How would you like to zoom down the sidewalk in style?
Then you’ll want to get your hands (or rather – feet) on the latest and coolest method of self-transportation!
Hoverboards don’t require much skill or talent to ride. But thanks to the awesome technology that goes into it – you can get to your destination in the most fashionable way.
What Is A Hoverboard?
A hoverboard, or more accurately, a self-balancing scooter or balance board, is basically a “Segway” without handlebars.
Does it really hover off the ground?
Sadly, no – we aren’t living the experience depicted in the Back to the Future movies (yet).
Then what makes a hoverboard so fascinating?
These marvellous devices seem to amaze anyone who rides them or who watches someone ride one, especially older people.
Hoverboards allow you to move around by simply leaning in the direction you want to travel.
The board stays balanced thanks to sensors that also control direction and speed.
Let’s take a closer look at how these high tech gadgets work.
How Does A Hoverboard Work?
Hoverboard Technology
Did you know that this technology has been around since 2010? Back then it was most commonly used in other modern wonders such as drones.
The smart man who invented the hoverboard used this same kind of tech to create a board that can balance on its own.
To learn how a hoverboard actually works, we’ll discuss some of the components inside these incredible devices.
The Wheel Sensors
Hoverboards have two wheels that house the electric motors themselves, as well as the tilt and speed sensors.
These sensors detect the RPM (revolutions per minute) of each wheel in order to make you speed up or slow down depending on how far you lean towards one direction.
You’re probably thinking, “Well this sounds dangerous..”.
Not to worry. The speed sensors are connected to the motherboard which continually measures the hoverboard’s speed to prevent you from going over the safe speed limit.
A beeping sound is the warning to tell you to slow down.
The Logic Board (Motherboard)
Think of this as the brain of the hoverboard – the part that runs the show.
It controls the speed at which you travel. It runs the built-in program that controls the movement of the wheels based on the direction you are leaning. Therefore allowing you to make accurate movements.
The logic board also controls the board’s power management.
For example, if you are in ‘beginner mode’ it limits the maximum speed of the board.
Gyroscopes
Gyroscopes are sensors used to measure the orientation and angular velocity of the hoverboard. They play a crucial role in maintaining your balance while riding.
They do this by measuring the rotational position of the hoverboard (according to how far you’re leaning).
Now, this is where it gets technical. Your tilt and speed data is then sent to the logic board – which sends a current to the electromagnetic motors. And a magnetic force is applied in opposite directions to keep everything in perfect balance.
The gyroscopes are located on each side of the board, near the wheels.
The Battery Pack
Needless to say, the batteries give your board the power to keep going.
It’s super important to make sure the lithium-ion batteries that come with your hoverboard are as safe as possible.
The reason for this is that some manufacturers and brands are selling cheaper hoverboards with smaller capacity batteries.
These batteries can be really dangerous and they’ve unfortunately caused the ‘Hoverboard Injuries’ headlines you might’ve seen on the news.
Non-UL-certified batteries have been reported to catch on fire while the board is being ridden, or while it’s charging.
By buying your hoverboard from a trusted, reputable brand you can rest assured that the batteries will be safe.
While it might be tempting to purchase a board for half the price – it’s not worth the risk. Always check that the batteries are certified to be safe.
Final Words
Fun fact: There is a Guinness World Record for the farthest flight by a hoverboard (designed by a brand called Omni) that uses propellers. It travelled an impressive 275.9 meters!
Maybe one day we’ll all be flying to work or school on hoverboards that really do hover. But for now, zooming around on a trendy balance board is the next best thing.
Whether you’re looking for a change from your ordinary bicycle or skateboard, or you want to get your kid the best birthday present ever – you won’t go wrong with this incredible gadget!
Also Read: Should You Invest In Green Energy Company Stocks: 5 Things To Know
