While you won’t be flying through the air with your hoverboard anytime soon, these popular and fun devices can still come with safety risks. Whether you’re buying a hoverboard for yourself or your family, be sure to follow these simple safety tips for maximum enjoyment and minimum risk.
Certified Fun
Not all hoverboards are created equal, so choose a model that follows UL 2272 certification. These certified hoverboards are designed to avoid dangerous electrical fires, self-balancing failures and more. Most hoverboards are UL 2272 certified, so this should be an easy safety tip to follow.
Always Wear a Helmet
Just like a bicycle, hoverboards can cause severe injuries if you aren’t properly protected. You or your children will have plenty of fun with a helmet, and it’ll avoid scrapes and bruises should you ever take a tumble. With practice, a hoverboard is easy to operate and very responsive. However, it can take a few tries before you are comfortable with turning, stopping and driving hoverboards.
Beware of Tricks
Yes, it looks like a skateboard. However, attempting to do any tricks or using it on a skate ramp could not only void your warranty, but also damage your hoverboard and potentially cause injury. These devices offer plenty of excitement on level ground, and your hoverboard will last much longer if you take care of it properly.
Check to See if Your Hoverboard Has Been Recalled
While the best hoverboards must meet very strict safety guidelines, sometimes glitches do happen, resulting in boards being recalled. Needless to say, you should stop using a recalled board immediately. If you learn that your hoverboard has been recalled, contact the manufacturer for more information and for guidance on what to do.
Not sure if your board has been recalled, or just want to know which hoverboards have safety concerns? Visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website for more information.
Know Where You Can Ride
Certain areas, including New York City, have banned the use of hoverboards. Most cities and parks will allow you to freely cruise the sidewalks and walking paths, but make sure you follow local laws and ride only when and where you’re permitted.
Whether it’s banned or not, try to be respectful to pedestrians on the sidewalk. Hoverboards operate in an unusual combination of bicycle and skateboard, so people may not be used to sharing sidewalks with these innovative devices.
Support Your Weight
The standard hoverboard is usually 7-inches and can hold up to 220 lbs. While a couple pounds might not make much of a difference, exceeding the weight limit significantly can affect the overall performance of the hoverboard, which can in turn make it dangerous for you to operate.
The good news is that you can still partake in the hoverboard craze if you are over the standard 220 lbs recommendation. Most hoverboards with 10” wheels are durable, fun, and capable of accommodating riders up to 300 lbs.
Slow and Steady
Many hoverboards have an impressive top speed. Unlike scooters and bicycles, a hoverboard is motorized, so it can be difficult to control at top speeds without practice. Start off slow, and indoors if possible. Once you become more comfortable with your hoverboard, then you’ll be able to pick up speed.
Be particularly careful in busy areas, like sidewalks and parks. Pedestrians may not be used to hoverboard traffic, so people may walk in front of you or not move to allow you to pass them at top speeds.
Take your hoverboard safety seriously and stay up-to-date with the latest tips and safety alerts. Then enjoy one of the latest innovations in transportation without any incidents. Whether riding a hoverboard on your way to work or just enjoying a drive through the park, it can be a fun and convenient way to travel. Find the best hoverboards and other electronic gear at FloatingBoard.com. Stay safe and happy riding!
Infographic provided by 10beasts.com