Looking to learn how to ride a hoverboard? You’re in luck.
In this post, we cover everything you need to know from picking the right board, staying safe and more.
With that said, let’s begin.
Everything You Need to Know About Riding a Hoverboard
You have probably seen plenty of people tooling around on these amazing little devices in recent years. They have captured the attention of millions, as they are a relatively new and fun way to get around. The rise of their popularity really started several years ago, around 2015, but they are still very popular. These self-balancing boards are not the true “hovering” type of hoverboards that films like Back to the Future II made famous, but these are the next best thing. They are, however, a lot of fun to ride, as long as you know how.
Although these might be known as self-balancing boards, there is a bit to learn when you start riding them. They don’t do quite everything for you, and you do need to learn how to ride a hoverboard before you take off down the street. Having a little bit of knowledge under your belt will help to ensure that you don’t make an embarrassment out of yourself. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to learn how to do to ride the board, how you can keep safe on the hoverboard, how to choose the right board, and more.
How to Ride a Hoverboard (Simple Tips)
1. Charge It and Turn It On
The very first thing that you need to do when it comes to hoverboard riding, even before you step onto the board for the first time, is to make sure that it has been fully charged and that you turn it on.
The button for turning the hoverboard on can vary in location, but it will generally be on the rear part of the board. If you were to get onto the board without it having power or being turned on, the “self-balancing” aspect of it would not work. This means you would stand a good chance of falling if you weren’t careful, and you would not have any momentum to go anywhere.
2. One Step at a Time
Some of the hoverboards have a ride mode selection for beginners. If yours does, make sure that you have selected it. When you are first stepping onto the hoverboard, you will want to place a single foot onto the board and use that foot to ensure that it kept upright and level. Once it feels balanced, you will then be able to lift up your other foot and place it onto the board.
At this point, many people who have never tried hoverboard riding will get nervous. They overthink what they are doing and they end up feeling like they are going to fall. It really is quite simple to step onto the board, though. Many people find that if they simply think about it like stepping up onto a stair, it becomes a little easier for them. You will want to have a comfortable stance that is relatively wide. Be sure to keep your knees slightly bent, as well. This can allow for better stability and maneuverability for you when riding a hoverboard.
Once you are up onto the board, it becomes easier. Not only have you gained more confidence, but most of the boards on the market today will be able to balance the board electronically. This can take a lot of the hard work out of riding a hoverboard.
It might still have some back and forth movement, but overall, you will be fine as soon as you find the center of gravity. After you have gotten onto the board and have ridden a few times, you will find that it really does become much easier for you.
3. Moving the Board
Standing up on the board is one thing, but you also need to learn how to move on the hoverboard. Namely, you need to learn how to go forwards and backwards. We will cover turning next. Fortunately, moving is not too difficult. Once you can stand on the board with out too much wobbling and nervousness, you can start to move.
All you need to do if you want to move forward is lean forward slightly. The board will start to go, simple as that. When you need to brake, you lean back. By continuing to lean back, you can go in reverse. By keeping your knees somewhat bent, as mentioned above, it will mean that you can have better overall control.
4. Turning
Now that you have an idea of how to move forward and backward, it is time to learn how to turn. After all, all the places that you will want to go when you learn how to ride the hoverboard will not be in a straight line. While it might look difficult to make turns, it really is very easy and it uses the same principles that you have already learned.
If you would like to have the board go to the left, then you push forward slightly with the right foot. This will help to twist the board in that direction. If you would like to go right, you would then do the opposite. You will push forward with the left foot.
When you are learning to turn, it is best if you keep things nice and slow when you begin. This will give you a better idea of just how much pressure you will have to use when you are making your turns. Then, you can speed up once you have the hang of things.
5. Getting Off the Hoverboard
You can’t stay on the board forever. There will come a time when you need to get off, and you need to be sure that you do it the right way. Always come to a complete stop and then step off toward the rear of the board one foot at a time. If you were to step off going forward, there is a greater chance that you could fall.
6. Keep At It
The basics are very simple to understand. However, that does not mean that everyone “gets it” the first couple of times that they ride. It can often take some time to get used to, as it is quite different from other types of conveyances. Start out slow and only go as fast as you are comfortable when you learn how to ride a hoverboard. It will come to you in time.
How to Keep Safe on the Hoverboard
Whenever you are riding a hoverboard, you want to make sure that you are safe, naturally. This goes beyond simply knowing how to ride the board and how the hoverboard works. You also need to make sure that you have the right safety gear, just as you would if you were riding a bike or a skateboard.
Some of the items that you will want to have available include a helmet, knee and elbow pads, a tailbone protector, and wrist guards. Despite it being easy to learn, that does not mean that there is no risk of danger. There is always the chance that you could fall when riding a hoverboard. If that happens, you will be happy that you had the added protection.
Where Can You Get a Hoverboard?
If you are excited about the prospect of having your very own hoverboard, of if you will be buying a hoverboard for a loved one who has had an eye on them, you are probably wondering how to get a hoverboard. Fortunately, you will find that this is even easier than learning how to ride the hoverboard. You can find many options available online today. The price, the style, and the features will vary, of course.
Choosing the Right Hoverboard
When it comes to choosing the right hoverboard, you need to be sure that you understand what features it offers. You will want to find those that are self-balancing, and you will want to make sure that it has the aesthetics that appeal to you. What colors are available? Does it have any lights or other features that help to set it apart? Are those features necessary or are they just inflating the cost.
In addition, you will certainly want to consider the capabilities of the board. When choosing a hoverboard, make sure that it can carry the amount of weight that you need. Check the speed of the hoverboard, as well. Always check and compare the specs when you are making your choice.
Pay Attention to the Laws
Something that is important to note is that they are not welcome everywhere. There are certain locations that have banned them, so always makes sure that you know the laws before you start riding in someplace new.
Learning to ride is not difficult, and it does not take many people very long to get the hang of it. Riding the hoverboard can be fun for all ages, so get out there and have a blast.