Remember the days when riding a skateboard was the coolest thing? Those days are gone. The rise of hoverboards started just a few years back and it has taken over the streets, parks, and YouTube. A hoverboard is a self-balancing transportation device that can be used for leisure or as an eco-friendly mode of transport. In this blog post, we will go through the timeline of When did Hoverboards Become Popular? and how they evolved to become the trendy gadget they are today.
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The Rise of the Hoverboard
The rise of the hoverboard started in 2013 when a Chinese manufacturer called CHIC Robotics released their first model. But it wasn’t until 2015 that the trend picked up in the United States. Hoverboards were seen as a futuristic and innovative way of transportation that could take commuters to their destination without any gasoline or electricity usage, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious people. They were also appealing to younger generations who enjoyed the thrill of riding them and showing off their stunts.
By the end of 2015, hoverboards were the hottest Christmas gift, with sales skyrocketing. The price of hoverboards was around $500, which made them unaffordable for many people, but that didn’t stop people from buying them. The hoverboard craze was all over the internet and celebrities like Justin Bieber, Jamie Foxx, and Skrillex were seen riding them.
However, in early 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning regarding hoverboards’ safety. The issue was with the battery, which was prone to overheating and catch fire, leading to the recall of several hoverboards. This warning led to a decrease in sales and bad publicity for the hoverboard industry.
The Chinese manufacturer, CHIC Robotics, was forced to improve the safety features of their hoverboards. They added features like safety certification, UL certification and improved battery technology. This led to a more sustainable hoverboard market with enhanced safety features, making them a popular choice again.
Today, hoverboards are more convenient, affordable, and safe to use. They have evolved with technological advancements and new features, such as Bluetooth speakers, LED lights, and ride modes that make them even more appealing. Hoverboards have become an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transportation used by many commuters around the world.
Why Are Hoverboards So Popular?
When hoverboards made their debut in 2015, they quickly drew public attention, including that of celebrities and athletes. For many, the fascination began with their unique design. With a sleek and futuristic appearance, the hoverboard instantly stood out from other gadgets on the market. Besides, it was also a new and trendy alternative to skateboarding. The hoverboard offered an innovative and fun way to move around and perform stunts, which tends to be a hit with a younger generation.
Hoverboards have also had a positive impact on reducing pollution in urban areas. Many people opt to use hoverboards instead of cars or public transit to reduce their carbon footprints. The hoverboard does not require gas or harmful emissions, making it an eco-friendly alternative transportation method to other personal vehicles.
Another reason why hoverboards are so popular is that they can be used for multiple purposes. A hoverboard can be used for leisure activities, outdoor adventures, and even for commuting to work. The hoverboard’s versatility is a big selling point, which makes it a wise investment for anyone looking to get the maximum enjoyment and practicality out of their gadgets.
Finally, the recent improvements in technology have made hoverboards safer and more comfortable to ride. Modern hoverboards have more reliable stabilizers, longer-lasting batteries, and revolutionized steering sensors, which makes the riding experience much easier. Additionally, many hoverboards come equipped with LED lights and Bluetooth speakers, adding to the visual and audio experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hoverboards became popular in 2015 and 2016, mostly among the young, thrill-seeking audience. However, their popularity was short-lived due to safety concerns regarding their battery quality. Over the years, manufacturers have worked their way to making high-quality and safer hoverboards. People now see them as an enjoyable and eco-friendly way of transportation suitable for daily commuting.
Hoverboards are now more affordable and come with added features that make them both stylish and functional. They might not be as popular as they once were, but the hoverboard trend is still on the rise with more innovative designs and features yet to come.
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FAQ’s
Q: What made the hoverboard popular?
A: The Back to the Future film franchise popularised the hoverboard, which made an appearance in Back to the Future Part II (1989).
Q: Why do people love hoverboards?
A: Hoverboarding entails a full-body workout that enhances reflexes, balance, concentration, and stance while burning calories. This board sport requires less effort to get moving compared to some others, but you can still perform tricks and even dance on your hoverboard.
Q: Are hoverboards eco-friendly?
A: Hoverboards are an excellent mode of transport for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Being battery-run, they don’t release emissions and don’t require fuel, making them one of the most eco-friendly options out there.
Q: Is the hoverboard a workout?
A: Hoverboarding can provide cardiovascular exercise by helping burn up to 300 calories within just a 30-minute ride. Hoverboarding is more efficient than a treadmill or an elliptical trainer at the gym, ensuring low exhaustion and reduced sweat levels.
Q: Are hoverboards easy to ride?
A: Hoverboards may vary in ease of control. The speed of the hoverboard is a major factor in determining the difficulty of riding and maneuvering it. Slower hoverboards are usually easier to control, with difficulty increasing as speed increases.
Q: What not to do on a hoverboard?
A: For instance, if you own the standard hoverboard, you can only ride it on smooth, even, and dry surfaces. Do not attempt to go through uneven surfaces, dry or wet, such as uneven pavements and terrains. Not only will this ruin your device, but it can also cause injuries.
Q: What powers a hoverboard?
A: A hoverboard’s motor powers its wheels, enabling a rider to stay balanced and upright. Hoverboards draw power primarily from high-capacity lithium batteries.