Yes, if you get the right hoverboard.
As soon as hoverboards were introduced to the market, they found a welcome place in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Hoverboards were used in airports, shopping malls, around parks, on campuses. Still, early hoverboards were designed more for flat, even surfaces. And for a while, that was more than enough.
But soon, people wanted more.
Hoverboards soon became a huge hit with a wide demographic, from younger kids to urban commuters. It became evident that the world needed hoverboards that could handle more than perfect pavement and smooth sidewalks. With more and more people buying hoverboards now as a possible way to commute in the nearby area, we are often asked whether hoverboards can ride on gravel, grass or dirt.
An Industry Standard for Hoverboards
A standard hoverboard is limited to smooth pavement. They are intended for leisure riders looking to get out, explore and stay active. But these types of hoverboards are not intended for rougher terrain, like gravel or tall grass.
If that’s all you need out of your hoverboard, then look no further than your standard hoverboard. But if you’re hungry for something more, something you can get down and dirty with, then you’re in luck. They’re out there!
Lately, all-terrain hoverboards (sometimes referred to as off-road hoverboards) have enjoyed a surge in popularity. They’re specially designed to take on rough terrain, uneven pavement, and even some outdoor trails. They’re built to take a beating and carry heavy loads. Our very own Swagboard Outlaw T6 was the first hoverboard with 10-inch wheels and a weight capacity of 420 pounds. If you’re looking into a hoverboard that can ride on gravel, grass or dirt, then look no further.
Why is it some hoverboards can ride across gravel, grass or dirt while others can’t?
Hoverboard Tire Size
Want to ride your hoverboard on rougher surfaces like gravel, grass or dirt? Quality tires are important. As a thumb rule, smaller tires tend to have less “off-road” capabilities,so you’ll need to look for larger tires to handle a variety of terrain.
What constitutes “large”?
Standard hoverboards have a tire size of 6.5 inches. This size is okay for the smooth sidewalks and even pavement. But for surfaces such as gravel, grass or dirt, a tire size of 8.5 inches or more is highly recommended.
Hoverboard Tire Material
Hoverboards normally have solid rubber tires. Rubber tires are durable, puncture-resistant, and can better handle sharp, rugged surfaces. And they’ll last longer, with minimal maintenance. Generally speaking, standard hoverboard tires won’t need replacing throughout the lifetime of the board.
If you want to ride your hoverboard on gravel, grass or dirt, you should look at boards with air-filled tires. Though it sounds counter-intuitive, air-filled tires are better suited for rougher terrain. They have superior traction and better stability both on-road and off. The trade-off is that you’ll always need to be aware of the tires’ air pressure.
Tread pattern for hoverboards
Riding your hoverboard on rough, uneven surfaces demands good grip. And to ensure a good grip, deeply grooved tires are a must. Make sure you look for rugged hoverboards with tread in a deep, staggered pattern. This will give you excellent traction for uneven pavements and trails.
Motors for off-road hoverboards
We’ve talked about tires. While having the right tires for your hoverboard is an important factor, it’s not the only important factor. An all-terrain hoverboard needs good grip from the tires, and good power from the motor.
If you are buying a hoverboard for both on- and off-road terrain, the hoverboard must house a motor of 200W or more.
Dust and water protection for hoverboards
Riding your hoverboard on gravel, grass and dirt means one thing for sure. Your hoverboard is going to get battered, dirty and wet. Make sure your hoverboard is designed to survive.
It’s crucial that your hoverboard is rated at least IPX4. The IP rating lets you know how protected your hoverboard is against contact with water and dirt particles. Your hoverboard must also have a durable casing to protect the internal components from impact, drops and flying gravel.
Are all-terrain hoverboards worth it?
Absolutely!
All-terrain hoverboards from reputable brands are worth every single penny. A good off-road hoverboard will be a more durable, more powerful alternative to a standard hoverboard. And they’ll look good too!
