Riding a hoverboard can be a fun way to get around, but it's important to use it safely and legally. Here's what you need to know about operating your hoverboard safely and avoiding violations.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
The most important thing is to wear proper safety gear every time you ride your hoverboard. This includes:
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Helmet - Protect your head by wearing a helmet designed for biking, skating, or other wheeled sports. Make sure it fits properly.
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Wrist guards - Falling off your hoverboard can lead to scraped palms or wrist injuries. Wear sturdy wrist guards to prevent this.
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Elbow and knee pads - Further protect yourself by wearing pads on your elbows and knees. Opt for pads designed for skating or biking to allow free movement.
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Closed toe shoes - Never ride barefoot or in sandals. Always wear shoes to protect your feet and prevent them from slipping off the hoverboard.
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Bright or reflective clothing - Make yourself visible to motorists and others by wearing bright colored clothing or adding reflective strips. This is especially important if riding at night.
Follow All Applicable Laws
Hoverboards are considered vehicles in most places, so the same traffic and pedestrian laws apply to riding them on roads, sidewalks, trails, etc. Be sure to:
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Obey speed limits - Ride at safe speeds based on your surroundings. Don't exceed any posted speed limits.
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Yield to pedestrians - Pedestrians have the right-of-way on sidewalks and in other pedestrian areas. Slow down and yield to people walking.
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Use bike lanes when available - Ride in marked bike lanes on roads whenever possible, not directly in traffic lanes.
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No motorways/highways - Never ride a hoverboard on major motorways, highways, or freeways where they are prohibited.
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Watch for signs - Be alert for any signs prohibiting hoverboards or other vehicles. Avoid areas that don't allow them.
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Lights at night - Use front and rear lights when riding at night so others can see you. Reflectors also help.
Avoid Restricted Areas
Many public places ban hoverboards outright or have restrictions on where you can ride them:
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Stores/malls - Most stores and malls prohibit hoverboards inside for safety and liability reasons. Dismount before entering.
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Airports/train stations - Major transportation hubs like airports and train stations typically don't allow hoverboards through security or on premises.
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Theme/amusement parks - Check rules before visiting parks. Many don't permit hoverboards on grounds, rides, etc.
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Event venues - Sporting events, concerts, and other major events hosted in arenas or stadiums tend to prohibit hoverboards.
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College campuses - Some college campuses ban or limit hoverboards in certain areas. Know the policy before riding on campus.
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Public transportation - You can't ride hoverboards on buses, trains, or other public transit vehicles and stations.
Practice Safe Riding
Follow these tips for safe hoverboard operation wherever you ride:
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Stay sober - Never ride your hoverboard while intoxicated or after consuming alcohol. Balance is impaired.
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Limit distractions - Don't use phones, headphones, or other devices that divert attention while riding. Focus on your surroundings.
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Keep both feet on - Having both feet on the hoverboard provides maximum stability. Don't attempt tricks or remove a foot while riding.
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No passengers - Don't carry any passengers on your hoverboard, which can throw off the balance. Ride solo only.
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Avoid traffic - When possible, ride in bike lanes, trails, sidewalks, or other areas separated from vehicle traffic which poses hazards.
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Watch your speed - Control your speed based on conditions and your skill level. Speed increases the risk of falls and collisions. Go slow while learning.
Maintain Your Hoverboard
Keep your hoverboard in optimal shape:
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Inspect before riding - Check the wheels, battery, and housing for any damage before each use. Make needed repairs.
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Perform routine maintenance - Follow the manufacturer's schedule for inspecting components and changing batteries and other parts.
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Check battery charge - Charge batteries fully between rides and follow proper charging procedures. Don't override safety features.
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Replace worn parts - Immediately swap out any worn tires, wheels, or other components that could cause issues.
Properly maintaining your hoverboard helps ensure safe, reliable operation every time you ride.
Conclusion
Riding a hoverboard offers a fun way to get around, provided that you ride safely and obey relevant laws. Always wear complete protective gear, avoid restricted areas, follow traffic and pedestrian laws, and practice good riding habits. Perform regular maintenance so your hoverboard operates safely too. Following these guidelines allows you to fully enjoy hoverboarding without any violations or safety issues. The freedom of riding needs to be practiced responsibly.