How Does a Hoverboard Work? Self-balancing boards have frames that pivot in the center. The electric motors and sensors that detect speed and tilt angle are actually inside of each wheel. ... When the rider leans forward, the switch turns off the LED light, then the sensor lets the logic board know to spin those wheels. 

Hoverboards now feature a self balancing mode, in which the motors automatically engage the gyroscope in the opposite direction. This way, when the rider leans forward or backward the board is always attempting to level itself, making it easier to ride than its predecessors.