Recently, you have probably heard a lot of people talking about hoverboards. From using them for fun or to get to places in half the time, people of all ages are enjoying using this technology in their everyday lives.
Bu you may be wondering; what is a hoverboard? Is there a weight limit for this device? Let’s find out the answer.
What is a Hoverboard?
First of all, it is important to understand what a hoverboard is. This is also referred to as a self-balancing scooter. It can be enjoyed by adults and children, with its two wheels and platform. There is no handles and it requires you to use your bodyweight and balance to move forward and steer. They are powered by electric and they are very portable, which makes them popular for bringing with you wherever you go. They can usually go up to 12 miles per hour and in most countries, they are legal on the sidewalk.
Is there a Weight Limit?
For any type of ride-on device, there is going to be a weight limit. So, since you are standing directly onto a hoverboard, there is going to be a weight limit. Often, this is not a general weight limit and it is specific to the hoverboard you are riding. This is something that is put in place for your safety and to ensure that your new hoverboard does not break prematurely. After all, you want to use your hoverboard a lot and if you are too heavy, this is going to cause excessive wear and tear.
You can easily find out the weight limit on a hoverboard model. This is something that is going to be freely available when you purchase it. You should be able to find it online if you are purchasing through the internet. If you are buying a hoverboard in a store, always take a look on the box. Of course, you will also have to know your own weight to see if you are within the guidelines.
Something that you should be aware of is that there can be a minimum weight limit on a hoverboard to. Think about it; this device is all about using your own body weight to move around and control it. So, if you are not within the weight limit guidelines, you are not going to be able to ride the hoverboard properly.
What Damage Will Excess Weight do to a Hoverboard?
As we have mentioned, not taking the weight limit seriously will damage your hoverboard. You may not notice this damage after one or two rides. Instead, it can happen over time. This is particularly true if you are around 10 to 15 pounds over the weight limit specified for the model you are riding.
For instance, if a hoverboard is constructed from ABS plastic or a polycarbonate material, this can break when there is too much weight. It is often used for the frame of a hoverboard and it is very durable when you are within the restrictions. However, if you are over the weight limit, this can cause these materials to crack. When this happens, this can become very dangerous since it can expose the electronics inside.
In addition, other parts of the hoverboard can be damaged. This includes the wheels and the brackets. There is also the possibility that screws can bend and you can damage the overall structure of the hoverboard. You could be riding and lose a wheel on your journey.
Do not forget that your weight is important for operating a hoverboard. If you are too heavy, this is going to mean that you slow down your ride. The motor is going to work at maximum capacity, which will not be enough to power your weight. In other words, your hoverboard is going to be a lot slower than it says because you are over the weight limit.
What are the Normal Weight Limits for Hoverboards?
Ultimately, the weight limit is going to depend on the type of hoverboard you have. However, we have some guidelines that you can go by to narrow down your search for the right hoverboard.
For example, if you see a hoverboard that has 4.5-inch wheels or ones that appear small, these are going to be designed for kids. Often, the weight limit will be around 120 pounds or 55 kilograms.
You can also come across designs with 6.5-inch wheels. This is going to be the ideal model that teenagers can enjoy, as well as small and lightweight adults. These sizes of wheels will carry up to around 220 pounds or 100 kilograms in weight.
Another common wheel size that you will notice when you are shopping for a hoverboard is 8.5-inch wheels. This is going to be the best choice for most adults. Indeed, these wheels can hold up to 265 pounds or 120 kilograms of weight. Most people are going to fall into this category.
Another option you may have is 10-inch wheels on a hoverboard. This is a heavy-duty design that can be good for holding a lot of weight, as well as going over different terrains. Often, they can hold up to 330 pounds or 150 kilograms. Just be aware that you will have to pay a lot more money for a model like this.
Therefore, be aware that there are different weight limits for hoverboards. Most of the time, you will not be able to share a model with the family. In other words, the adults and children will have to have different hoverboards. You should also be aware that all models will need some weight to operate. The minimum weight limit is around 44 pounds. Therefore, if there is someone that weighs under this amount, it is not going to be safe for them to ride a hoverboard. For children, they will have to wait until they are older in order to enjoy one. But this can be something to look forward to.