Why Are Hoverboards So Popular?
Scooters, skateboards, and now…hoverboards? This transportation trend has taken the world by storm, with kids and celebrities alike zooming around from place to place on their own hoverboards.
While many have gladly taken part in this widespread fad, others are left with a host of unanswered questions concerning the best hoverboards. For example, what exactly is a hoverboard? How do you use it? And, most importantly, how did it become so popular?
If you just can’t seem to wrap your head around the hoverboard craze, you’re not alone. Lucky for you, we’re here to help you understand how this trend came to fruition. You never know — you might even end up deciding that it’s worth going for a spin on your very own hoverboard.
Here’s everything you need to know about how these motorized vehicles first earned their moment in the spotlight.
Origins of the Hoverboard
The concept of the hoverboard was initially created in 2013 by Shane Chen, an American businessman. After being distributed a year later, the hoverboard was featured in the Consumer Electronic Show in January 2015.
Inspired by the sleek design and high efficiency of the product, several manufacturers took it upon themselves to design and sell their own hoverboards to consumers. This helped the motorized vehicle become more widely accessible to the general public.
Ever since, hoverboards have been cropping up all over the place. From award shows to Vine videos, it’s difficult to deny the pervasiveness of this trend.
To help you understand what exactly makes these boards so widely loved, we’re about to delve into the main reasons for hoverboards’ popularity.
The Hoverboard’s Rapid Ascent to Fame
As with countless other fads in pop culture, the popularity of the hoverboard can be traced back to YouTube. Casey Neistat, a prominent YouTube star and vlogger, was one of the first people to introduce the hoverboard to the social media universe.
In 2015, Neistat took to YouTube and posted a video review of an early hoverboard, which, at the time, he referred to as a “hands-free Segway thing.” The video quickly gathered over 4.3 million views from enthusiastic fans who wanted to know what the mysterious vehicle was all about. However, Neistat’s review wasn’t the only contribution to the hoverboard’s rise to fame.
After wheeling into the Los Angeles International Airport on his own hoverboard, rapper Wiz Khalifa was arrested for refusing to dismount the vehicle. The star’s fierce loyalty to his hoverboard naturally led others to wonder what all the fuss was about, thus granting the hoverboard an additional fifteen minutes of fame.
Hoverboard Users: from Celebrities to the Public
From that point on, hoverboards have been enjoyed by numerous types of people. On one hand, there are young people who actively post on social media and know all about hoverboards and their benefits.
On the other hand, a healthy number of celebrities have posed for pictures that feature them riding on these high-tech boards. From Martha Stewart to Justin Bieber, all different types of influential celebs have publicly endorsed hoverboards as a fun and efficient way to get around.
This just shows that anyone can reap the benefits of these motorized vehicles, no matter where they’re going or how they intend to use them.
Are Hoverboards Here to Stay?
Given that the hoverboard reached its peak back in 2015, you may assume that this trend is well on its way down. However, don’t toss your board just yet.
Manufacturers are now producing new and improved hoverboards that address many of the safety issues that plagued original hoverboards. The most recent products are intentionally designed to be fire-safe, allowing you to freely ride your board around without worrying about fire hazards.
In addition, many new hoverboards are fully equipped with useful features, such as self-balancing technology and even Bluetooth speakers. When you buy a brand new hoverboard, you’ll have the opportunity to ride around much more efficiently and safely thanks to improved technology.
Stay Active With the Right Hoverboard for Your Needs
The popularity of hoverboards isn’t without good reason. Any hoverboard owner can choose to customize their vehicle according to their unique tastes and preferences.
In addition, once you find the right hoverboard for your needs and get used to riding on it, you can stay active and healthy wherever you go.
Resources— Quartz, Mashable, Vanity Fair
About The Author
