The 2-wheeled hoverboard is the one that people actually ride on and use. The real hoverboard, the one we see in the movies does not yet exist. But the wheeled boards were inspired by the one from the big screen. Still, many people wished to glide using a hoverboard that actually floats in the air.
The riding experience from both modes of transportation is certainly different. But we could only imagine what it’s like to ride the hoverboard used by Marty McFly. The closest thing we have to the one he used is the Lexus hoverboard. But using the SLIDE is like riding a bullet train on a fixed track. Here are the most important distinctions that separate the 2-wheeled hoverboard from the real hoverboard.
Real Hoverboards Do Not Have Wheels
Critics of the 2-wheeled hoverboard insist that we call them by their correct name which is a self-balancing scooter. The real hoverboard doesn’t have wheels. They don’t need wheels since they hover. The self-balancing scooter just got that moniker as a marketing ploy. It seems to have work based on the number of sales it’s getting.
Real Hoverboards Have No Contact With The Ground
All 2-wheeled hoverboards make contact with the ground which proves they should be called that name. A real hoverboard should stay at least a few inches above the ground. Based on this qualification, the Lexus hoverboard fits the description. Unfortunately, the car maker seems to have no intention of further developing the SLIDE.
The 2-wheel hoverboard riders often face difficulty traveling on an uneven or rough terrain. They are careful about choosing the path to travel since they might end up carrying the scooter if the terrain is too rough. The real hoverboard would have less difficulty in rough terrain. An uneven surface is not a problem including stones since they travel above the air. Traveling is also smoother and the real hoverboard can cover greater distances than its wheeled counterparts.
Riding a Real Hoverboard is More Difficult Than It Looks
Riding a real hoverboard suspended above the ground certainly looks cool. But first-time users will certainly have difficulty riding it compared to the 2-wheeled hoverboards. The grounded boards have made riders familiar with the concept of friction. Those who tried the Lexus hoverboard noticed the absence of such resistance. The experience proved both exhilarating and disconcerting to riders at the same time.
If you are on a real hoverboard, how do you stop? Such dilemma is real and the movie, “Back To The Future” is not clear about this. To stop a 2-wheeled hoverboard, you apply friction by using your foot as a brake. The real hoverboard will possibly rely on something other than friction to stop.
People have been obsessed in riding on a real hoverboard. Unfortunately, such a dream will probably take several more years to make it into reality. The Lexus hoverboard provided a brief glimpse of that possibility. But most people will have to be content themselves with the 2-wheeled hoverboard. It may not fly, but it still allows you to travel to places.