How to Replace Your Hoverboard Battery: A Beginner's Guide

Are you having trouble with your hoverboard battery? If your hoverboard battery is not holding a charge or it’s draining too quickly, it’s time to replace the battery. Replacing a hoverboard battery can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily replace your hoverboard battery and get back to riding in no time.

Table of Contents

Why Hoverboard Batteries Need Replacement?

Hoverboards operate on lithium ion battery packs that provide the electricity to drive the wheels and sensors. These batteries come in different shapes and voltages – typically 36V or 48V.

Within the battery, chemical reactions generate electrical charge to store energy. This stored energy is then discharged as you ride to propel the hoverboard’s motors.

However, through repeated charges and discharges, also known as cycles, the chemicals and materials inside lithium ion batteries slowly degrade.

After 300 to 500 cycles, which translates to 1-2 years of regular use, most hoverboard batteries drop capacity and ability to hold a charge.

You’ll notice issues like:

Greatly reduced riding times and range per charge
Failure to hold a charge for more than 10-15 minutes
Warning lights, error codes, or sudden power loss
Visible swelling or distortion of the battery pack

All these signs indicate it’s time to replace your aging hoverboard battery.

Replacing batteries restores optimal performance – just like getting a new tank of gas! Upgrading to a higher capacity battery can further extend your hoverboard’s range.

Key Precautions When Replacing Hoverboard Batteries

Before swapping out the old battery and upgrading to a replacement, there are a few important safety steps to take. When working with electrical components and lithium batteries, safety should always come first.

1. Power Off & Unplug Charger

Turn the hoverboard power switch off and unplug from the charging cable before beginning any work. This avoids accidental shocks.

2. Wear Protective Gear

When handling the battery, wear rubber gloves, eyewear, and closed toe shoes. This gear protects from burns or acid exposure.

3. Avoid Contact with Battery Contacts

Never let bare lithium battery terminals contact metal tools or your skin which can cause dangerous shorts.

4. No Sharp Tools Near Battery

Only use plastic tools like screwdrivers and spudgers to avoid puncturing the battery wrapper. Punctures can ignite fires.

5. Do Not Crush or Submerge

Don’t apply excessive pressure or force to the battery pack to avoid internal short circuits.

6. Recycle Batteries Properly

Worn-out lithium batteries should be recycled at approved battery recycling points rather than tossed in the trash. Taking these battery safety guidelines seriously minimizes the hazards involved when servicing your hoverboard.

What Tools You’ll Need

In addition to safety gear, gather the following tools ahead of time to ensure a smooth hoverboard battery replacement process:

Tool/Supply	Purpose
Replacement Hoverboard Battery	The new lithium battery to install. Must match battery shape, voltage, & capacity.
Phillips Screwdriver	For removing case cover screws on some hoverboards.
Plastic Spudger	For gently prying open the battery housing cover.
Clean Rag	To wipe down battery contacts pre-install.

Tip: When buying a replacement battery online:

Take note of the hoverboard’s original battery voltage and dimensions
Match capacity or buy an upgraded battery for longer range
Only buy from reputable retailers

This ensures your new battery fits and functions properly.

Step-By-Step: Removing the Old Hoverboard Battery

Once you have all the proper safety gear and compatible replacement battery on hand, you can move onto taking the worn-out battery out of your hoverboard.

Step 1: Gain Access to the Battery Bay

Turn your hoverboard upside down or on its side to access the battery compartment. In most models, the lithium battery sits in a rectangular bay towards the center of the hoverboard.

If sealed with screws, use a Phillips screwdriver to carefully remove any fasteners holding the protective cover in place. Most brands use clips or tabs though.

Step 2: Locate Battery Connector Wires

Before attempting to remove the battery, always disconnect the wiring first.

These connector cables link the battery to the hoverboard’s main circuitboard. The wires exit the battery compartment to connect internally.

Step 3: Disconnect Battery Cable Connectors

Gently unplug the jigsaw-like connectors linking the wires to the battery terminals. Different brands have different harness connectors.

Depress plastic locking tabs or slide connectors sideways to detach. Avoid pulling wires themselves as this damages connections!

Step 4: Pry Open the Battery Housing Cover

After wires are safely disconnected, the next step is accessing the battery itself.

Insert a thin plastic spudger around the edges of the battery compartment and gently pry upwards. This takes some finesse.

Slowly work the spudger along each side to pop the retaining clips until the cover detaches. Carefully avoid tearing wires still routed through the case.

Step 5: Lift Out Old Battery

With the battery now accessible and disconnected, slide it upwards and out from the battery bay using the attached pull strap or ribbon.

For safety and proper disposal, place the old lithium-ion battery in a recycling box immediately.

Installing the Replacement Hoverboard Battery

With the worn out battery removed, you can now install a fresh replacement battery unit.

This process involves firmly reattaching connectors and seating the new battery properly within the vacant bay.

Step 1: Inspect New Replacement Battery

Before physically installing the replacement battery, visually inspect for any damage during shipping.

Verify correct voltage (36V, 48V etc.)
Check battery capacity matches what you ordered
Inspect battery terminals and wiring harness connectors
Check battery dimensions fit space

Use a clean rag to wipe any exposed terminals if dirty or dusty. This prevents connection issues.

Step 2: Connect Battery Cable Harness

Match up the replacement battery’s red and black connectors to the corresponding positive and negative terminals. The plastic harnesses only connect one way for a correct polarity match.

Press firmly so the locking tabs click fully into place. Tug gently to ensure a fully secure connection before proceeding.

Step 3: Position New Battery in Housing Bay

With wiring fully attached, align and lower the fresh hoverboard battery pack into the vacant compartment bay.

Gently tuck all wiring neatly off to the side so that:

Battery fits flush in allowed space
Connector wires and cables lay flat
No components or wires are pinched against case

If your hoverboard has a power switch or charging port on the underside of the board, take extra care protecting and routing this wiring in Step 2 and 3.

Step 4: Reseat Battery Housing Cover

Replace any screws or other fasteners that hold the protective battery cover in place.

Press firmly around the perimeter of the cover to re-engage the plastic clipping mechanism. Inspect edges to ensure the cover is completely flush with the hoverboard body with no gaps.

This protects delicate electrical components.

Power Up and Test Hoverboard Functions

The final step after installing your upgraded hoverboard battery is safely powering up and testing ride functions:

Step 1: Inspect All Connections

Visually check that battery connectors, compartment cover, and any power switch wires are firmly secured in their ports before applying power.

Loose connections can cause dangerous electrical arcing.

Step 2: Reconnect Power Switch

If you fully disconnected the main hoverboard switch earlier, reconnect by plugging this electrical lead back into its port now.

Step 3: Turn On Your Hoverboard

Press and hold the Power button on your hoverboard for a few seconds.

If the new battery is correctly connected, the system should power on and you may see charging indicators light up.

Tip: Fully recharge new batteries before first use for best performance.

Step 4: Test Ride & Recalibrate

Confirm ride functions by stepping on the footpads and slowly accelerating. Listen for both wheels spinning evenly without drag or vibration.

Also recalibrate sensors following [your hoverboard manual’s] directions if balance seems off.

Recalibration syncs the motherboard to the new battery’s power output and ride characteristics.

Step 5: Recharge & Ride!

After testing, power down and fully recharge the new battery before typical use.

Then go enjoy your hoverboard’s restored performance! Remember to take safety precautions while getting accustomed to any new torque or handling.

Care & Usage Tips for Your New Battery

By correctly replacing your faulty hoverboard battery, you can restore like-new convenience and mileage range. To maximize lifespan and return on investment from new batteries:

Break In the Battery Gradually

Take it easier when first riding on a new battery
Ride conservatively for the first few charge cycles
Don’t attempt max distance until battery is broken in

This allows materials to align through a few careful discharges first.

Maintain a 40-80% Charge When Storing

Fully draining or overcharging lithium batteries damages materials
Charge to about 60% for long term storage
Bring to around 80% charge before riding

Avoid Excessive High Temperature Exposure

High heat also accelerates lithium battery deterioration
Don’t leave batteries baking inside hot cars
Consider some weatherproofing in extreme climates

Following these best practices protects your investment and prevents premature issues like swelling or ruptures.

Troubleshooting Hoverboard Battery Replacement Issues

While the battery replacement process is pretty straightforward for most hoverboard models, issues can arise if the proper procedures aren’t followed.

Here are some of the most common problems and their solutions:

Battery won’t charge – Make sure the charger is properly plugged into the charging port. Try a different charger if possible to rule out a bad charger. If the battery still won’t charge, it likely wasn’t connected correctly or is defective.
Shorter than expected runtime – Check that you purchased the proper battery for your hoverboard model. Incorrect voltage or lower capacity will reduce ride time. Test the “old” battery to see if it performs better, which would indicate a problem with the “new” one.
Hoverboard won’t power on – First, eliminate the charger and battery as issues by testing each component individually. If the battery is confirmed good, the problem may be in the wiring connections or mainboard electronics. Inspect all connectors and wires.
Battery indicator inaccurate – A battery with reduced capacity may confuse the hoverboard’s charge level monitoring system.
Sparking or smoking – A short circuit due to damaged wires can cause electrical arcing and overheating. Immediately power off the hoverboard. Inspect wires and connectors for breaks in insulation. Repair or replace damaged wires.
Battery moves or rattles – Improperly secured battery brackets allow movement that can damage wires and components. Tighten brackets or use additional fasteners to hold the battery firmly in place.
Battery getting hot – Excessive heat is a warning sign. Discontinue charging or use immediately. Hot batteries can overheat other parts as well. Check the charger is not overcharging. Replace the battery and monitor temperatures closely.
Grinding, clicking, or buzzing – Strange sounds from the battery often indicate internal damage. Vibrations can gradually ruin the battery’s cells and electronics leading to failure. Replace faulty batteries immediately.
The bottom cover won’t reattach – If the housing doesn’t sit flush or screws won’t catch, double-check for pinched wires or obstructions. Don’t force the cover closed.

For any issue not resolved by basic troubleshooting, consider seeking assistance from an experienced repair specialist. Do not attempt to charge or operate a malfunctioning battery as it poses a serious safety risk.

Tips for Caring for Your Replacement Hoverboard Battery

To maximize battery lifespan and performance, proper usage and storage habits are key. Here are some battery care best practices:

Break in the battery – Take the time to break in a new battery with 3-4 partial charge cycles before relying on it for long rides. This conditions it for maximum capacity.
Avoid overcharging – Don’t leave batteries plugged in for more than 5 hours after it shows fully charged. Overcharging degrades lithium-ion battery cells over time.
Prevent fully draining – Never run the battery to empty. The lowest safe level is around 20% charge. Deep discharging damaged batteries.
Store at room temperature – Keep hoverboard batteries away from heat and cold when not in use. The ideal is around 68°F.
Clean the contacts – On occasion use a pencil eraser to clean the electrical contacts on the battery terminals. This ensures a good connection.
Check charge monthly – During prolonged storage, plug in the charger monthly to maintain battery voltage in the 40-50% range.
Limit impacts – Dropping or crashing your hoverboard can damage the internal battery. Handle it with care and inspect it after hard impacts.

Following the usage, charging, and storage guidelines will allow you to get the most cycles out of your new battery before needing to replace it again. Performing annual battery swaps is recommended for heavy riders.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

While DIY hoverboard battery replacement is certainly doable, it’s not for everyone. If any of the following apply, it may be wiser and safer to take it to a qualified repair shop:

You lack experience with electronic repair
The battery is soldered in place
The wires are damaged and need splicing
The battery is bulging or leaking
You don’t have the proper tools and gear

Don’t take risks if you lack confidence in completing any step in the process. Additionally, some brands don’t make replacement batteries available to consumers. In these cases, professional help is recommended.