As we know them today, Hoverboards were invented by an American named Shane Chen in 2014. An accomplished inventor, Chen is also known for creating the monowheel.
Due to an oversight in patenting his invention, factories in China began mass-producing hoverboards, resulting in their widespread availability and popularity.
The Rise to Popularity
Hoverboards first gained widespread public awareness in 2015 due to their widespread usage among world-famous celebrities, contributing to this interest surge.
Justin Bieber, Cristiano Ronaldo, Chris Brown, Mike Tyson, John Legend and Enzo Knol were regularly seen riding hoverboards to reach global stardom.
What is a Hoverboard?
Although hoverboards have various names, such as smart balance wheels and balance boards, the term "hoverboard" is generally accepted and widely recognized.
Hoverboards can be considered miniaturized Segways without handlebars that operate solely through body movements and balance.
Leaning forward propels you forward while leaning backward reverses direction. Press down on either foot using an outstretched hand or foot to turn.
Hoverboards typically reach 15 km/h speeds and cover 15-20 kilometers depending on rider weight and terrain conditions.
Read more: How to Choose a Hoverboard
Uses of Hoverboards
Hoverboards were initially developed as toys for children. However, after being released on the market, their popularity spread into adult life and business applications such as large warehouses where employees must quickly cover considerable distances.
Hoverboards offer much more than simply entertainment; they're practical transportation tools for grocery shopping or visiting friends.
Riding a hoverboard takes just 10 minutes, making it accessible even for those without much sense of direction or balance.
Like learning to ride a bicycle, mastering hoverboards is like riding any other form of transportation—once learned, it never leaves your memory! Plus, they're electric-powered, so no gas or road taxes need to be paid!
The Influence of "Back to the Future"
One of the most iconic futuristic images from the 2015 movie "Back to the Future" was that of the hoverboard. First seen in "Back to the Future II," released two decades prior, its appearance quickly became iconic and made an unforgettable statement about our relationship between then and now.
Marty McFly then customized it by removing its handlebars to resemble the skateboards of his period more closely.
This cinematic portrayal has inspired generations and contributed to their continued fascination with hoverboards.
The Development of Hoverboards
Creating a real hoverboard has been fraught with multiple attempts and experiments. Rumors surfaced about one produced under Dean Kamen's "Ginger" project in 2001. However, no progress was ever seen.
From 2004 to 2005, TV shows like MythBusters and Gadget Show attempted to replicate hoverboards seen in films through experiments using leaf blowers and boards; these failed due to difficulty duplicating movie magic.
The Current State and Future of Hoverboards
Despite their initial lack of success, modern hoverboards (HYPER GOGO) have become extremely popular among consumers.
While we can’t accurately predict where hoverboards will go next, their future prospects are exciting. Their popularity shows no signs of waning, and innovations are likely to continue to shape this unique mode of transportation.
For more in-depth information on the history of hoverboards, please feel free to contact us. We welcome any inquiries about hoverboards!
