Can you travel with a hoverboard?

There’s nothing quite like the joy of exploring a new place on wheels, but can you travel with your hoverboard?

First the bad news. If you are asking ‘Can I take a hoverboard on a plane?’ then the answer is ‘no.’ This is because the lithium-ion batteries that power hoverboards pose a potential fire hazard, even when they have passed rigorous safety tests. Airlines have to be extra careful, so they will refuse to let you get on a flight with a hoverboard.

You won’t be able to put it in the hold or take it as hand luggage. When it comes to flying, hoverboards are simply not allowed. There is also the fact that hoverboards are reasonably heavy and would mean that your luggage allowance is severely restricted.

Don’t take your hoverboard to the airport, because it is most likely that security will confiscate it.

A work around could be getting your hoverboard sent to your holiday destination by ground freight, but most shipping services are just as pernickety as airlines when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

You can however, travel freely in the UK with your hoverboard – you can take it on a train, bus or in the car of course. If you do intend to travel with your hoverboard, invest in a carry case to protect it.

If you are going abroad, then it is best to leave your hoverboard at home. Depending on your destination, you can always buy or hire one for the duration of your holiday – that’s if you really are determined to ride while you’re away.

In Barcelona, you can hire a hoverboard – it’s a great way to explore sites like the Paseo Maritimo de la Barcelona. They will even provide training and a practice ride before you set of on your own.

If you are heading to France, you can book a guided hoverboard tour around Paris with Insolites Board. They also offer a safety session for beginners so that you feel confident once the tour gets going.

In Udine, Italy, holidaymakers can rent a one-wheeled electric hoverboard from £36 with ItalyTravelandMore.com. Run by an electric motor like any other hoverboard, the one-wheeled versions enable you to move effortlessly across any terrain and offer an incredibly stable ride. They will take you up to 30km on a single charge, which is plenty enough to see a lot of Italy.

If you want to rent a hoverboard in the UK, then head to Ridenfly – they have a range of hoverboard experiences on offer for all ages from corporate events through to birthday parties, safety training and one-off events. They also supply helmets, wrist guards and other safety gear at their indoor events.

Ridenfly have regular venues available for hoverboard events throughout Hertfordshire, Kent, London and Essex.

You might not be able to pack your hoverboard in your suitcase when you head off on holiday, but there are plenty of alternatives out there which will enable you to enjoy a travel adventure and experience the thrill of hoverboard riding.