Can A Hoverboard Go On A Carpet?
When you get a new hoverboard, the first thing you want to do is hop on and get to riding. Self-balancing hoverboards are a fun and exhilarating way to get around, it’s no wonder they’re so popular.
However, one of the first questions new hoverboard owners ask has to do with where and on what surfaces can you ride. Since most people get their new hoverboards during wintertime, when it isn’t necessarily easy or comfortable to ride outside, you may be wondering: “can a hoverboard go on carpet?”
It is possible to ride a hoverboard on the carpet but it depends on the make and model. Make sure that your hoverboard has a strong tire grip before you ride it on the carpet for safety purposes. Ride your hoverboard on a low-pile carpet and make sure that it has rubber tires.
Hoverboard Quality
All hoverboards on the market are constructed in a different way. The overall quality directly impacts its ride-ability on carpeted surfaces. Those that are poorly-manufactured will not have the necessary functionality to achieve a smooth ride on carpet.
When searching for a new hoverboard, examine reviews and understand its basic functions. Most of the time, if the self-balancing scooter does work on carpet, it will be indicated somewhere online. When it arrives, the most important thing to do first is to test and verify the hoverboard’s quality and performance.
Tire Grip and Quality
Alongside overall quality of construction and performance, premium-grade tires are an essential factor when you want a hoverboard that works on carpet. In general, a good tire grip is vital to any hoverboard. Self-balancing scooters that do not have sufficient enough grip can skid or be completely stuck due to a lack of friction between the tire and carpeting.
For best results on carpet, make sure that the tires are made of rubber and have good tread on them. Maximum grip paired with the best possible performance is achieved by having treaded rubber tires.
When you purchase your hoverboard from a premium manufacturer, they take various terrains into account. They make sure that their tires have an ample amount of grip that allows them to function properly on carpet.
Carpet Type
Justifiably, the type of carpet that you are riding your hoverboard on will have a direct influence on how rideable it is. Overall, carpets are typically found in two different styles: high pile or low pile.
Low-pile carpets are used to describe those with shorter, tighter fibers. Their shorter length allows for more friction between the surface and the tires. Most homes, offices, and hotels are outfitted with low-pile carpets. On the other hand, high-pile carpeting has looser, taller fibers. Plush and fluffy carpeting like the shag carpet of the 70’s, are considering high-pile.
Most hoverboards will work fine on low-pile carpet. Whereas, in order for them to operate on the high-pile variety, they need to be more rugged with all-terrain wheels that can handle this type of surface. In general, always do a stress test before you ride, as the hoverboard could cause significant damage to your carpeting.
Learning to ride a hoverboard on carpet may actually be a safer option than outside on pavement or any other hard surface. The softer carpet surface provides a better cushion should any falls occur.
Your Particular Riding Skills
When it comes to operating a hoverboard on carpeting, your individual riding skills play a major role. While it is safer to learn on carpet, riding on it feels much different than riding on even pavement. Depending on the overall carpet thickness, you may be slow to respond or feel sluggish while riding.
Additionally, the ability to adjust the way you ride based on the terrain takes quite a bit of patience and skill. In order to successfully ride on carpet, you need to lean into the hoverboard much more slowly than you would on pavement or any other even surface. Then, when you build up enough momentum, you can begin to increase your speed.
Tips for Riding a Hoverboard on Carpet
Now that you understand all the factors that influence the ability to ride a hoverboard on carpet, examine the following tips for successful riding.
- Always wear protective gear during operation (helmet, knee pads, etc.).
- Ensure that the carpeted area where you are riding is large enough.
- Clear the riding area of any obstacles or objects that could present dangers in the case of accidents.
- Take it slow in the beginning before gradually increasing speed.
- Extend your arms out to the side for better balance.
- Test out the hoverboard on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure that it won’t cause any damage to the carpet.
- Avoid riding on the carpet for an extended period of time as excess friction can melt the tire and lead to black tire stains.
- Make sure that the wheels aren’t dirty before riding to avoid nasty stains on the carpeting.
If, for whatever reason, you’ve been left with black tire tracks on your carpet, clean the stains as early as possible for best results.
How to Clean Hoverboard Tire Stains Out of Carpet
If you’ve accidentally gotten black tire marks on your carpet from riding a hoverboard indoors, you should act fast. Black marks left behind by tires are generally caused by friction heating up the surface and melting the tire. These stains are actually burnt tire rubber that was transferred onto your carpet.
We understand that this may sound alarming, but there are ways to remove it. Follow the steps below to clean black hoverboard tire marks out of your carpet:
- Ventilate the area where the stains occurred by opening a window or turning on fans.
- Apply one of the following cleaning solvents to a clean cloth and test it on the carpet to examine for any adverse effects before proceeding. Always test in an inconspicuous area to avoid excessive damage to your carpet. Use one of these:
Lighter fluidKeroseneWD-40Mineral spiritsTurpentineSimple Green Carpet Cleaner
- If the test indicates that the solvent is safe to use on the carpet, apply a generous amount of it to the stain using a clean cloth. Although you want to be generous, be careful not to apply too much that could soak the carpet padding underneath. This can cause an even worse problem – mold.
- Grab a soft-bristled brush and moisten it with water. Work the cleaning solvent into the stain using the damp brush.
- If necessary, you can let the cleaner sit on the carpet for several minutes to allow it to work deep into the carpet fibers and lift the stain.
- Using a cloth, blot the stain and shift to a clean side as it becomes soaked in the black tar. Continue doing this until the marks are no longer visible.
- Once removed, finish off by cleaning the area with either a foaming carpet cleaner or white foam shaving cream.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to dab the area. This will rinse it and remove any of the leftover cleaning residue.
- Follow up with a quick blot dry using an absorbent towel.
Wrapping It Up
If you’ve just recently gotten a shiny, new hoverboard you’re likely wondering if it can be ridden inside. The good news is that, depending on a variety of factors, hoverboards can go on carpet. This includes clearing unnecessary obstructions, wearing protective gear, purchasing a good-quality hoverboard, and knowing how to ride it.
You always want to purchase your hoverboard from a reputable brand that you trust. When in doubt, do your research, watch online videos, and ask around for recommendations.
Although your hoverboard may be suitable for riding on carpet, this doesn’t always mean that it’s going to be kind to it. Make sure that you take all the necessary precautions to avoid any unnecessary damage or unwanted black tire marks on your carpeting.
Related Questions
Will riding a hoverboard on carpet damage the motor?
Whether or not carpet will damage your hoverboard’s motor depends on the quality of the one you purchased. That’s precisely why it’s crucial to choose a hoverboard from a top manufacturer, as low-quality boards are made of cheap components. These substandard components will almost certainly underperform and weaken fast.If your hoverboard wasn’t purchased from a reputable, high-quality company, it’s recommended to avoid riding it on carpet. You simply do not know how it’s going to perform and what the carpet will do to the motor.
Will riding a hoverboard on carpet impact the battery life?
Riding a hoverboard on carpet for an extended period of time can adversely affect the battery. Due to the roughness of the surface, the hoverboard has to work harder and more power is required. The motor has to output more power to successfully move the wheels over the carpet, effectively draining the battery.
Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.
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