Can you ride a hoverboard in the rain?

One of the most frequently asked questions from hoverboard owners, is ‘Can I ride my hoverboard in the rain?’ The answer isn’t a simple one, because it all depends on the make of your hoverboard and the nature of the rain.

Basically, it is not recommended that you ride your hoverboard in the rain. They run thanks to an electronic motor and getting water in the mechanics is not advisable. However, some hoverboards have a water resistant certification, like an IPX6, which means it is unlikely to come to harm if you are out riding and it happens to rain.

A hoverboard that is billed as waterproof, will cope with the odd splash of rain and shallow puddles, but a good soaking is not good for any hoverboard, so it is advisable to stay out of heavy rain and avoid big pools of water.

The distance between the board and the ground is another factor – if you have an all terrain model such as the Blue Vortex Camo 10” All Terrain Official Hoverboard you have the advantage of 10” tyres giving you more space between the foot plate and the ground.

Different IP ratings offer different protection against water – an IP44 rating for example, only offers minimal waterproofing and therefore the hoverboard shouldn’t be ridden in the rain if you can help it.

At the other end of the scale, an IPX7 rating should mean that your hoverboard is fully waterproof. In tests, it will have survived submersion in water for up to 20-minutes, however, you can expect to pay more for a model with such heavy duty waterproofing.

Even so, an IPX7 rating isn’t foolproof and care should always be taken if you are riding in the rain or in water.

If the internal components of your hoverboard do end up getting wet, it can cause damage to the wiring, motherboard or battery. Even a hoverboard with an IPX7 rating can be water damaged.

If your hoverboard does get wet, you should turn it off and remove the battery. Then you can unscrew the casing and see, which areas are affected. You can take out the motherboard and sensors and leave them in a bowl of uncooked rice for 12 to 24 hours, which will allow them to dry out at room temperature.

Then, you can remove the chassis and let it dry out for 24-hours. When you taken the components out of the rice, don’t touch them directly with your hands – use a paper towel and lightly dab with an ear bud to remove any damp.

If your hoverboard is not waterproof, it is worth investing in a waterproof carry case, so that you don’t get caught out in the event of a surprise rain storm. It is always best to do the majority of your riding when it’s dry and if it does rain, be sensible and resist the urge to tear through puddles. It could save you a lot of grief!