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Hoverboards have been in high demand for the last few years as they are practical, reliable and easy to use. They are also incredibly fun, and are perfect if you want to socialise with friends and investigate your surroundings. You will also be pleased to know that they are easy to navigate, and do not require a great deal of effort or applied pressure.
It is essential that you purchase hoverboards and hoverkarts from well-known, highly regarded suppliers who have made a name for themselves in the industry. Any swegway can be custom-built or tweaked so if you have any specific preferences then this will be taken into consideration.
The quality and overall performance has improved considerably in the last couple of years and now meets even the strictest and most regimented standards. If you are heading down to the park or want to go for a ride around the woods, then take a swegway with you as they will provide endless entertainment. It certainly beats walking, that’s for sure!
You could even ride a swegway into work if you live close by, and that would surely cause a stir in the office. With travel costs becoming more and more expensive, it would save a great deal of cash, and you will not have to experience any delays and setbacks to your journey either.
If you want to take a long, leisurely trip and spend all day in the sunshine then there is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable then boarding a swegway and heading off on an impromptu adventure. And it does not matter if you are 6ft tall or just nearing the 5ft mark, as they are ideal for any individual, regardless of size. This is what makes them universally appealing.
When searching for the perfect hoverboard, you have to take wheel sizes into consideration. With smaller, more compact 6.5 inch wheels you cannot easily navigate smoother surfaces, but they are perfect if you want to attempt some daring tricks and get the most out of the hoverboard when it comes to steering and control.
Transportation-wise, hoverboards are easy to carry around, and can be taken on weekends away and still leave plenty of room in the boot of the car for other items of luggage. The smaller wheel is not the best option if you want to ride on bumpier surfaces, so maybe go for the 10 inch wheel instead. For the ideal balance between dexterity and ease-of-use, then the 8 inch wheel is always a good choice.
Kids will love the immediate appeal of ahoverkartas they are extremely comfortable to sit on, and are ever so easy to get the hang of once you know how things work.
Steering is also relatively simple, and you can choose how fast or slow you go by pushing forwards or backwards and applying pressure. Even if you have never sat on a hoverkart before, then it only takes a couple of hours to really get to grips with them and ride with confidence, determination and ease.
They come in a range of different designs and colours, and you can customise them with graffiti print, skulls and skeletons if you want to create an impression and really stand out from the crowd. There is also a widespread variety of accessories and boards to take a look at if you want to upgrade a current model and make it look attractive and eye-catching.
So if you want to explore the great outdoors then swegways and hoverkarts are ideal. They are comfortable to stand on (swegways) or sit on (hoverkarts), and are ideal for all ages. Both young and old will be able to feel the many benefits which these fantastic products have to offer and spend hours enjoying themselves in the open air.
Do you know which self-balancing scooter is right for you? If not, the following four questions will help you to work it out. It’s important that you make the correct decision, and that you don’t simply buy the first scooter that you find. There have been issues with some self-balancing scooters, so make sure you do your research.
Which brand should you buy? It’s very important that you select a popular brand that is well known in the UK. Many people have purchased boards from obscure sellers in other countries, and, unfortunately, some of them do not adhere to the same health and safety standards as we do, and consequently, have caused problems, including fires and accidents. Choosing a reputable brand, such as a Swegway helps to protect you against these issues.
Where’s the best place to buy them? Because they’re expensive, and because it’s illegal to use them on the roads and pavements, most large toy stores or cycle shops do not sell them. That’s because they don’t have the market to justify stocking them in the numbers they would need to in order to turn a profit.
For this reason, we would recommend buying them online, but from a UK-registered business. This way, you are afforded all of the necessary consumer rights.
If you decide to buy them online, then do consider the following:
1. Price:these boards should cost between £200 and £300. Those that cost less are very likely to be of a poor quality, so that while it might appear to be a bargain, it probably isn’t in the long run.
2. Ratings:watch out for products (and this goes for any internet purchase) that have 100% positive reviews. It’s highly likely to be fake, as no product is universally liked. On-site reviews are especially easy to fake, so do watch out.
Will you be able to use it? There’s no point in buying something that you won’t be able to buy, and if you’ve never used a self-balancing scooter, then you have no idea whether you will or won’t be able to do it at all. Rest assured that they are extremely easy to use. It takes most people around half an hour to get a decent grasp of the technique needed. After that, it might take a few weeks to truly hone the skill.
It does feel very counter-intuitive, because you have to fall forward, but the trick is to give the board the benefit of the doubt and trust that it will keep you balanced – it’s like a trust fall.
Another consideration you need to make is where you'll use it. You are not allowed to use them on public roads or pavements in the UK. For this reason, it’s important that you have somewhere else that you can ride them (maybe a local park) otherwise, it will simply gather dust.
How fast will it go? The vast majority of boards have a top speed of 10mph and that’s more than enough – it’s about the same speed as a bike, so it’s fun, but it’s not particularly dangerous.
We hope that you now have a good idea about the type of questions you should be asking when buying a self-balancing scooter.
In case you hadn’t noticed, hoverboards are becoming increasingly popular. We don’t blame you if you didn’t notice, because what we call “hoverboards” don’t hover at all. It’s somewhat misnamed then.
When we talk about hoverboards, we mean the Swegways; they’re just like Segways, without the handle bar. Some people call them “balance boards”, which is probably closer to the truth of what they are, but you know, we humans are funny with our language, and “hoverboard” sounds so much cooler.
If you’re thinking of buying a hoverboard, then we can highly recommend them. They are awesome fun. It’s similar to riding a bike, in that you need to learn how to do it, but once you do, it’s completely intuitive and easy to use.
It’s important that you make the correct choices when buying your hoverboard, and we’re going to help you to do this now.
Size Matters The wheel size matters when it comes to hoverboards, and different wheel sizes have different advantages and disadvantages, so we’ll look at each in turn:
• 4.5in wheels:these are really intended for use by children. Adults will find them tricky to use. They’re much slower than other types of board and they will feel strained if used by anyone above 10stone.
• 6.5in wheels:these are the most popular choice and the most cost effective. They tend to work well in urban environments where there’s a lot of smooth surface, but if you want to take it off road, or on terrain that’s a little bit uneven, they can be problematic.
• 8in wheels:these offer better stability than the smaller styles, but the ride feels fairly similar to the 6.5in. The problem of weight starts to appear here, as they are heavier than the previous two mentioned.
• 10in wheels:if you want to take the hoverboard off road, then this is the choice for you. Most of these have inflatable wheels, so they adjust and respond to the terrain, offering you fantastic stability on uneven terrain.
Settings the Standards Different hoverboards have different settings and some of them feature a “beginners” setting. Clearly, if you’ve never used a hoverboard before, or a Segway, then you should opt to buy one that has the beginner setting. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to master: we understand that we’ve probably just egged some of you on to buy one with the hardest settings, but do consider it carefully.
What these settings amount to in reality, is simply speed. The faster boards are intended for the more advanced users amongst you. Initially, you should stick to boards with a max output speed of 10km/h. Any faster, you will find it very difficult to control. It’s not unheard of for people to go flying off pavements and into the road, so do make your choices wisely.
A Few Final Pointers When choosing your hoverboard, make sure that you check for maximum weight limits. The mid-range boards (i.e. 6.5in) can usually take up to 15st 7lb. if you weigh more, then you will need to choose a bigger board.
Be careful when taking them out on rainy days, as some of them are not very water resistant. Be sure to check out the ratings before you buy the board – especially if you live in the UK.
Make sure that you check out the range. Hoverboard batteries last anywhere from between 12 miles and 28 miles, so do make sure you choose one that is appropriate for your needs.
Finally, the most important thing is that you have fun!
This entry was posted inHoverboardson 3rd September 2016by admin.
In the ‘80s, when I was a child, Hoverboards – also known as self-balancing scooters – were the stuff of science fiction. Today, they’re a reality…albeit in a different form than we expected - they don’t hover!
Many people feel confused by the workings of these self-balancing boards. They hear the term “self-balancing”, but they look at the actual boards and feel that it’s almost a certainty they’re unstable.
In other words, they look as if they’ll catapult you off as soon as you step on. Naturally, this leaves many of us somewhat reluctant to have ago – visions of embarrassing viral video footage assault the senses, and the less we like to cringe, the less likely we are to have ago.
Fortunately, the reality is that hoverboards are extremely stable. The best way to realise this is to understand how they work, and this is what we are going to explore in more depth below.
What are the Main Components of a Hoverboard? The first step in understanding how they work, is to understand the parts from which they're made. The key components include:
• The gyroscopes (one on each side) • An internal steel frame that pivot in the middle • A PCB (printed circuit board) • Two motors, mounted inside the wheels • Sensors, mounted inside the wheels • A battery • An outside shell, usually made of plastic
So, these are the main components of the hoverboard, but how do they come together to create stability and movement?
The Wheels Unlike a car, where the engine is doing all the work at a fair distance from the wheels, with a hoverboard, the wheels themselves contain the motor. They also contain sensors. These are tilt sensors, which determine where the board is in relation to the floor, and the speed sensor, which determine how fast each wheel is going. The information is then sent to the gyroscopes and the PCB.
The Gyroscope and Speed Control PCBs The gyroscope receives input from the wheels, telling it how fast the wheels are turning and in which direction. The gyroscope then forwards this information to the main PCB located towards the middle of the device on one side.
When you first use the hoverboard, you will usually need to configure it. Here, you lay it on a flat surface so that the sensors and the gyroscope learn the correct tilt for flat, which is at 0 tilt. If you mis-calibrate the unit, it can send it off balance. However, they’re relatively easy to calibrate and you can find plenty of information online if you do become stuck.
The Main PCB Think of this as the hover boards brain, or as housing it’s executive functions. It oversees the entire system and makes sure that the board is working correctly. It keeps things in balance and at the desired speed. It communicates between both wheels, sensors, gyroscopes, and motors, ensuring that they all function correctly. It also has other functions too, such as setting maximum speeds and other safety features.
The Battery This is the powerhouse of the board. They are heavy duty and relatively long lasting batteries.
How Does It All Work Together? The hover board has pressure pads that sense where you are in space. To speed up, you lean forward, and this exerts pressure on the pads, thus telling it to move forward. The pressure pads relate to individual wheels, so to move to the right, you would lean forward and exert more pressure towards the right hand side of the board.
It might sound complex, but it’s very intuitive, and you will get used to it within a relatively short space of time. Above all else, it’s important to realise that they are safe and stable, however counter intuitive that might seem!
This entry was posted inHoverboardson 3rd September 2016by admin.
The charm of self-balancing scooters is winning hearts. It is not just one of the finest technological inventions but also offers a fun activity for both kids and adults. The benefits of a hover board or what we commonly call self-balancing scooter are many. Right from being your personal eco-friendly transportation device, it has low maintenance; no parking space problem, very easy to ride and away cheaper than any other vehicles in 2020. This fascinating gadget is gradually becoming a must-have for kids and teens. Not to mention, celebs made these powered skateboarding even more popular. Famous personalities like Wiz Khalifa, Jamie Foxx, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Skrillex and even the fastest man, Usain Bolt have been snapped riding electric skateboards.
If you wish to go by the trend and intend to purchase one, you just can’t buy any. You should be completely sure of what you are buying, know the limitation of each type and model, and most importantly, you have to figure out which criteria or specifications fit you the most like weight limit, speed control, wheel size and all. This knowledge will help you buy the right hoverboard.
Here is a complete guide on how to wisely make a choice while buying the most-fitted electric board, which, along with compatibility also takes care of your budget.
Factors to consider before buying a hover board:
Safety
Your safety should be the first priority of the manufacturer. Make sure the segway model must have UL 2272 certification. The certification ensures the standard and quality of a hoverboard. UL aids manufacturers and also retailers by providing fire-safety and electrical testing credential.
Tire
The best and very crucial part of this device is the tires. In an average, the tire size of 6.5 inch is considered safe for kids who have average age, but if the rider’s weight is more, the tire size should be bigger. Large wheel self balancing scooters are available in plenty in the market.
Weight limit
It is important to follow the weight limit of each model. When you exceed the limit, you are on the risk of meeting accidents and your device might not function as it should. The worst part is you can’t blame the makers for that.
Speed
It has speed from 4MPH to maximum of 10MPH but moves depending on the surface you are riding, and weight as well.
App-enabled
An electric skateboard motor can also be operated with android. No configuration or installation hassles. It helps in speed controlling and reducing chances of accidents.
Battery
This part also comes under safety measure. The battery must be UL 2271 certified as well.
Bluetooth speakers
Ride with style while enjoying the music. This is not essential and don’t have to be your prime consideration when buying a hover board, but since these are latest 2020 add-ons, you might be interested.
Led lights
Self-balancing personal transporter with LED light stands you out from the crowd and it helps you with night-time travelling.
Along with UL certification a hologram on the product ensures that all safety tests for charger and battery, overcharging protection, non-slip pedals, anti-impact case, etc. have been conducted.
When the hoverboard was introduced in the U.S. in 2015, people instantly fell in love with the device. It did not really hover, but it was the closest they could get to Marty McFly’s hoverboard from the film “Back to the Future”. But what is so special about this device, and why do sales for hoverboard companies continue to shoot up?
Unique technology
When you look at a typical hoverboard, it reminds you of board sports like the skateboard. Unlike most board sports, however, this device offers a unique way of transporting you from point A to point B.
The hoverboard consists of a platform–where the rider stands–and two wheels, one on each side. The platform has pressure pads on top, allowing the rider to control the hoverboard. The direction of the pressure applied by the rider’s feet determines the speed and the direction the device is moving towards.
Although the rider appears to have complete control over the hoverboard, it is important to note that it does not come without complex parts such as the logic board or the “brain”, gyroscope, infrared sensors, and wheels with electric motors. All of these work together for the hoverboard to run smoothly and balance itself, making it a unique mode of transport.
Eco-friendly way to get around
Not only is the hoverboard unique, but it also allows you to travel in an eco-friendly way. Most hoverboards run on rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion. These are the same batteries you will find in laptops and mobile phones.
All you have to do is plug in your hoverboard when the battery is low. Once you have completed the charging time, you are all set! Make sure to follow your hoverboard’s charging guide to help overall battery life last longer.
Cool tricks you can do
Besides the hoverboard’s ability to transport you from one destination to another, it actually competes with other board sports by letting you perform cool tricks. One of the tricks you can do is spin in circles, called The Spin, which is good for beginners.
For intermediate, try standing on your left foot (or right, whichever is more comfortable) on the left side of the board, too. Then, use the opposite hand to hold onto your board’s bumper.
Lift your right foot up backwards and use your free hand to grab your foot in the air for support. Finally, allow your standing foot to apply pressure on the pressure pad, and begin to spin in circles. This trick is called The One-Foot Roundabout.
For experts, try adding a twist to The Spin. As you make your hoverboard spin in a circle, jump 180 degrees halfway into the spin. You will land back on the board.
The direction of your jump should be opposite to the direction where your board is spinning. This trick is called The Turnstyle.
There are more tricks you can do, but make sure to perform each trick in a safe environment. Also, wear the proper safety gear.
Form of exercise
Who knew you can have fun with the hoverboard and improve your health at the same time? It may take you less effort to get the device moving unlike other board sports, but it is still an overall body workout.
Burn calories as you improve your reflex, balance, concentration, and stance. You can achieve this by performing tricks and even learning how to dance with your hoverboard.
No matter what the reasons are, the hoverboard continues to win the hearts of many. If you are still wondering why, get a hoverboard and discover for yourself.
Electric hoverboards have been around for quite some time now and their popularity seems to keep increasing, so much so that you can seriously consider the hoverboard as a gift for every occasion. Here are some of the benefits of hoverboards that make them an ideal gift option.
Electric hoverboards help in making the rider smarter, according to psychologist Lawrence W Barsalau. According to his theory, if you take a hoverboard outside for a ride, you will cross new terrain and also experiment with it. This entails total engagement of your brain and it helps with increased perception, memory enhancement and improvement in motor skills.
Skating around with self-balancing hoverboards is a great way to maintain physical fitness. With an electric hoverboard, the rider does not need to push every time, but the muscles in the legs get a good workout from all that balancing, even the small muscles that are usually ignored in a workout. A hoverboard is thus going to be a great gift option for those who should indulge in workouts for the betterment of their health.
How about an adventurous rendezvous with your loved one? Gift him or her a hoverboard and experience togetherness along with nature!
For those who have a partner with an adventurous streak, hoverboards make up for a perfect gift as it gives an adrenaline rush in trying out various advance moves…
If you have a friend or a relative who is a green crusader and an environmentalist, getting him /her an electric hoverboard is sure to get you some added brownie points. Not only will they love the adventurous feel that hoverboards impart but they cannot also complain about harmful emissions because there are none to speak of.
Hoverboards are a great deal of fun. Wandering about on the streets on an electric hoverboard brings back all the thrill and excitement to life like when a kid explores the neighborhood on his bike. Gift the hoverboard to little ones and enjoy their appreciation and genuine happiness when they unbox the hoverboard.
Hoverboards make great Christmas gifts as well, the only downside being that the recipient has to wait for the snow to clear before they can take the hoverboard outside for a spin. But this doesn’t prevent them from using the hoverboards inside the house as long as they don’t bump into anything.
If you have been thinking of buying a gift for your significant other, an electric hoverboard is a great idea. They will not have to wait around to board a bus or the tube, and if their office is nearby, you have provided them with an alternative transport option that saves a lot of money over time. All they need to do is to plug the charger into the hoverboard once they reach work and then they are set to go for the return journey home.
A hoverboard makes a great housewarming gift as well, especially if the family has a kid. The versatility of the hoverboard means that both kids, as well as adults, can have a go on them and it is a great way of exploring the new neighborhood.
From the versatility of the electric hoverboard we can see that it makes a perfect gift for every possible occasion. Barring very small kids and old people, the hoverboard is a great gift for everybody in between and you can rest assured that your present will be appreciated for what it is.
BUYING A SELF-BALANCING SCOOTER DOESN'T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT
When picking a self-balancing electric scooter, you first have to check the technical specifications. Each brand is different and provides unique features that you may or may not need. Two models that look identical can be vastly different when you begin to examine them. Apart from that, there are some key details you’ll have to take into account if you want to sort out the difference between a useless product and a hoverboard that can get you to the stars.
Unsure about what the specs for your self-balancing scooter might mean? See a general explanation of them here on myhoverboard reviews page.
THE MOTOR
Essential for making the scooter scoot, the power of the motor is probably the most important factor to consider. Speed may not differ too much here (although it can range from 5mph to 10 mph), but, generally, motors weaker than 300 watts are not recommended for heavier folks.
You can expect that a motor with more wattage will propel a self–balancing scooter better than a lower wattage version.
I’ve seen several hoverboard brands mention that they are water-proof. While the motors may have tight seals to prevent water damage, this doesn’t mean you can ride through water more than 1-2” deep. Current 6.5” models only have 1.2” clearance between the chassis and the ground. By driving through a deep puddle, you will submerge the bottom of the scooter. Submersion could allow water to leak into the motor and wheels—or even short-circuit your battery.
BATTERIES AND CHARGERS
Most electric self-balancing scooters come with a sealed battery and charger. Inside the battery package is 12-18 smaller battery cells. Each of the batteries provides from 12-18 volts. (It all depends on the brand/model) Depending on the quality of the charger, will determine how long it takes to recharge your scooter.
The trick here is to keep in mind that the best batteries will take only about 2 hours to recharge (when fully drained), and that, before they “die of old age”, you should be able to recharge them at least 400 times. The CPSC recommends as a safety precaution that you only charge your battery for 2-3 hours before removing it from the charger.
THE DRIVE TRAIN
When you drive a car, the transmission transfers the energy from the motor to the wheels, making it possible for you to move. With a self-balancing scooter, the wheels are directly connected to the motors (a direct drive system). That direct connection is part of what gives the hoverboard such a quick response when the engines are engaged. You’re not losing energy like a car’s transmission does. A more traditional scooter or motorcycle use a belt or chain to transfer the motor’s energy into motion.
A diagram listing the major components of a self-balancing scooter
THE GYRO-SENSORS/ACCELEROMETERS
What your hoverboard does have, is a pair of accelerometers inside connected to the motor. These sensors are extremely accurate and can convert the rider’s slightest shifts of weight and balance into signals that tell the motors to drive forwards or backward. By making the engine on each side of the scooter independent, you can perform extremely tight turns and spins.
OVERALL DURABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION SPECS
Other important aspects of an electric scooter’s manufacturing specifications are the tires, chassis, deck, and features. Make sure to look for brands and manufacturers that pay attention to these features, as a sturdy construction will help you stay safe on the road, while also keeping your scooter up and running for years. Tires can be either solid rubber or pneumatic. Pneumatic tires are in the 8” or larger models. Theoretically, they offer a smoother ride since the pneumatic tire can absorb some of the bumps you experience while riding where the solid rubber tires don’t absorb as much.
CHOOSING WHERE TO BUY A SELF-BALANCING SCOOTER
Con artists and scammers are in every industry, and they’re usually not that hard to spot. You’ve probably seen lots of them trying to sell “sensational” deals when in fact they’re just out fishing for fat wallets. These scammers selling inferior and unsafe hoverboards are the reason that many places halted the sale of them.
Hundreds of reputablevendors sell hoverboards. These dealers not only provide you with a self-balancing scooter that runs but also give you advice regarding maintenance, extending battery life and much more. When you visit a website belonging to a specialty electric scooter dealer, they should be able to give you exact details about all the technical features of even some of the most complex models. A genuinely good salesperson should also help you to find useful additional accessories batteries or parts. Here's a link to my article on what I consider being the essential hoverboard accessories.
However good a specialty store/website might be, I would recommend you go with somewhere like Best Buy or even better Amazon or a smaller site.
Always look for reviews when you find dealers that sound reputable, as the “real” ones usually have a lot fewer complaints than second-hand dealers who sell their products under questionable circumstances
SOME SELF-BALANCING SCOOTER BUYING DOS AND DON’TS
DO spend a little bit more to buy a quality self-balancing scooter. I know I work hard for my money, and I’m sure that you do too.
DO consider the age of your child if you are thinking about buying ahoverboard for kids. The recommended age is 14+.
DON’T buy a self-balancing scooter from some random guy at a gas station. Any savings upfront might be spent maintaining it in the long run.
DO get an extended warranty. Unlike other protection plans so far it seems that hoverboard warranties are useful.
DON’T skip the extended warranty. Yes, I just said the same thing, but if there’s an extra warranty available, you should get it. Hoverboards are just too new, and nobody quite knows what the expected life of one is. By purchasing an after-market warranty, you can protect your investment in case the vendor disappears. I can name at least ten that is no longer answering customer emails and phone calls.
DO consider Amazon as a place to buy your self-balancing scooter. You can often get free shipping, some states don’t pay sales tax, and there are buyer protections that the site offers to anyone who buys from them. Also, if you get a hoverboard from Amazon, you can add a SquareTrade protection plan.
It provides an extra two years of warranty for your self-balancing scooter.
It costs about 10% (the $400.00 plan is only $32 at the time of writing this article.)
To get your hoverboard fixed, you email them and then send you the shipping labels. Quick, painless, and a great value
The number of electric self-balancing scooter brands has changed exponentially in the past six months. In the 18 months that they have been available for sale, the prices have ranged from $2000 to as little as $197. The average price for a quality model is around $500.
Segway has announced that they will be selling their version of a hoverboard (the MiniPro) for $1000. I don’t know if that’s worth the price yet. I will know more when they start shipping the first units to customers on the 28th of June.
In short, it’s hard to say what’s a good price topay for a self-balancing scooter. The different qualities of brands and the number of sellers keep me from saying that this or that is a good deal. If you ever want my opinion on one that you are considering purchasing, use the contact form at the bottom of the page. I love hearing from readers, and will help you as best I can.
The best piece of advice, therefore, is not to be rash. First, look for a brand and a model that might suit your needs perfectly, and then, far from being over, the real adventure will begin. Next, you want to get the best bargain; you will have to search for that particular model, and compare prices from as many different places as possible. Once you find the best price, go for it – you’ll get a great scooter, and you’ll still afford to pay the power bill to recharge it.
SUMMARY
Buying a self-balancing electric scooter may seem like a difficult task at first, but nothing is too hard once you’ve got some insight on the matter and you know what to do. Research, a little patience, along with a little sense of adventure, and you will have your new hoverboard/electric scooter ready to take on the rush hour madness in no time at all.
Amazon and other big box retailers will be able to provide you with some of the best bargains, allowing you to order your very own electric scooter without even breaking a sweat. Now that Amazon has relisted them I think we’ll start to see them on the shelves of other retailers very soon. So stop poking around local shops, and keep your wallet full and your spirits high by getting the newest, most reliable electric scooter on the internet. It will probably be a lot cheaper than in regular stores.
From pricing and build quality to safety and avoiding knock-offs, use these tips to buy the best hoverboard for the money.
Editors’ Note:The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced that no hoverboard currently on the market is safe for consumers to use. The CPSC sent manufacturers and retailers a new set of safety standards, and asked thatall boards be removed from saleuntil they can be certified by UL, an independent safety certification company. You should look for a UL certification on any new hoverboard purchases, and check with your retailer about recalls on any recently purchased vehicles. You can also get a refund for purchases made through Amazon.
Readers of this guide almost surely have one major thing in common: They are desperately trying to make sense of this year's unstoppable holiday hit, the so-called hoverboard.
Or rather, the smart scooter. Or perhaps the rolls-off-the-tongue two-wheeled self-balancing motorized scooter? While there's no consensus on what to call this novel form of next-gen personal transport, everyone who tries one seems to agree they're insanely fun to ride and (pretty) easy to figure out. And they will inspire joy in anyone who receives one.
(Image credit: Oxboard)
The catch is figuring out which model to buy ─ assuming it isn't already sold out. Unlike with name-brand Christmas must-haves of the past, there isn't a single item to hunt down, as hoverboard models from literally dozens of companies have flooded the market. In fact, it seems that virtually every one of the boards available are all based on just a couple of different models churned out of a handful of Chinese factories, just with different decals, boxes and names.
Editors' Note: Amazon pulled hoverboard brands from its site in mid-December, citing safety concerns related to fire hazards.
Quick Tips
If you're in a hurry, scan these tips to help you make the best choice.
Today's hoverboards are self-balancing electric scooters.Don't expect to levitate like Marty McFly.
Don't buy a hoverboard for younger children. The typical recommended age range is 12 and up.
Read customer reviewson Amazon and elsewhere for comments on build quality.
Consider U.S.-based brands first, such as Razor, which offer both warranties and customer support.
Hoverboards can take a few hours to charge, so you may need to be patient.
These boards go from anywhere from 2 to 10 mphand most have a range of 10 to 15 miles.
Check how much your hoverboard weighsbefore you buy, to be better prepared to transport it ─ and don't expect to climb very steep hills on it.
Don't spend more than $600 for a hoverboardunless you plan on taking it up as a sport. Entry-level models will probably give you the same thrill.
Check local lawsor with your local police department about where you can ride and how much fines may cost.
Beware of knockoffstrying to pass themselves off as a major brand, and don't purchase any hoverboard that doesn't come with a return policy.
What Is a Hoverboard and How Do They Work?
If you're completely unfamiliar with the product, today's hoverboards/personal transporters are sort of like mini Segways without the handlebars. Riders stand with their legs akimbo, feet near a wheel on each end, and thanks to some nifty sensors built in, hoverboards can almost magically maintain their balance. Lean slightly forward and you zoom, up to 5 or 10 mph, or in some cases 15 mph. Lean back and you slow or reverse. Turns happen when you alternately press forward with one foot and backward with the other.
(Image credit: Swagway)
Hoverboards have a rechargeable battery inside, which propels one or sometimes two motors at the wheels. Depending on the model, there may be other features, such as a smart key system or even an app for preventing others from using your ride.
What today's hoverboards are not are the sci-fi gadgets popularized in movies like Back to the Future. There are companies working on boards that truly levitate and don't use any wheels, such as Lexus and Hendo, but they're not for sale.
Safety Concerns
Serious safety concerns have been raised by hoverboards, some of which have caught fire either while charging or being ridden. The National Association of State Fire Marshals recently issued an advisory warning that explosions are "not a unique occurence" with hoverboards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating ten fires in nine states. Amidst these concerns, Amazon recently pulled many hoverboard brands from its sites. Overstock ceased selling the category of product.
British authorities have confiscated more than 15,000 imported hoverboards since October, then testing them for faulty lithium-ion batteries. They have found nearly 90 percent of those were at risk of overheating or exploding.
Before buying, look at the brand you're considering to make sure it's not been associated with the disasters reported in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and London. You'll definitely want to avoid Halford Air Runners, which have been recalled due to risk of catching fire.
The fire marshal's association also issued a few tips about how to prevent the hoverboard from bursting into flames. For instance, don’t leave it unattended while it's charging. Do not overcharge and do not leave it plugged in over night. The organization also recommends you avoid using third-party chargers.
Consider Your Rider
Even if your 3-year-old zips around on her scooter like The Flash, let us be clear: Hoverboards aren't meant for little kids. These things can cook, some at up to 10 or 15 mph, and hitting an otherwise unremarkable sidewalk edge could be a disaster for a child (and, in fact, it can be for folks who aren't generally well-coordinated, especially the elderly).
Most hoverboards are recommended for ages 12 and up, and the included directions with the more mainstream models tend to spend many pages explaining how potentially hazardous they can be to the uninitiated.
Similarly, if you tend toward husky, topping the scales over 200 pounds or so, you may be too bulky for many models, which will limit your range and speed, even if you can manage to get it to scoot.
John Legend and Justin Beiber took to social media to brag about their hoverboards.
Build Quality
If you're ordering online, it's tough to get a sense of how well a product is made, but there is a wide range of differences in build quality with hoverboards. The frame, the housing material, metal versus plastic wheels ─ not to mention the sophistication of the internal motors, sensors and other electronics ─ may all be different.
(Image credit: Swagway Sweden)
Read through online customer reviews and you'll see endless complaints about scratch-prone housings (apparently the Achilles' heel of all models), or wheel covers that rub against tires, or batteries that die too quickly. Wherever possible, take a few minutes to research a specific model and heed customer comments.
We recommend avoiding foreign sellers; instead, opt for U.S.-based brands like IO Hawk that are subject to state and federal laws. These companies are also more likely to support a warranty, much less have a customer-support line that actually works. Amazon is known for its generous returns policies, but check the terms of the warranty with whatever retailer you opt for.
Charging Time
The batteries are pretty much everything with hoverboards: All things being equal, they determine how fast you can go, how far you can go, and can also add weight to a hoverboard. And charge times are a major factor, too.
(Image credit: Solowheel)
You may spend a good chunk of time waiting for your ride to charge up.
Speed and Range
In terms of speed, most models offer a similar range, from slow speeds of 2 or so mph up to 10. A few can go a bit higher; PhunkeeDuck models hit 12 mph. (That doesn't sound fast, but consider that's sprinting speed for many people, and you aren't even moving your legs!)
(Image credit: Ben Schmanke / YouTube)
Range is tough to measure, as a number of factors will affect how long and how far you can go — the terrain, the incline, the speed and the weight of the rider, in particular. Most models get a couple hours or more of typical use, or about 10 up to 15 miles, on a flat surface. Swagway models claim up to a 20-mile range, which depends on the rider and terrain.
Portability
If you plan on rocketing around town all day, you'd be wise to check how much your hoverboard weighs — they don't actually hover, after all, and most boards weigh 20-plus pounds, many closer to 30. For someone in average shape that's doable to lug around for brief periods, but will be a burden for a great distance or a long time.
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If you'd rather walk, the 18-pound Phunkee Duck fits neatly into this $40 carrying case.
The other considerations are range — you may need to bring along a charger — and the terrain you'll be encountering. Most models claim to have enough torque and power to scale an incline of 5 to 10 degrees, a few as much as 15 degrees, but for steeper, San Francisco-style climbs you may be stuck lugging your intended ride for the day.
Pricing
While the vast majority of hoverboards are practically identical, there are a few outliers with souped-up specs, not coincidentally commanding a top-shelf price. Better-quality models feature sturdier frames that will stand up to heavier riders and bumps and bruises from the road; a few have dual direct-drive motors that offer more power and range; and some have a keychain remote control for locking up while you're away (and, inevitably, some have built-in Bluetooth for streaming music, much to the chagrin of your neighbors). That includes hoverboards by IO Hawk and PhunkeeDuck, to name two.
(Image credit: Hovertrax)
It's not immediately clear, though, that prices that are many times higher than low-end models are worth the investment, other than for peace of mind. So if you feel ready to throw caution to the wind, feel free to gamble on a generic model as long as it's got the backing of a retailer, such as Amazon.
Legal Gray Area
Absurd as it may sound, some municipalities have laws or local regulations on the books that may forbid the use of any vehicles on sidewalks, as well as unlicensed vehicles in the streets. That means it may actually be illegal for you to ride your hoverboard in your locale anywhere other than a parking lot, your driveway or your basement. A few high-profile examples includeNew York City, where riding one in the street or on a sidewalk can earn a $200 fine, as well as London, which has a hard policy against electric vehicles since the Segway was launched. And don't bother trying to ride it in big-box stores — most all have quickly drummed up policies banning them already, too.
California, on the other hand, has passed a law due to take effect soon making hoverboards legal in bike lanes, as long as age and safety requirements are met. Before investing, make a quick call to your local police department to see what, if any, laws exist, and what the plans are for enforcement if there's a gray area.
Beware of Knockoffs
Look at any online purveyor of hoverboards, and you will be dazzled by the unfathomable array of brands, many in stunningly bad English. Take a closer look and you'll see that most all are variations on a theme. This is because many of the products are quite literally the same board with a different sticker and name. That said, many of the internal elements change depending on the brand — that's one reason there's such price differences. That may mean a weaker battery, or less sensitive gyroscopes, or less powerful motors, and so on. There may even be a fire hazard related to the batteries.
The bad news is that you have no easy way of knowing. The good news is that, depending on the retailer, you can buy with some confidence that should things go hairy, you'll have some protection. Buying direct or from an authorized dealer of one of the better-known U.S.-based brands, such as Phunkeeduck or IO Hawk, and you'll get a 1-year warranty.Amazon, in particular, has a very forgiving policy on returns — just be sure you're buying direct from the company and not a reseller.
