What Is a Hoverboard, and How Does it Work?

Have you thought of what is all the buzz and excitement about hoverboards? You may wonder why they are so popular. After all, you keep seeing them in the news and on social media every now and then. So, what is a hoverboard? Hoverboards are among the coolest and latest inventions in the exciting world of 2-wheeler adventures. If you are planning on taking up hoverboard riding, congratulations! You are in for one seriously exhilarating and enjoyable ride!

What Is a Hoverboard?

A hoverboard, is a self-balancing scooter - a one-of-a-kind two-wheeler that combines adventure with functionality. A unique and exciting twist to the idea of conventional skateboarding, a hoverboard takes everything to a whole new level of fun and excitement. These self-balancing scooters are portable machines that operate on two wheels.

A recreational vehicle that resembles a skateboard in terms of its size and shape, hoverboards don’t actually float. Rather, a hoverboard has two wheels. These wheels are separated by a footboard, and the machine is powered by a battery and electricity.

These self-balancing scooters without any handlebars have recently become pretty popular, especially among kids and teens, because of the many benefits and convenience that it offers.

Here is the best part. These electric vehicles let you travel easily without pedalling or pushing your hoverboard off with your feet.  Wondering who invented the hoverboard? US entrepreneur and businessman Shane Chen is credited with developing the first hoverboard with Hovertrax. He was the first person to file a patent for a hoverboard for Inventist in 2013.

The Hoverboard Components

A hoverboard is made up of a number of different components, and each of them serves a specific purpose. The main parts of a hoverboard are:

• Wheel sensor;
• Main logic board;
• Gyroscope;
• Battery.

The Wheel Sensor

Hoverboard wheels have electric motors and a sensor that controls the speed and tilt. This sensor detects and measures the revolutions per minute (RPM) and sends it to the gyroscope.

Gyroscope

A gyroscope measures and maintains angular velocity and orientation. There are two gyroscopes in a hoverboard, one in each wheel. The speed control boards and gyroscope send the information to the logic board from the sensors.

The Main Logic Board

Also called the hoverboard control system, the main logic board is like the brain of a hoverboard. It is where the hoverboard’s processor calculates the ride speed. The logic board also handles the hoverboard’s power management.

Motor

It receives information from the main logic board and then powers the hoverboard wheels when you tilt.

The Battery

You should know that different hoverboard models come with different battery packs. However, most come with 36V 4400mAH batteries. The battery is the main power supply in the hoverboard and allows the board to function.

How Does a Hoverboard Work?

Understanding the hoverboard components is one thing, but how does a hoverboard work? Perhaps, more importantly, how does a hoverboard apparently defy gravity and stay upright while in use? A hoverboard features pressure pads that sit on two separate switches.

Sensors and motors study and measure the speed and send it to gyroscopes, which further transfer it to the logic board. You will find an LED light beneath each foot pad. This light turns on when you keep your feet straight and gives the signal to the motor that it does not have to turn. However, when you lean, these lights switch off, and the sensor signals to the main logic board to rotate the wheels.

You will be happy to know that controlling a hoverboard is pretty simple. It is simply about tilting your body, which informs the control sensors in your hoverboard to move backward or forward. Each wheel is controlled by a motor. This is the reason hoverboards can spin on the spot without any turning radius.

The composition of the tires and the size of the wheels generally determine what types of surfaces the hoverboard is compatible with.

Self Balance

Gravity plays an important role in riding hoverboards. The centre of gravity balances you when you’re running or walking. In the case of a hoverboard, the tilt sensor and gyroscopes play a key role in maintaining your centre of gravity. The hoverboard’s circuitry determines whether it is level or tilted backward or forward to any degree.

When the circuitry detects tilting, the hoverboard moves in a suitable direction in order to keep it upright. The best part is that the latest gyroscopic technology makes it super simple for the youngest riders to keep their hoverboards safe, stable, and upright.

Forward

If you want to move forward, you have to make sure that you’re comfortable on top of your hoverboard. After that, lean gradually towards your front and apply sufficient pressure on the toes while trying to maintain balance.

Backward

Moving backward is simple. Rather than leaning on the toes, you have to lean on your heels and try to balance the board by keeping your hips straight. 

The Technology of the Foot Pads

When you are riding a hoverboard, you are essentially standing on sturdy pressure-sensitive foot pads. Note that each foot pad has 2 switches, an infrared sensor and an infrared light. Under each foot pad, two switches track your movement. One switch is present on the front, while the other is at the back.

The connection between the infrared light and the sensor is crucial. As long as the IR sensor detects the light, the main logic board of the hoverboard tells the motor to stay still. However, when you lean forward, you exert pressure on the front switch of the foot pad. The switch blocks the infrared light from reaching the sensor. When the light is disrupted, the main logic board powers the motor.

Are Hoverboards Safe?

Hoverboards are safe for kids to use. Your children can easily ride a board at the young age of nine to ten years. However, as this is a moving vehicle, you cannot ignore the risk of injury. Sometimes, children fall off their hoverboards and injure their wrists, forearms, and head. However, falling and getting up is only a part of being a child. This is how kids learn and get experience.

Wondering how to learn to ride a hoverboard? It is best to learn with your parents or an experienced professional from an early age. Here are some simple tips to make hoverboard riding safer:

• Wear suitable protective gear, such as a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads.
• Stay away from high-traffic areas.
• If you are a parent, enrol your children in hoverboard lessons to keep them safe. The right falling technique, as well as other tips, will minimise the risk of injuries or accidents.
• Follow the manufacturer’s weight restrictions and limits.

Concluding Thoughts

There is no doubt that hoverboards are the next big thing in 2-wheel motorised transport. It is fantastic to see how somebody’s imagined gadget from three decades ago has now become a reality.

Now that you know and understand what hoverboards are and how they work, you have all the details you require to start finding a board that is best for you. To experience this amazing technology properly and safely, you must be willing to invest in top-rated and legitimate brands, such as Hoveroo, where you will find the best products like Elektra Hoverboard and other hoverboard accessories, including helmets.