As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
When it comes to riding a hoverboard, safety should always be a top priority, especially for beginners. Falling off a hoverboard can lead to serious injuries, making it crucial to take the necessary precautions before hopping on. In this article, we will explore essential safety tips that beginners should follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable hoverboard experience.
From wearing the right safety gear to riding on appropriate surfaces and practicing weight shifts, these tips will help minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. So, if you’re new to hoverboarding or looking to brush up on your safety knowledge, read on to discover how to ride with confidence and peace of mind.
Hoverboard Safety Tips are below:
- Quality of the Hoverboards.
- Know Where You Can Ride.
- Steer Clear and Don’t OverUse It.
- Hoverboard Safety Gears.
- Practice as Much as You Can.
- Reduce Riding in the Night.
- Hoverboards are Not Skateboards.
- Do not Charge Overnight.
- Ride it Properly and Go Slow.
- Do not leave it charging unattended.
1. Quality of the Hoverboards
When it comes to hoverboards, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the quality of the product. With a flooded market of hoverboard manufacturers, it’s important to be cautious and avoid buying cheap hoverboards made of low-quality materials. These cheap alternatives often come with mass-produced lithium-ion batteries, which not only affect their performance but also pose a fire hazard.
Investing in a top-quality hoverboard may be pricey, but it guarantees safety and peace of mind. Look for hoverboards that are UL 2272 certified, as they ensure top-notch material quality and long-lasting batteries. Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to your hoverboard, as it plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
2. Know Where you Can Ride
Know Where You Can Ride: Hoverboards are popular because of their versatility, allowing riders to use them on various terrains. However, it is essential to be aware of the regulations regarding hoverboard use in different areas. Some cities have banned hoverboards in public spaces, so it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the local laws before riding.
For example, New York City imposes a penalty of $500 for violators. Additionally, hoverboards have been banned in the UK for 180 years, except for private properties. Other places like college campuses may also restrict hoverboard use due to safety concerns. By understanding the rules and restrictions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hoverboard experience.
3. Steer Clear and Don’t Over Use It
When it comes to riding a hoverboard, beginners will inevitably face some challenges in maintaining balance and controlling the device in a single direction. It is important to recognize that even hoverboards have their limits. While it is normal to encounter bumps and crashes while getting the hang of it, it is crucial to understand that hoverboards require proper maintenance to ensure longevity.
To start, it is recommended to practice on clear roads or even on your own balcony until you become more accustomed to handling the device. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid prolonged usage of the hoverboard. Excessive usage can lead to battery heating, which may negatively impact its performance.
It is generally recommended to limit usage to four to five hours to avoid potential malfunctions or even explosions in extreme cases. By following these guidelines and being mindful of your usage, you can steer clear of mishaps and enjoy your hoverboard safely.
4. Hoverboard Safety Gears
Hoverboard safety gears are essential for anyone, especially beginners and children, who are learning to ride these self-balancing scooters. It is crucial to invest in high-quality safety gear, including knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and helmets, to protect against potential injuries. Reputed brands offer reliable protective gear that ensures maximum safety during hoverboard riding.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when it comes to enjoying this mode of transportation. By wearing the appropriate safety gear, riders can minimize the risk of accidents and enjoy a smooth and safe ride on hoverboards.
5. Practice as Much as You Can
Taking off on your new hoverboard without proper supervision is not a good idea. The first lesson you need to learn is to balance the board. It is not easy to get on and off the board with a single leg on the first go. It requires patience and practice.
To avoid hoverboard injuries, practice riding indoors on a smooth surface like a balcony or corridor. This will help you learn to balance and improve faster. Once you have control, you can start riding slowly on the streets. But make sure you perfect your balance before going out on the roads.
6. Reduce Riding in the Night
Reducing riding at night is highly recommended for hoverboard riders due to safety concerns. While hoverboards do come with lights, they are not very bright, which can make it difficult for others to see you on the road.
However, if you must ride at night, there are some precautions you can take to ensure your safety. First, it is important to wear white clothes that make you easily identifiable in the dark. Additionally, consider getting light-up shoes that continuously flash, which will help signal your presence to other vehicle riders.
Another safety measure is to wear radium-stickered protection gear, which will further enhance your visibility. To minimize risks, it is advisable to ride in the mornings or on well-lit roads at night. By adopting these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the dangers associated with riding a hoverboard in the dark.
7. Hoverboards are Not Skateboards
Hoverboards are not skateboards. While both are board-like modes of transportation, hoverboards are self-balancing scooters equipped with electronic components, unlike traditional skateboards. This means that hoverboards are not designed or capable of performing stunts or rough handling like skateboards.
Hoverboards require careful maintenance and handling to ensure safety and prevent accidents. Attempting stunts or rough handling can damage the battery and increase the risk of hoverboard fires and serious injuries. It is important to understand and respect the differences between hoverboards and skateboards to ensure the safe and proper use of these modes of transportation.
8. Do not Charge Overnight
Charging your hoverboard overnight may seem convenient, but it can actually pose serious safety risks. It is important to never keep your hoverboard on charge throughout the night as it can overheat the battery and diminish its performance. Some hoverboard recalls have highlighted the sensitivity of overnight charging, emphasizing the need for precaution.
To ensure the safety and longevity of your hoverboard, always use the specified hoverboard chargers and avoid overcharging. These chargers typically charge the board within a maximum of 4 hours, allowing for safe and efficient charging. Additionally, it is crucial to have a fire extinguisher at home as overcharging can potentially cause a short circuit of the battery, leading to the risk of a fire.
By following these guidelines and taking appropriate safety measures, you can enjoy your hoverboard without any unnecessary hazards.
9. Ride it Properly and Go Slow
Riding a hoverboard properly and going slow is essential for beginners to ensure safety and a smooth riding experience. When getting on and off the hoverboard, always step backward instead of forward to maintain balance. The dominant foot should be the first to touch the ground to provide support.
It is important to keep your knees straight and maintain proper posture while riding. Your feet should be apart, and your focus should be on the road ahead. It may be challenging at first, but with practice, you will become more comfortable and proficient.
Remember to always abide by the speed limits of your hoverboard and enjoy the ride at a slow and controlled pace. By riding responsibly and taking it slow, you can minimize the risk of accidents or injuries and have a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
10. Do not leave it charging unattended.
Do not leave your hoverboard charging unattended. While it may be tempting to leave it plugged in overnight or while you are away, this can pose serious safety risks. Unlike smartphones, hoverboards do not always have built-in mechanisms to stop consuming power once they are fully charged.
This can potentially lead to overcharging, which can result in explosions or fires. To prevent accidents, it is important to always keep an eye on your hoverboard while it is charging. Additionally, it is recommended to have a fire extinguisher nearby as a precautionary measure.
Charging your hoverboard should only take a few hours, so it is best to wait and ensure it is done safely rather than risking a potentially dangerous situation. Remember, the safety of yourself and your surroundings should always be the top priority when using any electrical device.
11. Don’t beat it up too much.
Don’t beat it up too much. While hoverboards are designed to withstand small bumps and crashes, it’s important to handle and ride them with care. One reason for this is the highly volatile lithium-ion battery that powers the hoverboard. Just like with smartphones, there have been cases of hoverboards exploding or catching fire.
So, it’s essential to be mindful of how you treat your hoverboard and avoid excessive rough handling or crashes that could potentially damage the battery. Remember, even though hoverboards are built to be durable, they are not invincible, and mistreatment could lead to safety hazards.
So, ride responsibly and take care of your hoverboard to avoid any accidents or damage.
12. Start by practicing indoors. Find a place in your home where you can
practice your hoverboard-riding skills before venturing out on the streets. This is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it allows you to avoid any potential embarrassment. Let’s face it, when you first start, you’re likely to take a few tumbles.
By practicing indoors, you can save yourself from any public mishaps and keep your initial attempts private. Secondly, practicing indoors helps protect your surroundings. You wouldn’t want to accidentally damage your neighbor’s property or injure others by riding without proper control.
By practicing in a controlled environment, such as a spacious room, you can familiarize yourself with balancing, accelerating, decelerating, and stopping safely. So before hitting the streets, make sure to spend some time honing your hoverboard skills indoors.
13. Improve visibility. Make sure you are visible regardless of the time
Improve visibility is an essential aspect to consider when riding a hoverboard. It is crucial to ensure that you are visible regardless of the time of day. Simply wearing a white shirt may not be sufficient, as it can easily blend in with the bright surroundings or be mistaken for a part of the landscape by drivers or pedestrians.
To enhance visibility, it is advisable to wear clothes and/or shoes with reflectorized trims. Additionally, you can opt for shoes that light up, which not only make you bright but also help grab attention. The goal is not only to be visible yourself but also to ensure that people around you can identify you as a moving individual on a hoverboard.
Can Hoverboards Catch on Fire?
Yes, hoverboards can catch on fire. In fact, in 2016, there were numerous reports of hoverboards catching fire and causing serious safety concerns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued recalls for several hoverboard brands due to over 250 incidents of overheating and fires.
This led to 13 burn injuries, three smoke inhalation injuries, and two deaths associated with the use of hoverboards. The main issue lies with the lithium-ion battery pack overheating, which can result in smoking, explosions, and fire. To address this problem, Underwriter Laboratories developed the UL 2272 Safety Standard, which sets strict guidelines that hoverboards must meet to ensure their safety.
It is important for users to only charge their hoverboards when someone is present to monitor it, as leaving them charged for too long can increase the risk of fire. By following safety standards and guidelines, the risk of hoverboards catching fire can be minimized to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
FAQ
Certainly. Hoverboards can be safe for children to use, but it is essential to remember that they are still moving vehicles and pose a risk of injury. It is strongly recommended to outfit any child using a hoverboard with safety gear for added protection.
The majority of hoverboard brands have made significant improvements in terms of safety, especially when it comes to battery quality. While we cannot speak for all manufacturers, most modern hoverboards do not pose a risk of catching fire.
To minimize the risk of fire, it is advisable to purchase a hoverboard that has a UL 2272 certification. This certification ensures that the hoverboard is equipped with a high-quality battery that meets safety standards.
Hoverboard chargers are generally safe to use. However, if you purchase a third-party charger, it is important to ensure that it matches the voltage and charger type of the original charger to avoid any potential hazards.
Like any other moving vehicle, hoverboards can pose a danger if not used safely. It is crucial to wear protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, and to exercise caution while riding. Beginners should start on flat and smooth surfaces while gradually progressing to more challenging terrains.
Conclusion:
While hoverboards may seem like a fun and exciting way to get around, it’s important to prioritize safety. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride without any accidents or injuries.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so always wear protective gear and practice in a safe and open area. With these precautions in mind, you’ll be gliding through life on your hoverboard with confidence and style. Happy riding!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
