For any hoverboard rider, few things are more frustrating than running out of battery power halfway through an adventure. Unlike skateboards or bikes that keep coasting, a dead hoverboard battery means your day of cruising has come to an abrupt halt. In this article we talk about How Long Does The Hoverboard Take To Charge.
Understanding your hoverboard battery’s charging time and lifespan is crucial for ensuring you never become stranded with a powerless board. With a little knowledge and the right riding/charging habits, maximizing your hoverboard’s battery performance is simple.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about hoverboard charging times, factors that impact battery life, and tips for prolonging that all-important charge cycle after cycle.
Average Hoverboard Charging Times
The first key fact: charging a standard hoverboard battery from 0% to 100% generally takes between 2 to 4 hours depending on the model. More specifically:
Smaller Hoverboards (6.5″ wheels): Approximately 2 hours
Mid-Size Hoverboards (8″ wheels): 2 – 3 hours
Larger Hoverboards (10″+ wheels): 3 – 4 hours
Most manufacturers recommend charging hoverboard batteries for at least 2-3 hours even if the indicator lights show it’s fully charged earlier. This ensures an optimal, balanced charge across all battery cells.
Always refer to your specific model’s instructions, but in general charging for longer than 4 hours is unnecessary and could potentially damage the battery over time.
Factors Impacting Hoverboard Charging Speed
Several key variables can cause charging times to differ from the standard 2-4 hour timeframe:
Battery Watt Hours (Wh)
Hoverboard batteries are rated by their total watt hours, which indicates their size and charging capacity. Higher watt hour batteries (10Wh+) will take longer to fully charge compared to smaller 4Wh units.
Some examples:
4Wh Hoverboard Battery: 1- 1.5 hours
6.6Wh Hoverboard Battery: 2 – 2.5 hours
10Wh Hoverboard Battery: 3 – 4 hours
Charger Quality
Using the manufacturer’s recommended charger will charge batteries most efficiently thanks to matched voltage and amp output ratings. Third-party chargers may charge more slowly or incompletely.
Battery Condition
Brand new batteries will reach full charges more quickly than aging batteries nearing the end of their life cycles. Well-worn batteries take progressively longer to charge as their capacity degrades.
Ambient Temperature
Extreme hot or cold conditions slow down the internal charging process. lithium-ion batteries charge most efficiently between 50-115°F (10-45°C).
Charging From Fully Depleted
Batteries completely drained to 0% will take longer for that initial charge cycle. Avoid letting your battery reach 0% when possible, and keep it topped off.
Using While Charging
Avoid riding the hoverboard while it’s plugged in charging, as this diverts some current away from charging the cells. It’s best to let the battery charge uninterrupted.
Typical Hoverboard Battery Life and Range
On a full charge from a quality hoverboard battery, here are some reasonable range expectations based on rider weight and terrain:
100 lb / 45 kg Rider
6-9 miles / 10-15 km range on flat ground
4-6 miles / 6-10 km range on hilly terrain
200 lb / 90 kg Rider
5-7 miles / 8-11 km range on flat ground
3-5 miles / 5-8 km range on hilly terrain
Heavier riders, aggressive riding styles, rougher terrain, colder temperatures and aging batteries will diminish overall range. Proper battery maintenance and riding habits are key.
Extending Your Hoverboard Battery Lifespan
With lithium-ion batteries powering virtually every self-balancing scooter these days, maximizing their useful lifespan is a top priority. Here are some simple charging and usage tips to extend your hover’s battery longevity:
Charge Within the “Sweet Spot”
Lithium ion batteries discharge fastest at 100% capacity, so try to keep the battery level between 20-80% as often as possible for optimal longevity. Always let batteries cool before charging.
Be mindful of heat and cold
Very hot or freezing temperatures diminish li-ion battery performance and lifespan. Ride and store hoverboards within 50-115°F / 10-45°C range.
Avoid complete depletion
Never let your hover battery fully drain to 0% charge – lithium cells actually degrade faster once that cutoff point is breached. Keep an extra charger handy.
Remove from charger after full charge
Don’t leave hoverboards connected to chargers for more than 24 hours after reaching full charge. Prolonged overcurrent can damage cells.
Proper storage
For long-term storage between riding seasons, keep your hoverboard battery charged to ~50% power level in a cool, dry place.
Recalibrate periodically
Performing a periodic recalibration and battery drain/recharge cycle helps balance out lithium battery cells and maximize total lifespan.
Careful Charging is Key
Above all, resist the temptation to leave batteries completely drained or over-charged for extended periods. Lithium-ion battery chemistry reacts very sensitively to voltage highs/lows.
By sticking to a mindful routine of considerate charging habits, riders can expect to maximize their hoverboard’s battery longevity for 300-500 full charge cycles or more before serious degradation sets in.
Regular visual inspections and storage precautions are also advisable. Any battery with visible cracks, swelling, or leaking electrolytes needs to be handled with extreme caution and replaced as soon as possible.
With a few simple charging habits and some battery love, hoverboard enthusiasts can enjoy many hours of uninterrupted riding backed by years of dependable mobile battery power. At least until the next battery innovation comes along!
Hoverboard Charging FAQs
How Long Does a Hoverboard Battery Last on a Single Charge?
Most quality hoverboards can travel 6-12 miles on a single full battery charge depending on factors like rider weight, terrain and temperature. Depleted batteries typically need 2-4 hrs to recharge fully.
Is it Bad to Overcharge a Hoverboard Battery?
Yes – avoid leaving hoverboards plugged in for more than 24 hours after fully charging as it can degrade li-ion battery cells faster. Once charged, unplug and ride!
How Do I Know When My Hoverboard Battery is Charging?
Most hoverboards have indicator lights that illuminate red while actively charging, then turn green once fully charged. Consult your model’s instructions.
Should I Charge My Hoverboard After Every Ride?
Not necessarily – only charge lithium hoverboard batteries when they dip below 20% capacity to maximize their lifespan. Daily charging isn’t ideal.
What Happens if a Hoverboard Battery is Completely Drained?
Completely depleting li-ion cells below their protection circuits’ cutoff voltages is extremely taxing and can permanently damage long-term capacity after several cycles. Avoid hitting 0% when possible.
Is it OK to Use a Hoverboard While It’s Charging?
No, discharging the battery while plugged in actually slows charging times and stresses cells. Allow your hoverboard battery to charge fully before riding again.
By understanding the ins and outs of proper hoverboard battery charging and usage habits, riders can maximize safety, range, and longevity from their board’s power supply system for seasons of uninterrupted mobile fun.
With over a decade of experience in electric mobility and a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Moshe is the expert behind HoverboardsInfo.com. His background includes designing and testing hoverboards, providing readers with trusted reviews and insights. For the latest trends and expert advice, follow Moshe on Instagram.
