Hello. I purchased a Jetson x-10 hover board at target and the story I’m telling myself is that it’s a good hover board. I have always wanted to try out a hover board and it’s been years since they have been released and the ones that are on the market today are packed with features such as blue tooth, led lights, speakers, navigation, and an app that shows stats such as speed and distance traveled.
This particular hover board the Jetson x-10 weighs 20 pounds, has all terrain tires that are 6.5 inches in diameter, and has different modes and customizable controls so I may choose settings that make the most sense for me and my style of riding. For example, how fast it will to top speed, the sensitivity of the turns, and the power or torque applied to the wheels.
I find that the beginner mode is difficult though as it requires more input or leaning required to move forward and back. This is not a natural stance so the fact that I would have to lean more forward to move makes for a more difficult learning curve. The intermediate mode is easier for a beginner. I customized the intermediate setting to suit my style and preference and when I get more advanced I shall put all the settings at max.
So why do I like this hover board? I don’t have any precious experience with hover boards, so I simply purchased the best one that was offered at target and I’m glad I did. The lights look cool but serve a purpose as well. With lights on the wheels, the front, the back, and on top, I am able to be seen easier and for safety reasons when driving this, I want people to be able to see me easier especially at night or at dusk.
There is a trick to getting on and off. You simply have to commit to stepping on one foot at a time with a fast step. To get off, step one foot off and plant that foot on the ground immediately. People fall because when they try to dismount, they keep that foot in the air too long and lose balance. Just step off with one foot backwards and plant that foot. Commit to stepping off and putting that foot on the ground and you will be able to dismount safely.
Turning is another challenge if your eight is not shifted properly. Turning left and leaning towards the right is what will happen if you simply apply pressure with your right foot to make the left turn. Instead try leaning into the direction of the turn bending the leg slightly and putting weight on that pivot leg so your balance is correct. If you stand straight and apply pressure on the right toe to turn left, it works when going slow however when going faster your body will want to go to the right while your hover board is going left. So instead apply pressure with your left heal to turn left and your weight should be on that left leg while turning left and you will keep your balance better. Do the opposite for turning right.
The wheels have all terrain tread and are solid rubber so no chance of getting a flat. However with 6.5 inch diameter it would be easier to get over bumps with the 8.5 inch diameter wheels of other hover boards is what I am thinking. The wheels are wide though, so this helps make up for the lack of height and gives good grip on surfaces as the wider tires and tread are good.
The other thing one needs to have is faith in the technology and that it will keep you upright. When I am hitting a transition from smooth to a bumpy surface, I tend to slow down when I should keep my speed to make the transition easier as the momentum is needed.
When there comes a point when I don’t have enough forward lean to get to speed, I put both hands out forward and my weight shifts forward and I pick up speed and the. Lower my arms back to my side.
I want to go faster and take turns more aggressively so I will purchase a helmet and wrist guards and just go for it.
People fall when they try to dismount by stepping forward. Do not do this. Always come to a complete stop the. Step one foot off and plant it immediately flat on the ground. Then take the other foot off the hover board.
The first day I rode it, I was very stiff and not trusting of the technology. Now that I’ve had it a few days I understand the dynamics more and am able to ride it well.
When it’s low on battery or runs out of battery it will stop moving forward. Not good if you are at speed. So when it shows low battery, be smart and get off of it.
This is not a mode of transportation that makes sense to commute. It’s more of a fun thing to do right now.
I find the time I spend riding takes my mind off work and I am more aware of my body, balance, and my surroundings. I thought that when I got it that I would be able to just step on and go fast. That wasn’t the case.
I did fall one time as I dismounted because I kept one foot off the ground instead of planting it on the ground. That one fall made me realize that I was only a few inches off the ground so no need to fall. Plant one foot on the ground and step off the hover board. It’s that simple.
Have fun with it. Be safe. Play your music on the speakers and it’s like having your own private roller skating rink (if you recall that time long ago going to a roller skating rink and skating to music).
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