Can Your Hoverboard Get Wet? Risks and Prevention Tips

Hoverboards have become increasingly popular due to their ease of use, fun experience, and ability to navigate busy streets. However, one key concern for hoverboard owners is understanding how their devices handle water exposure.

While hoverboards are designed for outdoor use, most are not built to withstand water. Whether it's riding in the rain or splashing through puddles, water exposure can damage your hoverboard and reduce its lifespan.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The waterproof capabilities of hoverboards
• The risks of water exposure
• How to prevent water damage

Are Hoverboards Waterproof?

In short, most hoverboards are not waterproof. While some manufacturers may advertise their devices as water-resistant, it’s important to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant. Here's what you need to know about hoverboards and water resistance.

Fg: iHoverboard H1 Hoverboard IP54 Waterproof Rating

• IP (Ingress Protection): The first digit (5) indicates the hoverboard is partially protected against dust, meaning some dust may enter, but it won't interfere with operation.
• The second digit (4) indicates it is protected from water splashes from any direction, but it's not waterproof and cannot withstand heavy water exposure or submersion.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

A waterproof device can be fully submerged without damage. A water-resistant device can handle light splashes or brief exposure but isn't designed for heavy rain or submersion. Most hoverboards are only water-resistant.

Limited Protection

When manufacturers mention water resistance, they are often referring to light contact with moisture, such as riding on slightly wet roads or avoiding the odd splash from a puddle. However, even if a hoverboard has this limited water resistance, it does not mean it is invincible against water.

Internal Components at Risk

Extended exposure, riding in rain, or submerging the device can still result in severe damage. For example, if your hoverboard gets caught in a heavy downpour or you accidentally ride it through a large puddle, water can quickly find its way into the internal components, causing the device to malfunction or fail entirely.

Hoverboards have several sensitive parts, such as the battery, motor, and control systems, which are easily damaged by water. Exposure can lead to:

• Short circuits
• Corrosion
• Electrical malfunctions

Check the IP Rating

Before purchasing a hoverboard, check its IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates the level of protection against dust and water. The IP rating system indicates the level of protection an electronic device has against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water). For hoverboards, a higher IP rating suggests better protection against moisture.

If your hoverboard doesn’t specifically mention an IP rating, it’s best to assume that it has little to no water resistance. However, even a hoverboard with a decent IP rating should not be submerged or ridden in heavy rain. Always prioritize dry conditions for longer hoverboard life.

What Happens When Hoverboards Get Wet?

Water exposure can cause serious and costly damage to a hoverboard. Here’s a breakdown of what could happen:

Electrical Damage

One of the most immediate consequences of water exposure is damage to the hoverboard’s electrical components. The most vulnerable parts of a hoverboard include its battery, motor, and internal circuit boards. Water can quickly seep into these areas, leading to:

• Short circuits
• Malfunctioning systems
• In some cases, total failure of the device

Water can seep into sensitive areas, causing short circuits, system malfunctions, or even complete failure.

Battery Issues

Most hoverboards use lithium-ion batteries, which are highly sensitive to water. This is why it’s essential to avoid situations where your hoverboard gets wet, as water damage to the battery is often irreparable and could pose safety risks. Wet batteries can: 

• Short-circuit, causing the hoverboard to stop working.
• Overheat or, in extreme cases, catch fire.

Motor Malfunctions

Hoverboards rely on electric motors to function. In addition, water exposure can lead to long-term damage through rust and corrosion. Even if the hoverboard continues to function after getting wet, the internal components may begin to degrade over time, reducing the device’s lifespan significantly. In short:

• Cause the motor to seize or malfunction - result in poor performance, grinding noises, or a complete failure to operate.
• Lead to rust, corrosion, or grinding noises over time.

Control Board Failure

Hoverboards are also equipped with internal control boards, which manage the balancing system, movement, and overall operation of the device. These electronic boards are particularly sensitive to water, and when exposed to moisture, they can malfunction.

A wet hoverboard may start acting erratically, with problems such as jerky movements, loss of balance, or sudden power-offs. In many cases, the hoverboard may refuse to turn on altogether after being exposed to water, leaving the owner with a non-functional device. In short:

• Erratic movements.
• Sudden power-offs.
• A non-functional hoverboard.

Corrosion Risk

One long-term effect of water exposure is corrosion, which weakens internal metal parts over time. Corrosion is particularly dangerous because it is a slow process that degrades the device even after the initial water exposure. You might not notice the effects until weeks or months later, by which time the damage has already been done.

Warranty Considerations

Keep in mind, water damage is often not covered by hoverboard warranties, so any necessary repairs may come out of your pocket. Since water damage can affect multiple components simultaneously, repair costs can quickly add up, often making it more economical to replace the device altogether. Feel free to contact us for your warranty cover range before you buy one on iHoverboard.

How to Prevent Water Damage

Preventing water damage is crucial to extending the lifespan of your hoverboard. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your device:

• Avoid Riding in Wet Conditions: The easiest way to prevent water damage is to avoid riding your hoverboard in rain, through puddles, or on wet roads.
• Use a Waterproof Cover: If you live in an area where rain is common, consider using a waterproof cover for your hoverboard. These covers can help protect the device from splashes and light rain, although they won’t make your hoverboard fully waterproof.
• Check for an IP Rating: Look for hoverboards with an IP rating for water resistance, but remember, it’s not a guarantee against significant water exposure.
• Store Indoors: When not in use, always store your hoverboard in a dry place. Avoid leaving it in humid environments or outdoors where it can be exposed to rain or condensation.

Conclusion

Hoverboards are not designed for wet conditions. Water exposure can lead to severe damage to the battery, motor, and control systems. To extend the lifespan of your hoverboard and avoid costly repairs, it’s best to avoid wet conditions, use protective gear, and store the device indoors.