Can hoverboards ride on carpet? YES, but pay attention to these 7 things
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One of the first things everyone wants to do when they get their new hoverboard is get on and go for a ride. And it is no wonder!
Self-balancing hoverboards are popular for a reason. They are a fun and exciting way to get around. That first ride on your Hoverboard will usually be inside when you just take it out of the box.
And invariably, one of the first questions people ask has to do with where you can and can't ride the hoverboard.
Since many first-timers get their hoverboard during the holiday season, when there is snow and most recreational activities will be indoors, we are often asked:
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Buy at Bol.comWhat we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Can I ride on my carpet with my hoverboard?
Short answer: Yes, but whether you can ride your hoverboard on carpet depends on a few factors:
- quality of your Hoverboard
- quality and grip of the tires
- the type of carpet
- your driving skills
- battery levels
- age of your hoverboard
- room layout of your room
Quality of your hoverboard
Not all hoverboards are built equal. When hoverboards first became popular, many manufacturers rushed to push the substandard product to the market. Those low quality hoverboards are likely to perform poorly on carpets.
Tire quality and grip
In the same vein as quality, high-quality tires are an important factor if you are looking for a carpet hoverboard. Good tire grip is essential for hoverboards.
A hoverboard with poor grip may slip or not move at all due to a lack of friction between the carpet and the tire. Make sure the tires have good tread and are made of rubber.
A tread rubber tire offers the best possible performance with maximum grip on most surfaces. High-end hoverboard manufacturers keep in mind that their models will navigate different types of terrain, ensuring the tires have enough traction to drive them over carpet.
Also read: the 5 best hoverboards reviewed
Type of carpet
Understandably, the type of carpet can affect how drivable it is. A rug tends to be one of two styles:
- low pile
- or high pile
A low pile carpet has shorter, tighter fibers. Most homes, hotels and offices use low pile carpets. They provide more friction. A deep pile carpet, on the other hand, has higher and looser fibers (think shag carpets from the 70s).
A tough hoverboard, with 8,5 to 10 inch all terrain wheels, a deep pile carpet could handle much better than an entry-level hoverboard. But be warned, driving on a carpet can damage the carpet. So do a stress test before you start!
Your driving skills
When it comes to riding your hoverboard on the carpet, your riding skills also play an important role. Riding a hoverboard on the carpet feels different than riding on even sidewalks.
Depending on the thickness of the carpet, the hoverboard can respond slowly and sluggishly. And the ability to adjust how you balance takes a little skill and patience.
To ride your hoverboard on the carpet, you will need to lean more slowly than on normal surfaces, even if on pavement. Once you've built enough momentum with the hoverboard, you can start increasing your speed.
Battery levels
Some hoverboards perform worse when their charge level drops below a certain level. This is a feature - not a bug! - this is also called 'energy-saving mode'.
The energy-saving mode limits the energy supplied to the motor so that the battery lasts longer. When this happens, a hoverboard will have a harder time handling rough surfaces with a lot of friction, such as a carpet.
Always make sure your hoverboard is properly charged and performing at peak performance.
Age of the hoverboard
Everything is subject to time and degradation. Your hoverboard is no different. Over time, your board may start to show signs of aging.
The battery may be able to produce less energy, although the motor may require more energy to operate. This drop in power and efficiency will affect how well the hoverboard rides on a carpet.
If your hoverboard is older and showing signs of wear, we recommend that you do not use it on a carpet.
(And it might be time to look into buying a new or recertified hoverboard.)
Are hoverboards safe? Yes, here are 8 safety tips.
Other considerations - room layout
There are many reasons why you might want to ride your hoverboard indoors, on carpet.
One thing to consider is the carpet's layout. Is it free of obstacles? Is there a lot of furniture around? Or is it an open space with little or no obstruction?
While not preferred, a large, open-plan office or unfurnished space would be better than trying to drive a hoverboard in a busy living space.
Does riding on carpet affect battery life?
Riding your hoverboard on a carpet for a long time can affect the battery. Moving your hoverboard on the carpet requires more force due to the roughness of the surface. More power is required from the motor to move the wheel.
Driving on the carpet for a longer period of time and you demand more from the battery, which affects the lifespan. Riding your hoverboard on the carpet will also drain your battery faster because the motor needs more power.
Will riding on carpet affect my hoverboard motor?
It all depends on the quality of the hoverboard you are buying. That's why it's important to buy only from top brands. A low-value manufacturer can use inexpensive battery and motor components. These shoddy components can underperform and deteriorate quickly when subjected to a tough workout.
It is advisable not to ride your hoverboard on carpet if the hoverboard was not purchased from a reputable company. As always, make sure to do your research on the brand you are buying and the company that is selling them before buying your hoverboard.
Is it okay to ride my hoverboard on carpet?
Certainly. As long as you consider everything we've been talking about and take the necessary precautions. That means learning how to ride your hoverboard properly, wearing proper protective gear, clearing unnecessary obstacles and most importantly buying a top quality hoverboard.
Always buy your self-balancing hoverboard from a brand you trust. One with a reputation for producing top quality hoverboards with top quality materials. Read reviews. Watch YouTube videos. Ask around.
And don't forget, your hoverboard might be able to ride your carpet just fine. But your carpet may not like it too much. Make sure that riding your hoverboard on your carpet doesn't cause irreparable damage to the carpet!
Also read: how does a hoverboard work?
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.
