Also known as a self-balancing scooter, hoverboards are portable electric devices that move on two wheels. They entered the market around 2015 and have been gaining increasing popularity since.
Powered by lithium-ion batteries that are rechargeable, a rider is suspended on a platform between the two wheels. The platform is large enough for the rider’s two feet and some space for balance between.
When a rider leans forward, backward, right or left, the wheels move in that direction. A series of sensors and pressure pads help catch the rider’s weight and prevents them from falling forward (but there is some balance involved).
MOVING FORWARD AND BACKWARD
All the above components work together to control the power and tilt of the hoverboards so the rider is balanced, upright and moving at a controlled speed. But how does it work, technically-speaking?
Each wheel has it’s own gyroscope and tilt and speed sensor. When you climb aboard and tilt your balance forward or backward, the gyroscope tells the logic board which way to move. The logic board sends that data to the motor, which rotates the wheels and generates the power for you to move.
More tilt = more speed.
STOPPING
IR sensors and pressure pads placed below the foot platform send data to the logic board when you’re not tilting. That tells the logic board not to run the motor so the board won’t move.
TURNING
When a rider moves the right leg ahead, the hoverboard will move the right wheel only. This turns off the motor to the left wheel and allows the board to turn left. For a right turn, the rider moves the left foot ahead.
DO HOVERBOARDS HAVE ADDITIONAL FEATURES?
One of the biggest complaints of hoverboard riders is that their board scratches and scuffs easily. With an infinite amount of vinyl, silicone and rubber covers, you not only make your hoverboard more resistant to wear and tear, you can also change its look completely.
Some hoverboards can be decked out with LED lights, Bluetooth, built-in speakers, turn signal and even fog lights.
Or why not turn your hoverboard into a go-kart? With this strap-on frame, you can turn your hoverboard into a whole new, rideable device. It’s compatible with most hoverboards, easy to use and takes 10 minutes to assemble.
Post time: Jul-10-2023
