How To Ride A Hoverboard: Step-by-Step Guide to Expert Riding

Conner Flynn Updated September 13, 2019

Learning how to ride a hoverboard is like riding a bike; it’s easy after you do it a few times and it’s a skill that stays with you no matter how frequent you ride your self-balancing scooter. To that end, it’s easier to ride if you didn’t overspend. That why we recommend looking at the best hoverboard under $300.

We’re here to share all of the tips and tricks that we know, so you can learn to ride a hoverboard. There’s more to it than just stepping on and zooming off into the sunset.

Riding a hoverboard is easy, but practice makes perfect. As does safety.

Contents

1 How to Ride a Hoverboard Step-by-Step
2 Hoverboard Safety Tips

How to Ride a Hoverboard Step-by-Step

Step 1
- The first thing that you need to realize is that not all hoverboards are created equal. Some have special features like a learning mode, which walk you through the process and help you learn. So read the manual and get to know your new mode of transport before you step on it. If your hoverboard doesn’t have a manual, don’t worry. This is a piece of cake.
Step 2
- Turn on your hoverboard. The button is usually on the back near the charging port, though locations can vary.
- Do not try to get on your new vehicle while it is switched off because it won’t self-balance and you’ll likely fall and hurt yourself. In other words, in off mode, your hoverboard is not ready to compensate for your weight by helping you balance.
Step 3
- Always make sure that your battery has a full charge. You don’t want your ride cut short due to a battery that needs to be charged. Plus, you’ll always get the best performance with a full battery.
Step 4
- Next, make sure that your hoverboard is on a flat even surface. You may want to position your hoverboard near something you can hold onto for this first time. Then you can step one and only one foot on your hoverboard. Try not to overthink it. Just step up as if you are going up some stairs. It’s all very natural.
Step 5
- Some hoverboards have a green light near the battery gauge. If this lights up green, feel free to put your second foot on. If yours doesn’t have this don’t worry. Just go ahead and put your second foot on. If you lose your balance and have to step off, that’s fine.
- Once you get the hang of it, you will have both feet on your board. Keep your feet as far apart from each other as possible, because a wide stance will help with stability.
Step 6
- Hoverboards are designed to help balance you once you are on, so rest for a few moments and get used to this feeling.
- When you are comfortable with your balance and ready to move, lightly point your toes forward and your hoverboard will go forward. It will go where you lean. Start slow, don’t lean too far forward until you are ready to go faster.
Step 7
- Turning is just as easy. To turn clockwise, point your right toe downward and it will turn. Make sure that your other foot remains horizontal, otherwise, it will undo your turn.
- To turn the other way, do the same thing with your left foot. To go backward, just lean back. It’s all about how you shift your weight. Now you are steering with your feet like a pro.
- Believe it or not, it’s that simple. Those are the basics of riding a hoverboard. There’s not much to it. With just a bit of practice, anyone can do it. With a bit more practice, you can even be a pro at it.
Step 8
- When it’s time to get off of the hoverboard, just follow the directions for getting on, but in reverse. Take one foot off and then the other. Always step off backward, never forward. And never jump off.

Hoverboard Safety Tips

Handle Slopes with Caution

Most self-balancing hoverboards can handle slopes and small inclines up to 15 degrees. Some can even handle terrain that is a bit higher.

New riders should be extra cautious when they encounter rises since they can throw your balance off or be deceptive in their size. Once you drive over a few of these, it won’t be a big deal at all.

Watch Your Hoverboard Speed

Obviously the faster you go, the more careful you should be. That’s true of all vehicles. Most hoverboards only go about 10 MPH, but that is enough to cause injury. On some models when you hit top speed, you will hear a beep. This lets you know that you are reaching maximum velocity and should slow down. Bending your knees will give you more control when going fast.

Wear Hoverboard Safety Gear

Always wear a helmet when riding your hoverboard.

Even if you are a seasoned hoverboard rider, accidents happen. It’s important to be safe and wear safety gear that will protect you from a fall. Wearing a helmet, wrist guards and some knee and elbow pads are a smart idea. You can’t ride your hoverboard if you are in the hospital.

Show off Responsibly

If you like to do tricks and stunts on your hoverboard, don’t do them until you have gained some mastery of the device. And if you are a seasoned rider who likes to do stunts, you should never do them at top speed.

Know Where to Ride Your Hoverboard

Hoverboards will go almost anywhere, some are even made for off-road riding, but it is important to know and pay attention to the road in front of you. For the most part, you will want to keep to smooth surfaces. Avoid even small potholes or any uneven surface that could send you tumbling.

This mostly comes down to getting to know your hoverboard and what it is capable of. Also what you are comfortable with. Once you are familiar with your hoverboard you will have a good idea of what it can handle.

Stay Safe While Riding a Hoverboard at Night

The Segway Mini has LED lights in the front and back.

Some hoverboards have LED lights that will not only light the way ahead of you but also keep you safe by making you more visible to others. Whether your model has LED lights or not, it is a good idea to wear something bright, ideally something reflective so that cars will see you easily. You could also put some reflectors or reflective stickers on your hoverboard.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The more practice you have on your hoverboard, the more you will master it and the safer you will be while riding. Get to know your ride and everything that it is capable of. Learn how it handles different situations. Discover all of its features. Then venture out further and hit higher speeds when you are more confident.

A Hoverboard Is Not a Skateboard

Yes, some people want to do stunts, but you have to realize that hoverboards and skateboards are two very different things. They do not work in the same way. If you treat your hoverboard like a skateboard, you are going to get hurt. Do not try to do the same tricks that a skateboard can do. Your hoverboard should not leave the ground if you want to stay safe.

Eyes Forward at All Times

Always look straight ahead when riding. Do not get distracted. You have to be able to see the road ahead of you, otherwise, you may not see a bad patch of road and end up regretting it. Again, this is just like any other vehicle and the same rules apply. Eyes forward and stay alert.

These tips should help beginners, intermediate users and experts alike stay safe, while getting the most out of their hoverboard. These devices are fairly easy to use but should be treated with respect.

New users can expect to put some extra wear on their hoverboard as they get to know it. You may have a few small crashes and you may fall off a few times while you are gaining some skills.

This is common and you may even scratch up your pretty new toy, but this is all part of the learning process. Just remember, every time you get back on it and practice, you are gaining confidence and becoming a better rider. Aside from safety, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself and have fun.

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