you can practice your hoverboard-riding skills before trying your toy out on the street. This is essential for two reasons. First, it helps you avoid embarrassment. Accept it. You will fall on your first few attempts, and your dad’s tools in his garage will never tell the neighbors how silly you looked on your first try.

Second, you get to avoid damaging your neighbor’s property. Sure, your mom may fry you alive if you break her vase, but there is a lot more drama if neighbors are involved. Also, you avoid the risk of injuring other people by practicing indoors first.

Test it out first. Know how to balance, accelerate, decelerate, and stop safely in a big room and away from sharp and/or breakable objects.

9. Improve Visibility

Make sure you are visible regardless of the time of day. That white shirt won’t do because to the eyes of the driver of that incoming truck, you can easily get “whitewashed” by the bright surroundings or be confused with a part of the landscape.

Wear clothes and/or shoes with reflectorized trims. You can also wear one of those shoes that light up. This is because when riding your hoverboard, you do not just want to be bright. You want to grab attention. It is not enough that you are bright. People around you should be able to tell that you are a moving human being riding a non-secure vehicle.

10. Go slow

When you drive a car fast, at least you know that you will somehow be protected by your seatbelt, airbags, and the hulking metal frame of your car during most crashes.

When you speed up on a hoverboard, it is like standing on a sideways soda can down a hill. It is just your body against every mailbox, tree, signpost, and lord knows what else your hoverboard crashes you into.

Hoverboards do not have brakes. In case you have to make an abrupt stop, you better pray that you are not thrown off of it, which is what usually happens when the rider attempts to stop out of panic. Keep safe by going slow. Always remember that speeding by on a hoverboard ceases to be cool once you are all mangled.

Conclusion: These are just some of the most important hoverboard safety tips and precautions for riding. If you would like to share your own tips, feel free to hit us up! Finally, do not hesitate to share this with your friends and fellow hoverboard lovers.

References:
1. http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/12/hoverboard_safety_fire_marshal.html
2. http://www.ibtimes.com/are-hoverboards-safe-how-avoid-tickets-fires-broken-bones-while-riding-hottest-2237315
3. http://abcnews.go.com/US/hoverboard-safety-expert-tips-glide-injury/story?id=35975597

Contents

  • Our Hoverboard Safety Tips
  • 1. Buy a Quality Hoverboard
  • 2. Do not Leave It Charging Unattended
  • 3. Don’t Beat It Up Too Much.
  • 4. Know Where You Can Ride It, Avoid Cop Chasing
  • 5. Wear Hoverboard Safety Gear
  • 6. Do not treat it like a skateboard.
  • 7. Ride It Properly
  • 8. Start by Practicing Indoors
  • 9. Improve Visibility
  • 10. Go slow

Related Posts:

  • Master Drone Photography Like a Pro with These 11 Tips and TricksMaster Drone Photography Like a Pro with These 11…
  • Best Surround Sound System Setup - New Tips & TricksBest Surround Sound System Setup - New Tips & Tricks
  • 10 Best Wireless Backup Cameras for Your Car in 2020 - Safety Reverse10 Best Wireless Backup Cameras for Your Car in 2020…
  • The Best Dash Cam for Truckers to Get a Higher Level of SafetyThe Best Dash Cam for Truckers to Get a Higher Level…
  • Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard Review - Smart Self-Balancing ScooterRazor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard Review - Smart…
  • Swagtron T580 Review - The Best Self Balancing HoverboardSwagtron T580 Review - The Best Self Balancing Hoverboard

10Techy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.
John Smith

Hi. My name is John Smith. I'm a young PR Specialist from Canada. I created this website to share everything I love about technology and all the latest gadgets. I enjoy reading, dancing, and helping other people. Read more.

8 comments
  1. GearPriestsays:
    October 17, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    Great tips! Safety is really important when riding your hoverboard. Thanks for the post!

  2. John@Hoverboardssays:
    February 21, 2018 at 5:09 am

    This is good for us to choose and buy the right ones at reasonable prices.

  3. Deb Pearlsays:
    March 13, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    My son really wants a hoverboard, and I want to make sure that he can be safe while he uses it. Thank you for all the tips on how he can be safe. I’m glad you mentioned that they aren’t like skateboards and shouldn’t ride as fast.

    1. John Smithsays:
      March 14, 2018 at 9:02 am

      You can check out EPIKGO hoverboard from this page: https://10techy.com/best-smart-two-wheels-electric-self-balancing-scooters-hoverboards/. It uses UL2271 Certified Smart Battery, passing 159 tests involving safety regulations. So it should be safe for your son.

  4. Samiul Hasansays:
    June 20, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    It’s really needed for everyone to be careful when you are a newbie on the hoverboard. Thanks for this helpful article.

  5. Johnsays:
    November 16, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Great tips for safety. I am sure that it will help me while riding.

  6. Johnsays:
    March 6, 2019 at 11:28 am

    First of all, thanks for this great article about safety tips. I just wanna ask that is it safe for a 9 year old boy to ride hoverboard or not? Hope you will reply me soon.

  7. rostumkhansays:
    April 22, 2019 at 11:40 am

    hey respected
    the information you shared with us were very useful and informative for us
    really thankful to you

Comments are closed.

© 2021 10Techy. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms of Services
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
No part of this site may be reproduced without our permission.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.