How to Store a Hoverboard Battery Safely
Quick Answer: Store your hoverboard in a cool, dry place at around 50% battery charge. Check the battery for swelling, damage, or unusual heat before and after storage. Never store a hoverboard with a fully depleted battery, and charge it at least once a month if leaving it unused for longer periods.
Why Battery Storage Matters
Hoverboards use lithium-ion batteries, which can degrade faster when stored incorrectly. Leaving a hoverboard in a cold garage, a hot car, or with a completely flat battery for weeks or months at a time can reduce battery performance and lifespan. Taking a few simple steps before storing your hoverboard can help keep the battery in better condition for longer.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Temperature
Store your hoverboard at room temperature — ideally between 10°C and 25°C. Avoid locations that experience extremes, such as unheated sheds, conservatories in direct sunlight, or garages that freeze in winter. Extreme cold can cause temporary capacity loss, while excessive heat can accelerate battery degradation.
Humidity
A dry environment is important. Excess moisture can corrode the charging port, damage the battery casing, and affect the hoverboard's electrical systems. Do not store a hoverboard in a damp garage, basement, or bathroom.
Position
Store the hoverboard flat and stable, not at an angle. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it. If possible, keep it in its original box or a protective cover to prevent dust accumulation and accidental impacts.
The Right Charge Level for Storage
Most manufacturers recommend storing a lithium-ion battery at roughly 40–60% charge if it will not be used for an extended period. A full charge puts additional stress on the battery cells during storage, while a completely flat battery can fall into a deep discharge state that permanently reduces capacity or becomes unrecoverable.
Before storing your hoverboard:
- Use the hoverboard until the battery is at approximately 40–60%.
- Do not overcharge it — once the indicator shows full, unplug the charger.
- If the battery is already low, give it a short charge to bring it to that range before switching off.
Long-Term Storage Routine
If you are storing your hoverboard for more than a month, follow this routine to maintain battery health:
| Storage Duration | Recommended Action | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 weeks | Store at 50% charge; no routine check needed | Ensure storage location is cool and dry |
| 1 to 3 months | Check charge level every 2–3 weeks; recharge to 50% if below 20% | Visually inspect for swelling, damage, or heat |
| 3+ months | Check monthly; recharge to 50% if needed | Consider removing from storage and giving a full charge/discharge cycle |
Before and After Storage: Safety Checks
Checks to Make Before Storing
- Inspect the battery area for any visible swelling, deformation, or cracking.
- Check for unusual smells — a chemical or burning odour could indicate a problem.
- Feel the hoverboard casing for excessive warmth — it should be at room temperature.
- Confirm the charger and charging port are clean, dry, and undamaged.
- Ensure no cables are left plugged in or connected.
Checks to Make When Taking Out of Storage
- Allow the hoverboard to reach room temperature if it has been in a cold environment.
- Visually inspect the battery casing and body for any new swelling, cracks, or damage.
- Charge the hoverboard fully before use, using the correct charger.
- Test the hoverboard on a flat, soft surface at low speed before normal use.
- If anything seems wrong — unusual heat, smell, or erratic behaviour — stop use immediately and seek professional advice.
Signs You Should Not Store or Use a Hoverboard
Some battery conditions mean the hoverboard should not be stored, charged, or used. If you notice any of the following, do not attempt to store or charge the hoverboard:
- Battery swelling: The casing looks puffy, uneven, or warped.
- Burning smell: A chemical, acrid, or unusual odour coming from the battery area.
- Excessive heat: The hoverboard or battery is hot to the touch before or during charging.
- Visible damage: Cracks, scorch marks, liquid damage, or exposed wiring.
- Sparks, smoke, or leaking fluid: Disconnect from the charger immediately and move the hoverboard outdoors if safe to do so.
Important: If your hoverboard shows any of these signs, do not attempt to repair or dispose of it in your household bin. Seek specialist advice for safe handling and disposal of lithium batteries. Contact the place of purchase for guidance if the hoverboard is within warranty.
How to Dispose of a Damaged or End-of-Life Battery
When a hoverboard battery can no longer hold a charge, shows physical damage, or reaches the end of its useful life, it must be disposed of correctly. Lithium batteries should not be placed in household waste bins because of the risk of fire. Take it to a licensed battery recycling point or a specialist e-waste facility in your area. Many local councils in the UK offer dedicated battery collection points.
✅ Good Storage Practices
- Store at room temperature in a dry, indoor location.
- Leave the battery at roughly 50% charge for periods of non-use.
- Check the hoverboard every few weeks during long-term storage.
- Recharge before use after more than a month in storage.
- Allow the hoverboard to reach room temperature before charging after cold storage.
❌ Practices to Avoid
- Do not store in a freezing garage, hot car, or direct sunlight.
- Do not leave the battery fully flat before storing — recharge to 50% first.
- Do not leave a damaged or swelling battery inside the hoverboard unattended.
- Do not cover the hoverboard while it is still warm or hot.
- Do not store with cables or the charger still connected.
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