The Future Of Hoverboards: All You Need To Know
Since hoverboards’ invention in 2013, these self-balancing electric scooters have kept gaining popularity. They have become essential mediums for entertainment and transportation.
Over the years, hoverboard technology has had several additions and upgrades. However, we expect this progress to continue for a long time.
We look forward to the development of new hoverboard features and advancements that would make them more efficient.
But which innovations will bring about this? Keep reading to find out.
Hoverboards will have a better future by adding features like levitation and a robotic system. Current hoverboards don’t hover, but adding this feature will bring the technology closer to the real thing. Also, robotic technology will increase its usefulness in the coming years. However, the manufacturers need to fix the current limitations to achieve this.
In this article, we will explore the future of hoverboards, if we should expect a massive hoverboard revolution, and the possibility of these devices growing beyond their use today.
By the end, you’ll also know the new features looming for hoverboards, advancements that will accompany them in the future, and factors that can change the current hoverboard perception.
What is the Future of Hoverboards?
The name hoverboard implies a board that levitates or flies, but the current hoverboards don’t fly or hover.
Although, some manufacturers are working towards achieving the hover feature. A time may come when additional features will make them achieve this status.
However, until then, hoverboard manufacturers may need to work on the shortcomings. The progressive growth of these devices depends on some advancements.
Future hoverboards must solve limitations like stability, battery life, fire hazards, and public acceptance.
The overall performance of hoverboards since their invention has put more lives at risk than expected. Many countries have had to put restrictions on hoverboard use.
Although these devices are suitable for different age groups, ranging from children to adults, there are some concerns about their safety.
It has been in the news several times that people either get severely injured from falling off these devices or due to faulty batteries causing explosions or fire.
Manufacturers must devise solutions to tackle these dangers to take hoverboards into the future.
A device meant to last long shouldn’t expose users to such dangers. There would be no point in using hoverboards as a means of transport if the user is at risk.
Another limitation that may prevent future hoverboard growth is the battery life. Currently, most users use these devices for short-term entertainment and short-distance movements.
With the advancements in technology, hoverboards should be progressing towards a time where they would be an alternative means of transport.
Hoverboards could be an essential part of transportation, like how people can take buses, trains, bikes, and other transportation means.
Although they still do their bits in moving the rider from one place to another, their battery life restricts them from going far.
You should not expect even the latest top hoverboard model to take you more than 15 miles on a single charge.
On average, most of them can only go up to 7 miles on a single charge. Future hoverboards may be able to overcome this battery limitation.
A time may come when you can rely on a hoverboard for a long-distance commute. At the same time, hoverboard technology will need to tackle legal restrictions.
Due to the safety hazards, most governments don’t allow riding hoverboards on pavements and roads. You can only ride them on private properties and parks.
The fear of the rider endangering other people and himself is the primary cause for this restriction as a safety measure.
Secondly, some riders do not respect other people’s personal space. Without restrictions, they will ride their hoverboards anywhere.
These devices can be bothersome to some people, irrespective of how much you enjoy riding them.
Nonetheless, the proper safety techniques and rules can bring us to a time when hoverboards will be a more significant part of people’s lives.
Hoverboards have a promising future if the industry can consider all these limitations and develop ideas that will result in general acceptance.
Integrating these devices into general transportation is achievable once all these limitations are out of the way.
Should We Expect a Massive Hoverboard Revolution?
We should expect a massive hoverboard revolution in years to come. These devices increasingly gain popularity every day.
One factor that influenced their popularity was when celebrities made videos of themselves riding them.
These videos went viral on social media, and people started following the trend. Over time, these videos decreased, but several others came up with new tutorial videos.
People started asking questions about riding and fixing their hoverboards. This brought about viral tutorial videos on several platforms.
This should be an indication of the wide acceptance of hoverboards. People posting these videos are doing this based on frequently asked questions from the public.
Even after several reports of fire, explosion, and other accidents, the popularity of hoverboards didn’t reduce.
Instead, the manufacturers started creating solutions to manage these issues. At the same time, government bodies had to create rules to protect the public.
This is to show you how much hoverboards have taken over the world. We should expect more growth if none of these drawbacks could bring these devices down.
In addition, several upgrades have influenced the widespread popularity of hoverboards. For instance, current upgrades have tackled the issue of off-road riding.
During the first few years of invention, most hoverboards could only move on smooth terrains. Now, we can see new ones that can navigate through rougher roads.
Also, many people can now list different models with unique features. Hoverboards have gone past a time that anyone is acceptable.
These features make each board superior to the other. Some models even have different boards in the same series with superior features.
These developments will be one of the main influences on the growth of hoverboards in the coming years.
In addition, hoverboard manufacturers are creating new features that will make hoverboards more vital than they are now.
For example, some new designs can perform simple tasks like taking videos and pictures and connecting to mobile Apps.
If upgrades like this keep finding their way into hoverboard technology, then we should expect a time when these boards will become a significant addition.
Will Hoverboards Grow Beyond Their Use Today?
Hoverboards will grow beyond their use today once the technology achieves perfection. A time will come when they are useful for various functions.
However, the hoverboard industry must overcome its limitations to achieve this. Once they no longer exist, there will be a way to integrate them into the system.
A time will come when people can use a hoverboard for everyday commutes. It would be similar to taking other transportation means.
The single-rider feature will be an added advantage. So with adequate safety measures and flexibility, anyone can ride and own a hoverboard.
In addition, hoverboards can become personal assistants or companions with additional features.
Using AI in hoverboard engineering can make them imitate human movements and perform tasks independently.
Some manufacturers are already working towards reaching this level in the hoverboard industry. There have been presentations of several prototypes in the past years.
Perhaps, they can perfect this technology and make the boards available for consumers. It will enhance their usefulness.
Furthermore, these smart hoverboards could be perfect for delivery service. Imagine a system these boards could bring your food, mail, or purchase to your location.
You won’t have to wait for endless stops of the delivery vehicle at different locations. The delivery hoverboard will be your unique delivery means.
Fortunately, there are now hoverboards with internet connections and a voice command system. Other additions should increase their usefulness.
This idea may have one limitation, like a scenario where the weight of the item is greater than the board.
Well, technology has proven to overcome several challenges in the past. So, it is possible.
With the way hoverboards are gaining acceptance daily, using them for every possible human activity doesn’t seem so far anymore.
What New Features Are Looming for Hoverboards?
Hoverboard lovers understand the importance of the device’s features. These features are the characteristics that determine the board’s performance.
At the same time, they determine the superiority of these devices to each other. Over the years, hoverboard features have improved from the initial stage.
For instance, new features now allow the boards to navigate rough terrains, connect to the rider’s phone through Bluetooth, and play music while moving.
Although these features increase their abilities, every addition is a step towards achieving perfection.
The hoverboard industry will keep developing new features and technology to create a better future for these devices.
That said, let’s explore some imminent new features for hoverboards.
#1. Levitating Technology
The first thought that comes to anyone’s mind after hearing “Hoverboard” is a board that flies or levitates above the ground.
However, the boards are only self-balancing wheels with gyroscopic sensors. They use these sensors to detect movements and adjust the riding speed and direction accordingly.
The rider only needs to get on a hoverboard, and the device will start moving automatically. The sensors will detect speed and direction through the movement of the rider’s torso, legs, and feet.
This feature was an advancement in hoverboard technology. However, some projects have tested the possibility of real levitating hoverboards.
Three companies have come close to attaining various levels of success in these hoverboards creation.
These companies include:
- Hendo hover
- Lexus hoverboards
- Omni hoverboards
These companies invented technologies that allow hoverboards to lift a few feet above the ground.
This feature would have been a success if the design had no flaws. Nonetheless, we expect their efforts to help achieve the hoverboard dream soon.
To help you understand better, I will explain how these companies achieved the levitation feature.
#1. Hendo Hover
The technology company, Arx Pax, used its Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA) system to harness electromagnetic energy to create floating structural foundations.
This technology went into the designs of the Hendo hover. The design features disc-shaped magnetic hover engines at the base of the board.
This disc uses an opposing magnetic field present on specific surfaces below the board to create levitation.
This technology allows the board to hover above the ground successfully. Unfortunately, it limits riders from riding the board anywhere except designated surfaces.
The company introduced its prototype to the public in 2014 and a second version in 2015. However, nothing has been heard about the board’s development ever since.
The MFA technology is now active in other areas apart from hoverboard creation.
#2. Lexus Hoverboards
One of the notable companies that put their technology into creating levitating hoverboards is the Lexus automobile company.
This famous luxury vehicle engineering company created a similar technology to Hendo Hovers.
The Lexus hoverboard also used a magnetic field to create the hovering feature. The process led to the building of a skatepark with a surface that facilitates this.
However, the hoverboard had smoke coming out from it. The company had to feature a liquid nitrogen cooling system to cool its components.
The feature maintained a frigid temperature of minus 323 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although this technology helped to keep the components cool, there aren’t many customized magnetic skateparks to ride the board.
In addition, the manufacturing company had no intention of releasing the board to consumers. This decision may change in the near future, and consumers will get to access them.
These three innovations proved that hovering technology is looming over the hoverboard world. This feature might soon be an essential part of the boards.
#3. Omni Hoverboards
This hoverboard design features a different levitation technology. The technology involves using propellers to lift the rider into the air.
The Omni hoverboard goes much higher above the ground. It is more like a flying hoverboard.
In 2015, the Omni hoverboard creator took its prototype up to a height of 275.9 meters to break a record for the longest flight on a hoverboard.
However, he ended up exceeding the intended record of 50 feet and setting a new record in the process.
Although a jet-powered rig bested the record set by this board, Catalin Alexandru Duru continues to improve on his hovering technology.
In the near future, he intends to take over the hoverboard market with his invention. Right now, he keeps exhibiting flight demos in several countries.
These boards keep gaining popularity. However, the current limitation of this is the need for adequate safety.
Several essential bodies have raised concerns about the hoverboard’s safety. Currently, it is not available in the market due to safety reasons.
The invention of proper safety measures may soon put these hovering hoverboards on the market.
#2. Robot Hoverboard
Another imminent feature of hoverboards is robotic technology. This feature will allow hoverboards to transform into robots while acting as transportation devices.
Robot hoverboards can obey voice commands, carry out tasks, move independently, and serve as companions.
Robotic features may seem unachievable, but nothing is above a technology that can create self-driving cars, Roomba, self-serving vending machines, etc.
Fortunately, the robotic hoverboard isn’t just a dream anymore. The Chinese company Ninebot already created a Segway hoverboard scooter with these features.
The name is the Loomo personal robot, officially known as Segway Robot. The device gets its power from one of Intel’s Atom processors.
It has a robot head that retracts into its cylindrical body to serve as a hoverboard. The head has two blinking eyes and speaks with a distinctive monotone robotic voice.
The owner can control it through voice commands. Its face features an internet-connected camera that allows it to avoid bumping into objects and recognize its owner.
This camera lets it answer the door and lead the way to a location or object. You can also stream videos on this device.
However, the robot hoverboard scooter arms come separately; you must screw them onto their back before they can function.
The only limitation to these arms is that they are only good for picking small objects like cups. They look like the basic Lego hands.
Although Segway released the Loomo robot into the market for customer use, it is still inaccessible due to its expensive cost.
More of these devices may be available in the market soon, and everyone will be able to access them.
At the same time, introducing this technology has proven that robotic hoverboards are achievable, and other companies can create upgrades.
In the coming years, we expect to see more robot hoverboards with additional features and lesser limitations.
What Advancements Will Accompany Hoverboards in the Future?
So far, hoverboards have a promising future, with the technological advancements put into their design.
In years to come, these devices should be safer, more accessible, and more reliable. There should also be more innovative functions of hoverboards over time.
However, the hoverboard industry needs to focus on upgrading some components and features to achieve future perfection.
From the current drawbacks of hoverboards, we expect some level of advancement to accompany these boards in the coming years.
Here are some of the future hoverboard advancements.
#1. Enhanced Battery Life
Hoverboards’ battery life is one of the significant limitations in the current models. Most of them only last for a few hours before needing a recharge.
In addition, the duration of a fully charged battery depends on factors like weather conditions, motor strength, battery quality, wheel size, and the age of the hoverboard.
This limitation allows the board to travel only a short distance. Some users find this discouraging and unsuitable for specific purposes.
Although some new hoverboard models now have longer-lasting batteries, they still don’t last up to 12 hours or a day.
However, this is an indication that the industry is working on hoverboards with advanced battery life. This may be achievable in the future.
While focusing on long-lasting charged batteries, the industry might also consider the battery lifespan.
Most hoverboard batteries last for about one to two years before needing replacement.
Achieving a longer battery duration may help create an extended battery lifespan and capacity.
#2. Advanced Safety Features
The first issue hoverboards had after their invention were numerous reports of explosion and fire. The batteries and other components usually heat up and start a fire.
Many countries and airlines had to ban hoverboards as safety concerns grew. This issue was common among cheaply made imitations that don’t follow safety standards.
Poor battery positioning and lack of adequate insulation were the common cause of this problem.
A safe hoverboard will have logic boards and lithium batteries on opposite sides to lower the chances of overheating.
However, there are now safety certifications enforced on hoverboards. Over time, there have been significant improvements to reduce fires and explosions.
In the coming years, we expect better safety advancements to prevent this issue.
These may include high-quality fire-resistant materials and components, enhanced battery management features, and an automatic shut-down system.
An overcharging alert system will also help to reduce the explosion risk. The current hoverboard engineering proves that these advancements may become a part of future boards.
#3. Advanced Control
Most hoverboards typically use body movements for navigation and speed. Some advanced models use mobile Apps and voice commands.
While this system makes it easy to control the hoverboard, future boards may have more advanced control systems like autopilot or programmed movements.
These advanced control systems will make the device accessible to people with disabilities. The hoverboards would help them move from one place to another independently.
The user will be able to control the board effortlessly without running into objects. These hoverboards will act as the user’s eyes and ears.
At the same time, this advancement will increase the usefulness of hoverboards in various aspects.
#4. Increased Accessibility
Hoverboards are popular but expensive—only people who can afford them own and use them.
Although more affordable options are now available, they must be made accessible to a low-income earner. This limits the usefulness of hoverboards in different aspects.
Also, cheaper hoverboards have lesser features compared to expensive ones. Saving up to get a cheaper version will limit the user’s options.
However, we expect to see more affordable hoverboards with better features in the future. This will make them more accessible to the masses.
The majority can eventually own a hoverboard to experience the convenience and fun of riding one.
#5. Integration into the Transport System
Current hoverboards are under legal restrictions in several countries. Most of them do not allow riding hoverboards on public roads and pavements.
The safety issue with these boards restricts them to parks and private lands. In addition, hoverboards are not a significant means of transportation.
Most riders only use them for entertainment and short-distance movements. However, with technological advancement, hoverboards may become part of the transport system.
The manufacturers only need to improve the safety measures and battery life to make them a useful transportation mode.
Although they may not be a major transportation device for long-distance travel, they may be useful for covering short distances through public routes or completing a journey.
For instance, a person may ride a hoverboard from the store, train station, or bus stop to the house or workplace.
They will become a more efficient mode of transportation for a broader range of people. They will be a significant addition to the transportation system in the future.
#6. More Charging Stations
Most hoverboard users need help with charging the device. There are few outlets available to charge the device.
If a hoverboard battery runs out before reaching a charging station, the rider will have to carry the device and continue on foot.
Hoverboards can also have charging stations like electric vehicles; this won’t limit the board’s use to the length of the battery duration alone.
Another advancement that may enhance this solution is the introduction of backup batteries. It would make sense to have a supporting battery to take the rider to the charging station.
In addition, these charging stations and outlets will help reduce the energy cost of charging hoverboards through household electricity.
It would also make it easy to take the hoverboard anywhere since charging outlets are everywhere. We expect to see this advancement in the future.
What Can Change the Way We View Hoverboards at the Moment?
The current idea of hoverboards is unsafe devices that cause accidents and explosions. However, this perception needs to be corrected.
Hoverboards are way better than they used to be since their invention. These days, the boards can do more than move people from one position to another.
Although more upgrades make hoverboards better, more additions and policies can change the public’s view of hoverboards.
In addition, consider the pros and cons of current hoverboards before determining them as dangerous and useless.
The table below outlines the pros and cons of these boards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Eco-friendly transportation devices | They cover a limited distance |
| Requires less maintenance fee | Advanced models are expensive to purchase |
| They are quick and efficient | Most designs are unsuitable for uneven and rocky surfaces |
| They do not emit poisonous substances like carbon monoxide | They can’t operate in extreme weather like snow, rain, or ice |
| They are portable and easy to carry around | |
| They give the rider freedom |
Considering that the advantages of hoverboards outweigh the drawbacks, a few corrections could change our current view of them.
Additionally, some factors will determine the way people view these devices. Working towards adjusting them will significantly impact hoverboard technology.
Some factors that may contribute to changing people’s perception of hoverboards include:
#1. Stability
Most people fear climbing hoverboards because most of them lack stability. There are many known cases of people falling off the boards.
Interestingly, hoverboards are now more stable than they used to be. Though technology continuously progresses towards a time, people will feel safe standing on these boards.
The addition of safer stability technology to hoverboard engineering could make this possible.
#2. Maneuverability
Another problem that limits hoverboards’ acceptance is their controlling and maneuvering difficulty.
Although the technology is supposed to allow the board to move when the rider climbs on it, from that point, many people find total control of such devices unimaginable.
A technology that assures the rider of total control can change people’s perception of hoverboards.
For instance, car steering is one of the components that assure most people of total control. Their easy maneuverability increases their wide acceptance.
The public need assurance that they are safe on hoverboards and that maneuverability is straightforward.
#3. Safety Features
Hoverboards with built-in safety features will change the way people view them. Apart from maintaining stability, most people feel unsafe having these devices in public.
Features like automatic collision alert and avoidance, speed adjustment, footpad attachment, and emergency braking system will make them safer.
Adding these safety features will also impact several countries’ hoverboard rules and regulations.
#4. Legal Regulations
One major challenge hoverboard faces are legal policies that regulate their use in public places. Several countries ban them on public roads and sidewalks due to safety reasons.
Currently, most people only consider hoverboards as a source of entertainment. The accident reports put them in this category.
However, properly considering the other factors and creating solutions may change these hoverboard rules and regulations.
The hoverboard industry will need to work towards convincing concerned bodies that hoverboards can be a major mode of transportation.
Once the law integrates them into the transport system, there will be no fear of having issues with the law. Hoverboards will become more acceptable in several countries.
#5. Additional Features
Adding more useful features to hoverboards will make them more acceptable. The world is advancing towards a future where we need every helpful technology.
People’s views of these boards will change if many features make them essential. For instance, a hoverboard can be the owner’s personal assistant, transport system, and emergency unit.
Hoverboards would no longer be just a source of entertainment and transport; they would be an essential part of many aspects.
