Do you remember all those splendid looking, geekily crafted hovering boards of the Sci-Fi era of the 80's and 90's? Well, the inventors have created something that resembles those boards of the era gone by, not so much in inclination, but in the essence.
The Hoverboards of today don't "hover" mid-air in the right sense of the word, but are more like rolling boards that give the rider a feeling of elevation. This elevation could either be 7 inches or 10 inches, depending on the size of the wheels.
What are Hoverboards?
As has been asserted earlier, the hoverboard "rolls" more than "hovering" mid-air. Being aligned parallel to the ground, specifically at 90 degrees. The gyroscopes present in the board work towards stabilizing it. You could steer it based on the direction of the weight put on the board, a forward lean would take it forward, while a backwards one would make it go in the reverse direction.
You could make it glide in any direction you want based on the impetus provided on the board, be it either right or left. A compelling and fruitful ride on the hoverboard would depend on how well you stabilize yourself on it.
What are they good for?
Well, to be brutally honest with you guys, they are meant for people who have developed a marked diffidence and indifference towards walking. And want to enjoy the environment "hovering" on something funky and cool.
But they could also be used to cover longer strives of distances, at speeds which are beyond the normal walking or running speed ( a cool 11-13mph! ). This could take you to and from places with a substantial reduction in the energy spent!
Although, most of the hoverboards come with a weight limit, which usually goes as high as 230 pounds. This means that hoverboards could only be mounted by people who are physically fit. After all, riding a hoverboard requires a straight posture, coupled with good core strength. Foregoing which you may have an unwarranted fall, with an ensuing injury.
This is the reason why most of the out-of-shape individuals are recommended not to use a hoverboard, to prevent any untoward incident from happening.
Are they legal?
Well, it would depend on the state you live in. Some states completely ban the use of hoverboards on the streets, while some allow them to be used in the designated cycling spaces. The legal use of the hoverboard would depend on the rules formulated by your state of domicile.
If your state has completely banned the use of hoverboards, then you may only use them on private property, like your own backyard, garden, driveway etc.
Safety.
When you ride the hoverboard it is also very important to pay due consideration to your safety. There have been many reports of users of hoverboards meeting with a fall, which resulted in major injuries and even some deaths!
This calls for the need to wear all the requisite safety equipment that you would generally wear while riding a bicycle. The equipment would be safety pads, a helmet, knee pads, tear-free clothing etc.
Hope you have an enjoyable "hovering" experience, but make sure that you put your safety before enjoyment, it is of tantamount importance!
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