The hoverboard was first mentioned in Back to the Future II and delighted the older ones with a futuristic form of locomotion. Today you can buy a hoverboard. These are not yet floating, as in the 80s blockbuster but hoverboards chargers they are incredibly fun and offer modern mobility. We would like to introduce the advantages and disadvantages and show what is important when choosing the hoverboard.
To explain what a hoverboard actually is, we first want to clarify the term and the various synonyms in order to create a uniform understanding of the language. The English word is composed of hover and board and could be translated as a floating board.
Synonyms for the hoverboard are Mini-Segway, IO Hawk, E-Board, Self Balancing Scooter, or Self Balance Board. A good paraphrase of the hoverboard principle would be: It is a Mini Segway without a holder. However, this term is only partially suitable for good marketing.
History
The term hoverboard was significantly coined by the science fiction film comedy Back to the Future II in 1989. Since then, companies have been drawing attention to themselves with marketing campaigns and announcing that they have found the solution to outwit gravity. Currently, the term is used to market small boards with wheels attached to the sides. Unlike the film, however, you do not stand sideways to the direction of travel, as on a skateboard, but frontally to the direction of travel.
At first glance, it looks difficult to ride a hoverboard. But far from it. The first hoverboard ride usually succeeds much faster than expected. We divide the individual maneuvers and learning sections into four sequences and assert with a clear conscience: After five minutes you are already quite safe on the hoverboard. Although it is really easy to learn, we recommend making the first attempts with an accompanying person. In case of doubt, this can support the following situations:
Hold the board as you ascend
provide additional stability and
catch in case of a fall
Ascend
First of all, the Self Balancing Board must be switched on. This is the only way the board can balance itself thanks to the finest sensor technology. During the first attempt, it is enough to just stand on the hoverboard and keep your balance.
Driving forward and backward
As soon as you have found your balance on the hoverboard, you can try the first meters back and forth. If you tilt your weight or body center of gravity forward, the E-Board accelerates and drives ahead. The reversing is initiated by shifting your body’s center of gravity to the rear.
Brake
The braking process is initiated by the driver shifting the body weight against the direction of travel. If you move forward, you have to shift the center of gravity backward. If you drive backward, you only bend forward.
Curves
Once you have internalized the basics, you deal with the hoverboard steering. If you want to drive a curve to the left with the hoverboard, the left foot is tilted slightly forward. The tip of the foot thus tilts slightly downwards. If you want to turn back around your own axis, the hoe is tilted downwards. Instead of a curve, the hoverboard can also be moved in a circle. To do this, a foot simply remains in a low position until you have completed a 360° turn.
Descend
If you want to get off the hoverboard, you first bring the board to a standstill. Now you can put one foot on the ground while the other lingers on the hoverboard. If you have a secure stand on the ground, the second foot follows. After that, the hoverboard is switched off.
Power
The specified engine power provides an indication of acceleration, top speed, and behavior when overcoming inclines. At first glance, the performance of the models offered is similar.
Accumulator
The hoverboard battery is regularly the focus of criticism and reporting. Since the battery is one of the safety-relevant components of the hoverboard, there is currently no way around brand manufacturers. On the positive side, Samsung regularly stands out in the research.
No Name batteries are suspected of catching fire when charging or having a low life expectancy. Inferior components are often the cause of this. As ntv reports here, some models from cheap providers have exploded or caught fire in the past. Large online shops such as Amazon have already reacted and are quickly removing the dangerous products from the range. A branded battery with a seal should therefore be mandatory.
Reach
The range indicates how many kilometers the board can travel without having to go to the charging station. If you have little desire to charge your device frequently, choose a model with a long-range. Today, 20 kilometers are effortlessly possible with one battery charge.
Tyre
Currently, two different types of tires and different tire sizes have prevailed. Depending on the application, there are advantages and disadvantages in the choice of tires, as the different types and sizes cope differently well on the different surfaces.
Types of tires
Buyers can choose between solid rubber tires and tubular tires.
The solid rubber tire is easier to clean and more robust. Here, the best electric skateboards control of the tire pressure is omitted. The ideal area of application is on the flat ground such as on roads and possibly also on cobblestones. The solid rubber tire comes particularly often with a tire size between 6 to 8.5 inches under the board.
Tubular tires, however, can be found at 10 inches tire size. Similar to the bicycle tire, the tubular tire consists of a tube that is mounted on a rim. The hose acts like a small shock absorber that compensates for unevenness and gives a more stable driving experience. A disadvantage, however, is the control of tire pressure and natural wear.