Do you think hoverboards are dangerous? Is there anything you should worry about? What makes them unsafe?
These are some of the common questions that make the rounds in the mind of every prospective buyer.
Well, I won't say you're overthinking as it's natural to be concerned about safety when trying out something new. Still, I'd say you're worrying too much.
Most of the negative things latched to hoverboards are myths. People are in awe of hoverboards and obviously, for good reasons. At least that’s what I think!
Needless to say, hoverboards gained massive popularity in the last two years, and even now, they're loved by many people out there.
As a matter of fact, they're definitely one of the few things in Santa's wish list this year. However, before you make up your mind to buy one or if you already have one of those self-balancing scooters, please ask yourself if it's entirely safe to ride a hoverboard?
Alright. Think about traveling on a bus, is it safe? What about the risk of meeting an accident? Can it flip over?
Now imagine traveling on an airplane, what about it? Can it crash? God forbid if you meet an air accident; they're the worst of them all.
Similarly, you have to understand that hoverboards also come with a few risks and dangers, just like any other mode of transportation.
First thing first, there's a risk of potential injuries in pretty much everything you do in your day to day life. The best part being, you'll be able to save yourself the trouble if you've familiarised yourself with all these details.
When You Fall, You Fall Hard
One of the most significant risks perhaps that a hoverboard has is the risk of falling, especially if you're a beginner and still in the process of learning or if you're not so great at balancing yourself.
On the other hand, even if you're good at managing the hoverboard, there's still a risk of falling in case you're riding around any rough terrains.
Other than that, your hoverboard is also at risk of collisions. They can occur in case you fail to see the object at the front or if you're unable to control the speed of your hoverboard in the busy areas.
Nevertheless, collisions can turn into an unfortunate accident. It's not just harmful to you but for the people that are in the way. It is precisely the reason you need to stay alert and cautious of your surroundings while riding a hoverboard.
In case you love pulling different stunts and tricks, you need to be extra cautious as such things may be fun, but they come with an increased risk of potential injury.
For anyone buying a hoverboard for his/her child, I'd say you must pay attention to all such things, and watch your kids when they ride that hoverboard around in the neighborhood.
Technical Issues, Such as Exploding
In the US and the UK, there were a number of people that reported about their hoverboards getting alight while being charged or when being ridden. I know it's pretty scary, but don't be scared. It's just one side of the picture.
Most of the manufacturers claim that it isn't an issue with the hoverboard itself. In fact, it happens due to the quality of lithium-ion batteries used in the making of hoverboards.
Rendering to the facts and figures, several factories in China are making their own lithium-ion batteries. What makes it worse is that their quality is not as reliable as the ones made by high-end brands like Samsung or LG.
Fortunately, it's not something you should worry about in this day of age. All the hoverboards in the markets these days come with UL certification, proving that the batteries they bring along are safe and reliable.
Check the board of your hoverboard if it has a UL certification sticker. In case it doesn't, you know it's not the product for you. It's as simple as that.
Keep an Eye on the Traffic
Have you ever heard of a bike accident? Or someone who met an accident while skating on a busy road? Just like that, hoverboards can get involved in traffic accidents as well.
The risk increases if you're riding the hoverboard somewhere close to a busy street or in the market area. It is primarily why I discourage taking the hoverboard to a busy street or main roads that are loaded with traffic.
Aside from that, I'd say you must not ride your hoverboard up and down steep hills if you're a beginner or still learning the basics of riding. It can be pretty dangerous.
Oh, and did I mention about how you should consider your height while riding a hoverboard? I'm sure you must be thinking hoverboards don't have a height limit.
Yes, they don't, but you have to come to terms with the fact that they lift you up a few inches.
Thus, in case you're too tall, there's a high risk of head injury. Thereby, it would help if you considered your height before taking the chance.
Take Notes of Your Hoverboard's Weight-Bearing Capacity
Whether it's purchased from a store or an online retailer, every hoverboard comes with its own limitations of minimum and maximum weight. The minimum weight-bearing capacity of a hoverboard is usually around 45lbs; whereas, the maximum weight limit goes up to 300lbs.
Following the weight limitations of your hoverboard is of utmost importance. Why? The reason is simple! If you fail to follow the weight limitations, it can lead you to balance issues.
Hoverboards are incorporated with a weight detecting device, so it automatically detects your weight and helps in balancing. In case of not following the weight limitations, the device won't be able to identify it correctly, which can further create problems.
It is one of the few reasons why children often fail to ride a hoverboard successfully and get involved in accidents too.
Hoverboards are actually fun to ride, as long as you know how to use them correctly. Failure to do so can lead to injuries and accidents, but following the safety measures, you can definitely enjoy the experience of a lifetime.