Hoverboards are two-wheeler toys such as kid’s scooters, bicycles, etc. Instead of riding it inside, it is more likely to ride outside. As these hoverboards are electric and self-balancing scooters, it is necessary to know if it is ok to take them outside.
Hoverboards can be taken outside on grass, dirt, or gravel if you have the right hoverboard. It can be taken on the road, depending on the state laws. With the advancement in technology, hoverboards can be ridden not only on smooth, flat surfaces but also on terrain, uneven surfaces.
Mostly children like to ride their hoverboards in more space than they can get outside, such as in parks, streets, etc. Inside they do ride their hoverboard, but they find it less fun. So let’s see in which places they can ride the hoverboard and what features does it require?
Characteristic Of A Off-Road Hoverboard
Hoverboards are included in vehicles in some states, and these electric devices are meant to be outside. Off-door hoverboards must have the following features so that they can work properly.
- Tire size:
The size of the tire of a hoverboard should be large enough to move through any surface. Small tires take extra effort on rough surfaces, causing pressure on the battery. The tire or battery may not last long.
The 6.5 inches tire size is good for the pavements or the sidewalks. For riding in grass or gravel tire size of 8.5inches is more suitable. The bigger the tire, it can easily travel through the rough surfaces with less effort.
- Tire pattern
For rough or uneven surfaces like grass, gravel, and dirt, it is necessary to have a grip on your tires. Good grip demands deeply grooved patterns. Do look for such grooved patterns so that it works properly.
- Tire Material
The quality and material of the tire matter a lot. Normally hoverboards have rubber tires that are durable and last long with little maintenance. These tires are also puncture-resistant. But for off-road riding, it is more suitable to have air-filled tires as these tires have more stability required for terrain surfaces.
- Dust and water protection
The hoverboard must encounter dust and water while riding outside. So it would be best if you were careful that your hoverboard has an IP rating to protect itself from dust and water. The IP rating ensures it is water protected, so its internal components remain safe. The hoverboard should have an IP rating of IPX4.
- Motor capacity
The off-road hoverboard needs a high motor capacity to run the hoverboard smoothly. The uneven surfaces require extra power to move the hoverboard forward. So it is more suitable to have a motor of 200W or more, and you can use it for indoor and outdoor use.
- Led lights:
It is good to have LED lights on the hoverboard so it would be easy to travel at night.
Can You Ride A Hoverboard On Grass, Gravel, Dirt?
Riding your hoverboard outside means great interaction with different kinds of surfaces. It could be grassy or gravel. Kids take their hoverboards into the park or roam in the street, sidewalks, etc. However, hoverboards work well and fast on smooth, flat surfaces. But you can also use it on uneven surfaces only if you have the right type of hoverboard.
For outdoor riding, it is best to take the off-road hoverboard with certain qualities for a much better experience. The main focus should be on the hoverboard wheel as it plays an important role. The big, pattern, air-filled wheels are considered the best to travel on grass, dirt, or gravel.
Can You Ride It On The Road?
Hoverboards are two-wheeled electric motor scooters that you can ride on the road only if the state laws allow you. Due to its record of explosion complaints, many cities don’t allow hoverboards in public places. Although technology has improved with time, only a few cities allow it under certain conditions.
The main restriction is the speed limit. If any road or street has a speed limit of 35mph, hoverboards are not allowed there. With all the safety gear, you can ride it only at 15mph speed. Age limit, registered hoverboard, etc., are involved in the conditions. Without it, you may have to pay a heavy penalty.
Can You Take A Hoverboard On The Beach?
Many kids insist on taking their hoverboards to the beaches to enjoy themselves. But it is not suitable in many scenarios, especially if the hoverboard wheels are small or the sand has bigger rocks as it can get stuck in the tires and damage the motor.
But keeping such places in mind, manufacturers have developed many hoverboards that can go on terrain and uneven surfaces, including sandy areas like beaches. These hoverboards contain the features mentioned above. The only precaution in taking your hoverboard to the beach is to protect it from the water. Because hoverboards are water resistant and not waterproof, excess water can damage the hoverboard. Also, you need to maintain the speed limit as riding with speed may unbalance you resulting in falling.
Are Hoverboards Better Inside Or Outside?
The hoverboard can be used inside and outside. To use it inside/outside, you need to buy a hoverboard with features that can be useful everywhere. A normal hoverboard with average-size tires, motor, and battery, can be used in indoor places where the surface is flat and smooth and lasts long.
For terrain, grassy, gravel, and places where there is dirt, you need the right kind of off-road hoverboard. Before buying, do see your use and then look for such characteristics so that it can be beneficial for you. Hence, hoverboards can be used indoors and outdoors, but it is more fun while riding outdoors due to more room. There are just certain conditions.
Drawbacks Of Using Hoverboards Indoors And Outdoors:
You need to be careful of some drawbacks of using the hoverboard inside or outside.
Indoor hoverboarding can cause black tire marks on the polished floor. There is less space, and indoor spaces are mostly decorated with decorative items, so you need to see that you don’t bump anywhere, causing the loss of the expensive items and hurting yourself. Also, you need the owner’s permission to ride in many places.
Outdoor hoverboarding needs a specific hoverboard otherwise it could be extremely dangerous to go out. You also need to know about your state or local government laws regarding hoverboards, where you can use them, and where not, so no fine is charged. Riding outside, be careful of the weather as hoverboards would stop working in rain or extreme weather.
Final Thoughts
Hoverboards can be used indoors and outdoors. But mostly, people want to ride outside due to space and as it is more fun than in a compact place. For outdoor riding, you need to have a different kind of hoverboard that helps you ride everywhere. Some specific characteristics of such boards are highlighted for your ease. Before purchasing, you need to ensure your riding habits and see the most suitable hoverboard you can use inside and outside.
