Hoverboard Safety Tips According to the Experts

Hoverboards have become extremely popular especially for gifts during the holidays and other special occasions. There is a lot of hype surrounding the hoverboard but not too much information on how to stay safe. With concerning videos shared on social media about hoverboards catching fire and people getting injured in other ways, it is important to know that you or your loved one can stay safe on the board. Below are some great safety tips to make sure that you stay safe.

Know Where to Ride

You can typically ride your hoverboard in most of the places where it is legal to ride a skateboard or bike. Some cities have regulations concerning hoverboards on public sidewalks and bike lanes so it is a good idea to find out where it is legal to ride. The local police department can be a great place to get the right information concerning this to avoid getting fined or having your new board confiscated.

Practice Before Going Out in Public

One of the biggest issues and safety concerns with new hoverboard riders is balance. It is a good idea to practice getting on and off the board before going out riding. For example you should get on the board one foot at a time. The same applies when disembarking, with the dominant foot getting off first. In addition to this, your posture should be straight without bending the knees. Practice indoors before going out on an adventure to avoid getting acquainted with the concrete or tarmac.

Choose the Right Hoverboard

Shopping based on hoverboard price to find the cheapest is not a good idea. You will of course find plenty of cheap options but the old adage cheap is expensive applies here. The cheaper products are the ones commonly reported to catch fire among other safety-related concerns. It is better to pay a premium price for a premium product that you can guarantee safety on.

Pay Special Attention When Riding at Night

Although it is advised that you do not ride your hoverboard at night, it is not always practical. The boards do have lights, but they are not as bright as car lights for example. Just like riding a bike or running at night, wear white. Where possible, wear light up shoes. These attract attention to the rider and make you more visible to drivers and other road users.

A final and very important piece of advice is to avoid charging your board overnight. Even the best board with the highest quality battery is a potential for fire if not closely monitored during charging. The typical hoverboard requires just four hours of charging.