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What is A Hoverboard: An In-Depth Look at the Self-Balancing Scooter

March 21, 2020 By Justin Miller

The hoverboard, also referred to as a self-balancing scooter, is pretty popular these days. If you don’t know what is a hoverboard, it’s an electric, two-wheeled, device that is like a Segway in the sense of how the hoverboard is controlled, but it doesn’t come equipped with handlebars.

These boards have a very techy look and offer a solid, smooth performance over a wide range of terrain types. They’re not exactly designed for off-road use, but in the right setting, these boards really can glide.

Table of Contents

• How They Work
• Battery
• Wheels
• Pads
• Remote
• Sensors
• Speed Capabilities
• Use
• Maintaining Your Self-Balancing Scooter

How They Work

The hoverboard features a very basic design, which makes them very easy to maintain and repair as needed.

If need to learn how to fix hoverboard, you should first learn about what makes them tick. The average board consists of the following:

• Gyroscope
• Microprocessor
• Battery
• Motor
• Two wheels
• Pressure pads
• Remote
• Sensors

Gyroscope

The gyroscope is what adjusts the tilt of the board, in order to maintain balance.

Microprocessor

The microprocessor is a very tiny processor that regulates the power output to both of the wheels.

Battery

The board’s battery is what stores and provides electrical power to the board. The battery used is typically a lithium-ion battery.

Wheels

Each board has two wheels with an electric motor inside each one. This is where the board’s speed sensor is located. Once the RPM of the wheel has been detected, it’s then sent to the motherboard. The motherboard, also known as the control board, will detect the tilt signals and current speed via signals from the gyroscope.

Once the information has been sent to the control board it begins processing the data. The information such as tilt, speed, and RPMs are processed at the speed of light.

After the data has been processed, the control board will signal back to the motors in the wheels.

Pads

The pressure pads are located at the top of the board where the feet are placed. Under the pads are two rubber pieces. These rubber pieces act as switches, in conjunction with the gyroscopes. Once the rider steps on the board, it engages the pads, pressing them into the rubber switches, which then triggers an infrared sensor that alerts the control board that the rider is on.

When the infrared light is interrupted, the motor gets to work, causing the board to move backward or forward. This is a very simple process that allows the rider to expertly and precisely control the board’s movements, once they get the hang of it.

Together, these components provide the right amount of power and manage the board’s tilt, allowing the rider to remain upright. To use, the rider will stand on the board’s platform between the wheels and can change the direction and adjust the speed of the hoverboard by simply applying weight using the feet.

Remote

Some models of hoverboards come equipped with a remote. These are usually boards that are on the pricey side. A remote will give the rider the ability to lock their board when not in use. It can also allow riders to change the board’s modes based on skill level and max speed capabilities.

Sensors

The sensors in the board work by relaying information to the control board. The sensors then tell the control board how the rider is standing on the platform and the direction the rider is leaning toward.

Any direction the rider leans in and any movements they make will indicate how fast the board will go.

Speed Capabilities

Most brands of boards offer an average speed of five to twelve miles per hour. If you’re currently shopping around for a new board and don’t know what features and specs to look for, click here to check out our epic self-balancing scooter buyer’s guide.

The hoverboard became big in America around 2015. Initially, they went for several hundreds of dollars, which didn’t exactly make them attainable for families on a tight budget. In fact, they became big thanks mainly to celebrities who would zip around on them on the street or even in stores. During this time, the question of whether or not these boards were street legal became an issue.

In terms of legality and usage, this can vary from state to state. There are two states that currently have strict limitations regarding hoverboard usage. These states are California and New York. In fact, the boards are actually banned in New York.

Some states may also have restrictions regarding speed and helmet usage.

Use

In order for the hoverboard to perform well, it must remain upright. The microprocessors inside the boards are what control what direction the board goes in, based on what direction the rider is leaning in. The gyroscope is linked directly to the microprocessor, which works by collecting information in regard to the tilt of the board. Balancing the board can take some getting used to, but you’ll find that most models feature intuitive controls and large platforms that make balancing more manageable.

Maintaining Your Self-Balancing Scooter

The EPIKGO Self Balancing Scooter Hover Self-Balance Board is a beginner-friendly model with intuitive controls, a larger than average platform, and a tough motor that can easily take on steep hills. Not all hoverboards are as beginner-friendly or as easy to repair and maintain.

This particular model uses the latest in hoverboard technology, offering a longer runtime and a more powerful motor and battery. This model is exactly what a hoverboard should be: dependable, fast, and easy to use.Final Words

Now that you know what is a hoverboard and how it works, you can buy a model based on your commuting needs, skill level, and budget. If possible, read self-balancing scooter reviews to find a model that has a solid reputation regarding overall quality, power, battery life, and true mileage.

The hoverboard is considered the wave of the future in terms of an affordable, environmentally friendly way to commute to and from work or ride around town. As each year passes, there’s no question that the technology used in the hoverboard will continue to advance, offering longer runtimes, impressive mileage capabilities, and even lightweight designs.