Are Hoverboards Waterproof?

simate hoverboard for kids

Hoverboards are one of the unique methods of transportation youngsters and adults use to get around. With different features like Bluetooth,so you can play music as you ride, or there's an app you can control and track the ride. Some even have all-terrain wheels so you can ride on different surfaces more easily and freely, allowing you to explore more as you ride. 

However, are hoverboards waterproof? 

The answer is: no, the one place that your self-balancing hoverboard cannot go is into water. As a type of electrical mobility products, hover boards require electrical components to function, and to-date water and electricity don't get along too well. The motherboard and lithium-ion battery that gives your self-balancing scooter life are not built to handle water. That means if the hoverboard is submerged in a puddle deep enough, it will likely no longer work (and trust me, you don't want that because replacing the battery or motherboard is not the cheapest thing). 

But don't worry, while hoverboards aren't waterproof, some are water resistant to a certain extent. They may be able to handle being ridden in a light drizzle, while others can survive being ridden over a few small puddles- though we still recommend staying away from water overall to not risk the damage. To determine the water resistance level of your hover board, you can check your board's IP rating. Most hoverboards have an IP rating of 4, which means it can handle splashing water against the exterior without being damaged. But even with this rating, water-resistant boards are not meant to be submerged in water at any depth. So it's important to still try to be wary of how much water your hoverboard is exposed to, to prevent internal damage.

And remember, hoverboards are not built to withstand extreme weather conditions such as snow, ice and hail. 

Which are the most waterproof hoverboards? 

Some hoverboards are more water resistant than others and have an IPX4 rating, which means that the hoverboard is protected from splashes at any angle for at least 5 minutes. These tend to be the all terrain hoverboards that can be ridden over a range of surfaces due to their inflatable, 10" wheels. 

What about cleaning my hoverboard? 

When cleaning a hoverboard,  wipe it using a clean damp cloth. Treat your hoverboard with the same care you would a laptop or smartphone. After riding in damp conditions, wipe it down with a dry cloth and store in a clean, well ventilated and dry area. 

What if my hoverboard gets really wet?

Of course, there will be days when you set off in full sunshine, only to find the weather turns and your hoverboard gets a soaking. If this happens, turn the hoverboard off as quickly as possible. When you get home, disconnect the battery and carefully clean any dirty parts by rubbing an ear bud dipped in alcohol over them gently when they are fully dried.

Dry the chassis of your hoverboard with a paper towel and make sure you pay attention to the tips of the cables. If your board got very wet, leave it open and empty for at least 24 hours to ensure that all the water has evaporated.

When all the parts have tried, reassemble the board, make sure all the connections are secure and power it up to make sure it still works.

A dry hoverboard is your friend, you'll get plenty of riding time, while a wet hoverboard will very quickly become a pain that how to fix it. The best way to keep your hooverboard functional is to keep it on dry land so you can get the most out of it.