Hoverboards have become one of the most popular personal transportation devices in recent years. These self-balancing scooters are everywhere, from city sidewalks to skate parks, ridden by kids, teens, and adults alike.
But when exactly did hoverboards come out, and how did they go from a futuristic concept to a real-world phenomenon?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of hoverboards, tracing their development. We’ll also answer common questions about their invention and who made the first hoverboard.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Hoverboards in Pop Culture
Before we explore the real-world history of hoverboards, it’s important to acknowledge their roots in popular culture, specifically science fiction.
The term “hoverboard” was made famous by the 1989 film Back to the Future Part II, in which protagonist Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) uses a levitating skateboard-like device to escape trouble in the 2015 future world.
This hoverboard was a futuristic, floating device—far from the wheeled, ground-bound versions we know today. However, the movie sparked public imagination and left many wondering if such a device could ever be invented.
For years, the idea of a real hoverboard remained squarely in the realm of science fiction. But that didn’t stop people from dreaming.
Fun Fact: The hoverboard from Back to the Future became so iconic that it fueled decades of speculation, with many people wondering if and when we’d see a real floating hoverboard hit the market.
The First Real Hoverboards: When Did They Come Out?
The hoverboards we see today—two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters—first hit the market in 2013. However, they didn’t float above the ground like the one in Back to the Future.
Instead, they were compact, battery-powered devices equipped with gyroscopic sensors that allowed users to move forward, backward, and turn by shifting their weight.
2013: The Birth of Modern Hoverboards
The modern hoverboard can trace its origins back to Shane Chen, an American inventor of Chinese descent. Chen, a serial inventor, had previously created other personal transportation devices, such as the Solowheel, a one-wheeled electric vehicle that also relied on gyroscopic technology for balance.
In 2013, Chen took his self-balancing technology a step further and introduced a new device: the Hovertrax. The Hovertrax was a small, two-wheeled vehicle that looked similar to today’s hoverboards.
It features a platform for the rider to stand on and sensors to detect shifts in weight. It was patented in the U.S. and marked the beginning of what we now know as the hoverboard craze.
Interesting Insight: While Shane Chen invented the Hovertrax, he later expressed frustration that knock-off versions of the device quickly flooded the market, many of which were produced in China without proper patent recognition.
2015: Hoverboards Explode in Popularity
Although the Hovertrax was invented in 2013, hoverboards didn’t become a cultural phenomenon until 2015. This year, numerous Chinese manufacturers began producing hoverboards in large quantities, often at a lower price than Chen’s original Hovertrax.
The popularity of hoverboards surged thanks to a mix of factors, including viral social media videos and celebrity endorsements. Throughout 2015, famous personalities such as Justin Bieber, Wiz Khalifa, and Jamie Foxx were seen riding hoverboards, which sparked widespread interest.
By the end of 2015, hoverboards were one of the hottest holiday gifts in the world. In fact, some reports estimate that hundreds of thousands of hoverboards were sold during the Christmas season alone.
Personal Example: I remember visiting my local mall in late 2015, and it seemed like every other store was selling hoverboards! Even pop-up kiosks were dedicated to showcasing different colors, styles, and features.
Why Did Hoverboards Become So Popular?
Hoverboards became a global trend for several reasons:
1. Fun and Novelty
Hoverboards provided a unique way to get around. They were fun to ride and allowed people to experience a new form of personal transportation that felt futuristic, even if they didn’t hover. Their compact size and easy maneuverability made them ideal for both urban commuting and recreational use.
2. Celebrity and Social Media Influence
As mentioned earlier, the rise of social media and celebrity culture played a huge role in the hoverboard’s popularity.
Videos of people effortlessly gliding on hoverboards flooded platforms like Instagram, Vine, and YouTube, creating a viral sensation. When celebrities like Kendall Jenner and John Legend posted about their hoverboard experiences, it only fueled the trend further.
3. Accessibility
While the original Hovertrax was fairly expensive, the influx of Chinese-made hoverboards in 2015 drove prices down.
Suddenly, hoverboards were much more affordable and accessible to a broader audience, particularly teenagers and young adults. Some models could be purchased for as little as $300, making them a must-have item for many.
4. Tech Appeal
Hoverboards also attracted a tech-savvy audience who were fascinated by the gyroscopic technology that allowed the boards to balance themselves.
This technology, combined with the electric motors, made hoverboards feel like a glimpse into the future of transportation. For people interested in gadgets, the hoverboard was a perfect blend of fun and innovation.
The Hoverboard Controversy: Battery Issues and Safety Concerns
Despite their popularity, hoverboards also faced significant challenges, especially when it came to safety.
In late 2015 and early 2016, reports began surfacing of hoverboards catching fire or exploding due to faulty lithium-ion batteries. These incidents led to widespread concern and even bans in some places.
Battery Fires and Recalls
Many of the fires were traced back to cheaply made hoverboards from manufacturers that cut corners when it came to battery safety.
The lithium-ion batteries in these hoverboards were prone to overheating, especially when overcharged or used for long periods. This resulted in fires that damaged homes and caused injuries.
In response, several major retailers, including Amazon, temporarily stopped selling hoverboards, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued warnings about their use. Additionally, hoverboard recalls were issued for thousands of units, and safety regulations were tightened.
Pro Tip: If you’re purchasing a hoverboard today, make sure it has UL 2272 certification, which ensures that it meets the latest safety standards for electrical systems and batteries.
Hoverboard Bans
Due to safety concerns, some cities and schools banned the use of hoverboards on sidewalks and campuses. Airlines also prohibited hoverboards from being brought onto planes because of the risk posed by their batteries. This temporary backlash slowed down the hoverboard craze, but it didn’t stop it completely.
The Evolution of Hoverboards: New Features and Safer Designs
Despite the initial concerns over battery safety, hoverboards have continued to evolve. Manufacturers have addressed safety issues, and today’s hoverboards are safer, more reliable, and packed with new features.
1. Improved Battery Safety
Modern hoverboards now come with UL 2272 certification, which means their electrical systems, including batteries and charging mechanisms, have been tested for safety. This certification has helped restore consumer confidence and greatly reduced the risk of fires or explosions.
2. Off-Road Hoverboards
As hoverboards have evolved, new models designed for off-road use have become popular. These hoverboards feature larger wheels with rugged tires, allowing them to navigate dirt paths, gravel, and grass—something that early hoverboards struggled with. Off-road models are ideal for people who want to use their hoverboard in parks or on rough terrain.
3. Bluetooth and LED Features
Many modern hoverboards come equipped with Bluetooth speakers, allowing riders to listen to music while they ride. Additionally, hoverboards now often feature LED lights that not only enhance safety by making riders more visible but also add a stylish touch, especially for night riding.
4. Increased Range and Speed
Hoverboard technology has improved in terms of battery efficiency and motor power. Modern hoverboards can travel longer distances on a single charge and reach higher speeds, with some models offering ranges of up to 15 miles per charge and speeds of 10-12 mph.
Hoverboards in the 2020s: Where Are They Now?
Hoverboards remain a popular personal transportation device in the 2020s, though their initial viral craze has cooled down. Today, they are primarily used by people looking for a fun, convenient way to get around short distances. They’ve found a place in various niches, from urban commuting to recreational use by kids and teenagers.
Hoverboards in Pop Culture
Although the hoverboard fad has settled, they continue to make appearances in popular culture, and they’ve become a symbol of modern tech gadgets. They’re often used in movies, TV shows, and social media, reinforcing their status as a futuristic mode of transport.
Future Innovations
Looking ahead, it’s likely that hoverboards will continue to evolve. With advancements in battery technology and the ongoing push for environmentally friendly transport, we may see even more efficient, longer-lasting, and safer hoverboards in the coming years.
The dream of a truly floating hoverboard (like the one from Back to the Future) still seems distant, but who knows what the future holds?
Conclusion
The modern hoverboard as we know it made its debut in 2013 with the invention of the Hovertrax by Shane Chen, but it wasn’t until 2015 that the hoverboard craze truly took off. Social media, celebrity endorsements, and a flood of affordable models made hoverboards one of the hottest gadgets of the year.
While early safety issues caused some setbacks, today’s hoverboards are safer and more advanced, offering fun and practical transportation options for people of all ages. From pop culture fantasies to real-world gadgets, hoverboards have made their mark on both tech and culture.
