Hoverboards, also called balance scooters, are two-wheel micro-mobility devices that can be controlled to move forward and backward and to turn. Since its launch, it has grown in popularity and has become a trend among children and teens. Today, some adults even use hoverboards as an alternative means of commuting due to their portability and practicality.

If you’re planning to get one or if you already have one, learn more about important hoverboard safety tips to keep you safe while using your board. 

How dangerous is a hoverboard?

Before sharing the tips, riders should first know the risks of using a hoverboard. Despite its popularity, the hoverboard is deemed unsafe by many people. During the hoverboard’s early days, news reports featured hoverboards that spontaneously overheated, caused burns, and caught fire. These incidents mostly started from uninspected products. Fortunately, newer models feature better parts and build. 

Aside from this, hoverboard riders are also at risk of incurring injuries if they don’t ride a hoverboard properly. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported hoverboard-related injuries from 26,854 children during 2015 and 2016. The injuries incurred were mostly on the wrist, forearms and heads.

These reports are alarming. However, accidents and injuries can be prevented as long as riders buy hoverboards that comply with the standards and ride them properly and safely.

Hoverboard Safety Tips

Follow these tips to enjoy riding your hoverboard safely!

1. Know how to ride a hoverboard properly

Avoid accidents and injuries by knowing how to ride a hoverboard. Start by placing the hoverboard on a flat surface and getting on it one foot at a time. Feel free to grab onto a person or pole to help you balance on the board. 

Next, stand up straight with your feet apart, and relax your whole body as you find your balance. Once you’re stable, try leaning slightly forward and backward to practice moving. Also, practice how to get off a hoverboard safely.

Learn how to ride a balance scooter or hoverboard, and know your device from the inside out!

2. Practice before riding in public

This tip may be a bit redundant, but it should be stressed that mastering riding a hoverboard is necessary to help you navigate safely in the streets. Riding a hoverboard requires good balance, and that’s not easy to accomplish, especially for beginners. 

So, hoverboard riders need an ample amount of practice to ensure that they have full control over the device. Make sure to master riding a hoverboard first before you head out on the streets to avoid accidents and ride safely in public.

3. Wear protective gear

Once you're ready to travel with a hoverboard, don’t forget to wear hoverboard safety gear as a precaution while riding. Common safety equipment includes a helmet, gloves, arm pads and knee pads. 

You can use the typical bicycle equipment as long as it gives enough protection to your body parts. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider, always wear protective gear for your safety.

4. Don’t use them like skateboards

Although some hoverboards can zoom past skateboards, you should never use them like a skateboard. This means no jumping, speeding, and doing tricks with your hoverboard.

Unlike skateboards, hoverboards are thicker, heavier, and have mechanical parts, making them more prone to breaking and accidents. Moreover, the board is not as stable as a skateboard, so trying ramp tricks is risky. Hoverboards are meant for leisurely speeds on smooth surfaces and for moving people. So, avoid doing exhibitions and keep yourself safe while riding.

5. Use it with caution

Handle your hoverboard with care to maintain its good condition and prevent experiencing problems with your board. Don’t ride it on rough surfaces and avoid bumping it into objects. Moreover, follow the weight limit of your hoverboard. Overloading may damage its parts or cause overheating. Lastly, be mindful of how you handle your hoverboard. Don’t drop, kick, or shake it to avoid damaging it.

6. Charge your hoverboard properly

Finally, take care of the battery of your hoverboard, as it is the main power source of your device. Only use an original battery and battery charger to ensure good performance and reliability. Moreover, charge your hoverboard in an open area away from flammable items as a precaution. Lastly, don’t overcharge your hoverboard. Charging time usually takes 2 to 4 hours, so keep an eye on your e-scooter and don’t leave it charged for too long.

Enjoy cruising on your hoverboard by riding safely

The best way to enjoy riding your hoverboard is to practice the hoverboard safety tips above. Avoid getting into accidents and ride worry-free whenever you cruise on your hoverboard. Finally, make sure to take care of it and handle it carefully to keep it in top condition and prolong its lifespan.

For more tips on riding hoverboards, e-bikes, and electric scooters, browse through Ride Hub’s blogs. 

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for your next micro-mobile e-ride, check out Ride Hub’s online shop today and get the best deals on the best e-rides in the market!