Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, are a popular way to get around. Like any electronic gadget, hoverboards can sometimes encounter technical issues that may require resetting them to factory settings. Resetting can help resolve problems with connectivity or erratic performance. Fortunately, the process is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully reset your hoverboard.
Prerequisites
Before beginning the reset process, make sure:
– Your hoverboard is fully charged. Resetting can consume a lot of battery.
– You have your hoverboard manual on hand. Different models may have slightly different reset procedures. The manual will have the exact steps.
– You have the factory reset password, if set. Some hoverboards come preset with a password to access reset menus. Check your documentation for this.
Step 1 – Access the Reset Menu
First, you need to access your hoverboard’s reset menu. The access method varies by model but typically involves the following:
– Locate the small reset button on your hoverboard, usually on the side or bottom. This may be labeled as Reset, Restore or Factory Reset.
– Press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds until lights start flashing. Keep holding the power button.
– While still holding the power button, press and release the reset button with your other hand.
– When lights flash in a pattern, release power button. This indicates reset mode activated.
Theexact sequence and length of button presses may vary. Check manual for model-specific guidance.
Step 2 – Select Reset Option
Once in the reset menu, you will be able to choose what type of reset you wish to perform via the indicator lights:
– Flashing lights indicates a full factory reset option
– Solid lights indicates a soft reset to restart the hoverboard
Use the power button to toggle between modes if both options are available. Select flashing lights for a full factory reset.
Step 3 – Confirm Reset
With reset mode selected on your hoverboard, you now need to confirm the reset:
– If the hoverboard requires a password, it will provide a flashing light pattern indicating password input is needed. Use the power button to enter the password and pattern — check your manual for guidance.
– Without a password, hold down the power button for 5+ seconds until lights flash rapidly. This confirms the full reset.
Step 4 – Reconfigure Hoverboard
After the confirmation in Step 3, the hoverboard will restart. The reset to factory settings is now complete. But you still need to reconfigure a few settings, like wheel calibration.
Follow the initial setup and configuration section in your user manual. Key steps typically include:
– Charging the hoverboard fully again before first use
– Calibrating wheels and sensors
– Connecting with mobile app to enable all features (if app connectivity present)
– Testing safety and operation
Be sure to consult the documentation to ensure everything is properly set up for safe functionality.
Troubleshooting Issues
Hopefully after Step 4 your hoverboard reset is complete and any previous problems have been resolved. But here are some tips if issues persist:
Weak Calibration
If wheels seem difficult to calibrate or balance seems off, charge to full and attempt calibration again on very level surface. Faulty calibration gets stored so reset and recalibrate from scratch.
Connectivity Problems
Double check all connections, power cycle bluetooth, redownload mobile app and reconnect following onboarding process. Maintain proximity to hoverboard when connecting.
Unresponsive After Resetting
For an unresponsive unit after reset, recheck correct button sequence and order per manual, hold buttons for longer durations, use a paperclip to press tiny reset button. As last resort contact manufacturer support.
If you follow the process correctly a hoverboard reset can resolve most common issues with erratic control, powering on/off, charging problems or failed software updates. Should problems continue despite troubleshooting, contact the hoverboard manufacturer. More extensive electrical and mechanical inspection may be needed by a qualified technician.
A factory reset is an essential tool to revive a troubled hoverboard. While it may seem involved, the process is straightforward when performed one step at a time. Consult your model’s documentation and follow along carefully. Soon you will be happily rolling along again!
Tips for Hoverboard Maintenance
Don’t wait for serious problems to start – catching issues early keeps hoverboards safely operational. Follow these upkeep tips:
– Fully charge at least monthly to keep battery conditioned
– Inspect wheels, casings, and sensors frequently for damage
– Do wheel calibrations if drifting or wobbling starts
– Check screws/bolts routinely to ensure nothing is loose
– Download new firmware when available to stay up to date
– Clean sensors and externals gently and only when powered off
– Avoid water exposure to electronics and battery components
Some maintenance can be performed by owners but more advanced troubleshooting may need pro repair. With routine upkeep, most hoverboards provide years of reliable transportation. Stay proactive and your hoverboard will stay in prime hovering shape!
Hoverboard History & Future
Although explosive in popularity in recent years, the hoverboard has an interesting history going back over a century:
Early Predecessors
Patents for self-balancing devices date from as early as 1919. The first powered version debuted in 1953 but only worked when hovering over a conductive surface. These novel but impractical early attempts laid groundwork but fell short as true usable predecessors.
Segway Origins
Inventor Dean Kamen developed the technology that eventually enabled hoverboards while building his renowned Segway transporter in the early 2000s. This key innovation was dynamic stabilization – using gyroscope sensors and tilt compensation to stay upright. This allowed two-wheeled balancing transporters to operate anywhere rather than requiring a special surface.
First Hovertrax Mass Product
Finally in 2013, the hoverboard in recognizable form arrived when Shane Chen’s Hovertrax hit the market. This incorporated stabilization technology allowing free movement atop two motorized wheels without falling – kickstarting the hoverboard frenzy.
Explosive Growth
In 2015-2016 hoverboards saw a massive pop culture explosion with famous musicians, athletes and more hyping the cool new go-anywhere mobility trend. Q4 2015 alone saw over $1.7 billion in hoverboard sales as prices dropped and accessibility rose.
Safety Controversies
Cheap knockoffs led to reported fires and uncertainties over acceptable lithium battery sizes stalled this meteoric rise. By early 2016, safety concerns, import bans, and regulations cooled the overheated market considerably until quality and compliance improved.
Continuing Evolution
Today’s hoverboards are highly advanced with sophisticated sensors, mobile app integration for telemetry, even AI-powered self-balancing capabilities to compensate for new riders. The future promises further enhancements like expanded range, automated safety aids, and integration with smart homes and cities as environmentally-friendly micro-mobility solutions.
Hoverboards have come a long way from finicky prototypes needing special surfaces to today’s self-stabilizing devices safely rolling anywhere. Once strictly sci-fi, real-world hoverboards are now transforming transportation’s future with Apple, UPS, Google’s Waymo and major automakers all innovating self-balancing mobility tech anticipated to keep maturing for decades yet to come.