How to ride MotoKicks Electric Hover Shoes

There’s something almost magical about the way Jetson MotoKicks move. This is not riding— it’s gliding—and it is fantastic.

Here’s how to #MakeMoves on our electric hover shoes.

Getting Acquainted

What are electric hover shoes? They’re similar to hoverboards in that you’re standing atop footpads that have sensors underneath; where you put pressure on the footpads directs movement of the wheels. Pressure at the front moves a wheel forward, and speed increases with more pressure. Pressure at the back moves a wheel backward, and speed increases with more pressure that way, too. (Check out this helpful article about how to ride a hoverboard.)

Unlike on a hoverboard, though, you can move each foot on a MotoKick independently of the other; one can move left while the other moves right, for example. This allows for some fancy footwork—and that’s really where things get fun.

Getting Started

Because they are not connected to each other, it can take a little longer to feel comfortable on hover shoes than on a hoverboard. Jetson’s hover shoes come with a connector accessory—a “training bar”—so that you have a little more stability while you get used to them.

The training bar comes with its own attachment screws (6, including 2 spare). Follow these steps to get the bar attached.

1. Power off your MotoKicks.
2. Locate the side of each MokoKick that has the charging port.
3. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen and remove the two silver screws on that side of each MotoKick. Set the 4 total screws aside.
4. Use the tip of the screwdriver or another thin-edged tool to lift up the edge of the plate that the screws had been securing on each MotoKick. Set the plates aside with the 4 removed screws, and store them in a secure place. (When you’re ready to move past the training bar, you’ll need those again!)
5. Grab the training bar and 2 of the screws that came with it. Place one MotoKick on its side with the now empty space facing upward.
6. Place one end plate of the training bar into the space, such that the three tabs at the top of the end plate align with the three matching slots on the side of the MotoKick.
7. Tilt the end plate at a slight angle to insert the tabs into the slots.
8. Once the tabs are inserted, lower the rest of the end plate down into the space so that it is is flush. Helpful hint: If any part of the plate is not secured and flat, you may need to re-insert the tabs into the slots and/or check that the rubber edge of the MotoKick footpad is not blocking the plate from being properly positioned.
9. Insert one training bar screw into each hole of the end plate, securing the plate in place.
10. Lay the other MotoKick on its side so that the empty space is facing upwards.
11. Hold the first MotoKick (with the training bar already attached) above the second so that the opposite end plate of the training bar is in alignment with the space on the second MotoKick.
12. Follow steps 6 through 9 to get the other end plate attached to the second MotoKick. (You may need assistance holding all the elements in place while you insert and tightening the screws.)

Getting On

The steps for mounting your MotoKicks are the same whether the training bar is attached or not. Note that there is not a designated “front” or “back” to the MotoKicks—nor a “left” and “right” MotoKick. You can orient them any way to ride.

Important: For safety, never step onto MotoKicks when they are powered off; the Active Balance Technology that keeps them level does not engage when they are not turned on.

1. Place your MotoKicks on the ground in front of you; if the training bar is not attached, lay them hips’ width apart.
2. Turn on both MotoKicks by quick-pressing the power button on each.
3. Nudge the MotoKicks to activate the Active Balance Technology, which will set the MotoKicks so that the footpads are horizontal and leveled.
4. Lift one foot and place it on the MotoKick in front of it, centering the foot on the footpad. 
5. Simultaneously transfer your weight onto that leg and lift your second foot onto the other MotoKick. Quickly adjust your position so that your weight is centered between the MotoKicks before you initiate movement.

Getting Going

Having the right posture will help with stability and keeping the ride smooth. Keep a slight bend in the knees, which will help you absorb bumps and maintain balance, but primarily stand up straight: Any lean forward or backwards will shift weight on the footpads and affect movement of the MotoKicks, so any leans should be done with intention.

Moving forward - To move a MotoKick forward, apply pressure to the front of the footpad by pushing down with the ball of the foot. The movement is subtle—similar to pointing the toes—and can be achieved with a gentle forward lean.

Moving backward - To move a MotoKick backward, transfer pressure to the back of the foot; lifting up your toes within your shoes helps with this.

Turning - To turn, rotate your hips slightly towards the direction you want to turn and slightly guide the MotoKick in that direction by motioning with your ankle and foot. These slight rotations will alter the amount of pressure being applied to the footpad on each Motokick and bring one Motokick around faster than another, resulting in a turn.

Spinning – Apply pressure to the front of one MotoKick and the back the other.

Speeding up - Apply more pressure in the direction you want to go.

Slowing down - Ease up on the pressure you’re applying to the sensor and shift body weight to the center of the foot.

Stopping - Slow down, and bring all body weight to the center of the foot – freeing the front and back of the footpads of any pressure.

Dismounting – With each MotoKick at a full stop, step backwards onto the ground one foot at a time.

More on MotoKicks

Safety - Training bar or not, always ride with safety in mind. That means wearing a helmet, closed-toe shoes, and other protective gear, such as knee or elbow pads.

Terrain - Hover shoes, like hoverboards, do best on flat and smooth surfaces—so choose a riding location that suits.

Carrying - Always turn off your MotoKicks before lifting them up to store or carry. (They’ll beep when lifted to remind you of this!)

Recalibrating - The internal balance mechanisms on hover shoes and hoverboards need resetting every now and then; you’ll know if one or both of your MotoKicks needs recalibrating if it’s beeping or spinning uncontrollably. The process is called recalibrating, and we’ve got instructions and info here. It takes the push of a button and less than a minute to do.

Charging – When one of the three battery indicator lights on a MotoKick goes out, the charge level has dropped below 30%. It’s time to plug in and power them back up.