One of the things that is high on the wish list of many young people for birthdays and Christmas is hoverboards. However, when you start looking into buying a hoverboard, whether it is for yourself or someone else, you might feel like a fish out of water.
You might also remember news stories in the the past of hoverboards overheating and catching on fire, which only makes the process of selecting a hoverboard to buy feel even more daunting.
So what do you need to know to find a quality hoverboard that won’t catch on fire, has the features you are looking for, and won’t break your budget.
Table of Contents
What Are Hoverboards And What Do They Do?
I really wish I could tell you that hoverboards, which are also called self balancing scooters, on sale today were like what we saw in “Back to the Future”, but they are not.
Instead of actually floating above the ground hoverboards are like mini-segways without any handlebars. Once you get on the hoverboard you can just lean forward to glide forward and lean back to go in reverse.
Know That Where You Live Matters
Before taking the plunge and buying a hoverboard for yourself or someone else you should check out the local laws where you (or the person you will be buying it for) will be using it. Some cities have strict limitations as to where you can ride a hoverboard.
Why Were Hoverboards Catching on Fire in the Past?
Most of the problems people were reporting stemmed from faulty batteries. Some of those problems might have been to poor quality control with some models. You must remember that at the time when people were reporting hoverboards exploding or catching on fire some manufacturers were having a hard time keeping up with demand and basically couldn’t make them fast enough.
Other manufacturers simply weren’t using high-quality batteries, instead opting for lower cost batteries.
In any case, those days are in the past and steps have been taken to make sure that consumers are buying hoverboards with the high-quality batteries they expect. We will explain more about this in a minute.
So what do you need to consider when buying a hoverboard? Continue reading our buying guide to see our top 7 tips to make you a well informed hoverboard shopper.
7 Things to Remember When Buying a Hoverboard
#7 Think About Which Cool Extras You Want on the Hoverboard
There are all kinds of extras and options to consider when buying a hoverboard. Things you can get or consider include:
- Colors and finishes
- Taller/bigger wheels
- Bluetooth speakers to connect to and play music from your smartphone
- LED headlights
- Turn signals
- Learning mode for new riders
- Higher top speeds
- Water resistant models
- Longer range models (models that can travel a longer distance between charges)
#6 Don’t Chase the Lowest Price
Quality hoverboards, much like other products, use quality components and quality components aren’t cheap. So if you all you focus on is the lowest price you will run the risk that you will end up with a hoverboard that won’t last.
That being said, there are still ways to avoid paying top dollar for a hoverboard. Identify which features you want and which features you can live without. Avoiding hoverboards with extra features is a sure way to save some money.
#5 How Big is the Person Who will Be Riding the Hoverboard?
There is no one size fits all when it comes to hoverboards. You need to look at the weight and height restrictions for each hoverboard you are considering.
You will see some hoverboards that are build for children or smaller adults. These hoverboards will be smaller (including footpads designed for smaller feet) and might have less powerful batteries and motors. Sometimes they might also have smaller wheels than the 6.5 inch wheels that are commonly found on so many models. You will also find that hoverboards built for younger or newer riders will also have a learning mode and will often have a lower top speed. It’s also important to note that there a minimum size requirements on hoverboards as well. Ignoring these minimum requirements might put the rider at increased risk of injury.
There are also hoverboards that are build with larger adults in mind. They will be wider, have larger footpads, and sometimes will have bigger wheels. You will also find that many times they will have bigger batteries and more powerful motors. Plus, these hoverboards will often have a higher top speed. Not surprisingly, these hoverboards are going to be more expensive, which can feel frustrating, but getting a hoverboard that is built for for the size of the rider will last longer and probably be safer as well.
Another thing you need to think about is the weight of the hoverboard because the person using the hoverboard will need to be able to lift or carry it as needed. Many hoverboards are in the 20-25 pound range. However, if you buy a hoverboard that was designed for a 220+ lb. adult it can easily weight more than 30 lbs and odds are it might be a bit heavy for a 12 year old to carry. That is another reason we say there is no one size fits all when it comes to hoverboards.
#4 Think About Wheel Size
The standard wheel size for most models is in the 6.5 – 7 inch range and this is fine for sidewalks and paved surfaces, which is how most people use their hoverboards. However, if you plan on riding the hoverboard on grass and other rougher surfaces you probably want to consider buying one with larger wheels. Many of these off-road models will have wheels that range between 8.5-12 inches. These taller wheels not only provide more ground clearance, but they will also have more aggressive tread. Both of these things are important when you are not riding a hoverboard on smooth surfaces.
If you are thinking about getting one of these “off-road” models be prepared to spend a bit more money. In addition to having larger wheels these models will often also have larger motors, bigger batteries, and water resistance (all of which are good things).
#3 See What Other People Have to Say
If you aren’t sure if you picking a good model check out online reviews at places like Amazon.com. There is no product out there that has a perfect rating and makes everyone completely happy. That being said, it is good to hear what other people say about the pros and cons for a given product. Plus, sometimes you might learn something about the product’s features that you didn’t know before.
When looking at online reviews the higher the average rating the better. You also should feel good if there are a lot of reviews. Typically the more reviews you see the more confident you can feel in the average ratings for a product. If you only see a handful of reviews for a particular product the average rating can get greatly influenced just a couple of really high or low reviews and those reviews might not be reflective of what a larger number of customers might report (good or bad).
If you see something with a lot of reviews that has a rating of 4 out of 5 or better you should feel fairly certain that you are looking at a quality product.
#2 Check the Warranty
Companies that make quality products stand behind those products. So another good idea is to check out the warranty information for the hoverboard before you buy it. The two things you want to look for in a warranty is the length of the warranty and what is covered under the warranty. Obviously, a longer warranty that covers more things will give you more peace of mind about your purchase.
In addition to checking out the warranty it is also a good idea to know the return policy of the retailer you are purchasing it from. If you are buying the hoverboard online you will want to make sure the online retailer has a solid return policy like Amazon.com
# 1 Get a Hoverboard That is UL 2272 Certified
The UL 2272 certification came in response to hoverboards that were overheating, catching fire, or exploding due to electrical problems a few years ago. The last thing you want to worry about when buying a hoverboard is the possibility of it overheating and catching on fire.
Consumers who purchase a hoverboard that is UL 2272 certified can rest easy knowing that the hoverboard has an electrical drive train system including the battery system, other circuitry and electrical components that are deemed safe. If you are thinking about buying a hoverboard that doesn’t have this certification our advice to you would be to RUN THE OTHER WAY!
If you only pay attention to one thing on our list make sure this is it. Any good hoverboard will have this certification and proudly tell you that it does. Many retailers refuse to sell hoverboards that are not UL 2272 approved, but it is still good to know the importance of this certification in case you run into a model that doesn’t have it.
Conclusion
Hopefully this list of 7 things to remember helped prepare you to find the perfect hoverboard for yourself or whoever you are shopping for. However, you want to always remember that there are risks associated with using hoverboards – just like there are risks for using other equipment such as bikes, skates, and other motorized equipment. So always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the safe of use and don’t forget to wear the appropriate safety equipment.
Image Credit: www.soarboards.com
Bestselling Hoverboards on Amazon
- Speed & Range: Experience exhilarating rides with the Ninebot S2's impressive top speed of 11.2 mph and range of 21.7 miles.
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for riders aged 16-50, the Segway S2 features a user-friendly learning mode, providing a smooth and gradual introduction.
- Adjustable & Supportive: Enjoy a customized fit tailored to your needs, as the Segway S2 accommodates heights ranging from 4'3" to 6'6" and supports weights of up to 220 lbs, ensuring comfort and stability for every rider.
- Hill Conqueror: Conquer inclines with confidence as the Segway S2 effortlessly navigates 15° slopes.
- Efficient Charging: Featuring a Smart Battery Management System (BMS) and a high-capacity 335 Wh battery that fully charges in just 4.5 hours.
- Off Road Hoverboard - Dual 250W motors offer powerful performance allowing it to climb 15 degrees at a top speed of 7.75 mph. Non-slip rugged 6.5 off-road rubber tires make it easy for riders up to 176 pounds to travel through dirt, turf and even gravel on a variety of surfaces.
- Light Your Way - Cool LED lights on the wheels of the hoverboard for kids ages 6-12 and bright dual LED headlights illuminate the road ahead, completely attracting the attention of the children and making the riding more fun for the children. Kids adult hoverboard has a 37V/2Ah lithium-ion long-lasting battery and can travel up to 8 miles on a full charge.
- Music Speaker - Built-in high-quality Bluetooth speakers allow you to connect your smartphone or device to play your favorite music. Make your new hoverboard for kids the coolest one with extraordinary sound effect.
- International Highest Standards - Gyroor electric hoverboard for adults kids is UL2272 safety certified and complies with all U.S. safety regulations. Gyroor Hoverboard off road with self-balancing control system, easy to master the dynamic inertial stability system gives your child the freedom to ride forward and backward smoothly, easy for all ages to learn and use.
- Versatile - The Gyroor All Terrain Off-Road Hoverboard is the ideal hoverboard for kids, adults, girls, boys and people of all ages and it's perfect for everyday activities.
- POWERFUL JOYRIDE – Gotrax EDGE hoverboard with dual brushless motors, you can take your riding to a fun and safe top speed of 6.2mph. Equipped with 50.4Wh low self-discharge rate battery pack offers up to 4 miles of continuous riding on a single charge (travel distance depends on rider's weight, terrain and so on).
- RIDING WITH CONFIDENCE - 6.5" solid high-quality tires provide comfortable and smooth riding on most of the road. A durable and thick non-slip footpad allows all level riders to feel safe. This hover board includes LED indicator light, which shows the battery and hoverboard status to make it easy to stay in the know.
- SAFETY ELECTRIC HOVERBOARDS - Gotrax self-balancing scooter have passed the strict electrical, battery, and charger systems tested, and meet UL2272 safety standards to ensure safety. Each Gotrax hoverboard back is affixed with a UL certification label. The bright front LED light which illuminates the area and keeps riders visible ensures night safety riding.
- EASY LEARN AND CONTROL - The self-balancing control system makes the electric hoverboards easy to learn and control, put one foot on the board pedal, then put the other foot, once staying straight in a comfortable posture, you can ready to go(tips: the feet closer to the wheel, the more stability). Go straight, fast turns, 360° rotation to show your skills.
- A ONE Of A KIND PRESENT- This electric hoverboard isn’t just for kids! It’s for riders of all sizes and able to carry anyone up to 44-176 lbs. It can be an affordable and unique present for your friends and family. If you have any questions, please freely to contact us, we provide professional online customer service and 180 days assurance.
- SUPER STURDY and DURABLE – The Warrior 8.5 inch Off Road Hoverboard is made from a combination of UL approved materials which make up its sturdy structure that guarantees durability while keeping you safe during rides and allowing you enjoy this hoverboard for years to come.
- ALL-TERRAIN RIDES - With 8.5 inch solid tires and 700 watts motor you can be sure of a smooth and easier ride on all terrains.So, Don't hesitate to ride on grass, dirt, gravel or wet surfaces. Ride like a warrior.
- MUSIC SPEAKER INCLUDED – For the music lovers, we have added a Built-in branded music speaker to allow you play your music when riding the hoverboard. No ride will be more fun than this.
- SELF BALANCING BOARD – The Self balancing technology used for this hoverboard makes it easier and safe for new riders. Master the art of balancing in minutes.
- OUR SAFETY PROMISE – This hoverboard is UL2272 certified and this means it has passed strict electrical and safety test to assure safe charging and rides.
- POWERFUL RIDES-ON - GOTRAX Hoverboards get their popularity from innovative design and reliable quality. Features Dual Brushless Motors, and a Max Speed of 6.2mph. GOTRAX Hoverboards can support up to 176lbs.
- EXTENDED PLAYING TIME - GOTRAX Hoverboards is extremely energy efficient using a 25.2V 2.6 Ah battery it can ride up to 5 Miles on a single charge. Hoverboard equipped with self-balancing control system to go straight, make a turn, rotate in place and can be operated at will. Travel distance depends on user's weight, terrains and so on.
- SAFE HOVERBORD - GOTRAX hoverboards have passed a series of strict system of tests, include electrical, battery and charger tests, and approved by UL2272 safety certification to ensure safety. Each GOTRAX hoverboard back is affixed with a unique UL certification label.
- 6.5" LED WHEELS - The GOTRAX Hoverboards features cool LED light wheels in the shape of the GOTRAX Logo, it can light up at night. The 6.5" led wheels creates a smooth and comfortable ride and makes the hoverboard easier to control.
- A BIG SURPRISE - This hoverboard isn’t just for kids! It can be a thoughtful and unique present for your friends and family. It's a fun surprise. You can even enjoy a fun race with your friends in the park.
- HOVERBOARD WITH LED WHEELS - Ride in style with the i100 heavy duty hoverboard, 6.5" tires, dual LED lights for added visibility, 400W motors (200W x 2) offers torque to get up 10 degree incline. The hoverboard can go up to 7 mph over a 10 mile range.
- FUN, EASY AND INTUITIVE RIDING - Step on one side first, the hoverboard smart balance wheel stabilizes for you to put your other foot. Controls are easy to learn, letting you smoothly accelerate/decelerate by applying pressure with your feet or leaning.
- BEST SELF-BALANCING SYSTEM - With Hover-1, the built-in inertia dynamic stabilization system keeps you in control. The i100 self balancing electric vehicle stabilizes the rider, controls balance and motion for a safe, stable & fun riding experience
- BLUETOOTH HOVERBOARD - Enjoy your favorite track or playlist with the built-in Bluetooth 4.0 speaker. Switch between the 3 skill modes, enable GPS tracking, play/pause music, and customize your LED lights with the Android/iOS compatible Bluetooth App.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY - IPX-4 rated for water-resistance, this self balancing hoverboard features built-in 25.2V/4.0 Ah Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (certified), fully charges in 6 hours. The safety shield battery enclosure prevents fire & overheating
- 🛴🛴Highlights:This Smart Self-Balancing adult off-road balance scooter offers Bluetooth connection with an app for easy control and a dual surround sound system for music enjoyment. It features an adjustable handrail to accommodate different heights. The scooter doubles as a walking power bank to charge your phone, includes GPS, an anti-theft system, and a wireless remote control screen. Additionally, it is equipped with LED headlights, ambient lights, and front and rear turn signals for safety.
- 🛴🛴Presenting the Freego Smart Self-Balancing Scooter X60 Plus, the perfect ride for thrill-seeking adults! Featuring robust dual 3000W (peak) motors, this scooter provides unmatched power and velocity, taking your adventures to a whole new level. Whether you're navigating urban roads or conquering off-road paths, the X60 Plus promises an unparalleled, thrilling ride.
- 🛴🛴Fitted with a powerful 57.6V 15.6Ah battery, the X60 Plus delivers an astonishing range of 50miles, ensuring you can travel far without worry. Eliminate range concerns and embrace boundless journeys! Whether you're heading to the office or venturing into nature, this scooter's long-lasting battery meets all your lifestyle needs.
- 🛴🛴Engineered to master any surface, the X60 Plus comes with durable 19-inch all-terrain tires that ensure superb traction. Whether it's rocky trails or city landscapes, nothing can stop you when riding the X60 Plus. Enjoy the excitement of off-road adventures like never before, carving new paths and surpassing ordinary rides effortlessly.
- 🛴🛴Constructed with high-strength steel tubing, the X60 Plus merges toughness with a sleek appearance, making sure you turn heads wherever you ride. Offered in bold black or elegant silver, this scooter pairs style with resilience. Ride assured, knowing you're on a top-tier vehicle designed to endure daily challenges.
- SMOOTH RIDING HOVERBOARD - Ride in style with Hover-1 All-Star Electric Hoverboard. Powerful 400W motor (200W x 2) provides torque to get up inclines of 10 degrees. This heavy duty hoverboard scooter can go up to 7 mph over a 7 mile range for all day fun!
- FUN, EASY AND INTUITIVE RIDING – Step on one side first, the hover 1 hoverboard stabilizes so you can put your other foot on. Controls are easy to learn, allowing you to smoothly accelerate/decelerate by applying pressure with your feet and/or leaning
- BEST SELF-BALANCING SYSTEM – With Hover-1 gyroscopes and acceleration sensors, the dynamic stabilization system keeps you in control. All-Star self balancing hoverboard stabilizes the rider, controls balance & motion for a safe & fun riding experience.
- Ultra Bright LED Headlights - LED Indicator lights - UN 38.3 tested -Certified Battery - UL Certified Power Cord.
- BLUETOOTH HOVERBOARD - Enjoy your favorite track or playlist with the built-in Bluetooth speaker. Light up the neighborhood streets with colorful array LED wheels & footpad, and bright headlight for added visibility
- Unlike traditional electric unicycles, which typically have one wheel and one tire, the INMOTION E20 features a single wheel with dual tires. This innovative design enables lateral self-balancing, allowing users to learn to ride in just 3 minutes, making it the simplest and most beginner-friendly EUC available
- The E20 is designed for simplicity and stability. Our proprietary dynamic self-balancing algorithm maintains both front and rear balance, significantly reducing the risk of tipping over. Enjoy a fun and worry-free ride with confidence
- With a 38% larger tire diameter than regular self-balancing vehicles, the E20 easily conquers obstacles without compromising balance. Inflatable inner tubes enhance shock absorption compared to solid tires, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride
- The 2-in-1 wheel design makes learning easy for kids, while its compact size facilitates convenient family transportation. The trunk can accommodate three E20s and a camper van for double the fun
- Featuring an integrated high-quality Bluetooth speaker, the E20 seamlessly connects to your smartphone for playing music. Keep the tunes going throughout your journey and enjoy a cheerful mood all day long
- FUN-FILLED PERFORMANCE – Drive heavy duty hoverboard is powered by two 160W motors that enable it to climb 10-degree inclines and reach a 7 mph top speed. The 6.5" solid wheels provide a smooth and enjoyable ride.
- LIGHT YOUR WAY – Drive hoverboard with lights has bright dual LED headlights which illuminate your path and add style to your ride.
- BEGINNER-FRIENDLY – Drive hoverboard for beginners is perfect for those building confidence on a quality hoverboard with easy controls. Non-slip foot pads keep you in place, while the dynamic stabilization system ensures you balanced and upright.
- WE TAKE SAFETY SERIOUSLY – Drive self balancing scooter creates alert if you ride too fast or on unsafe surfaces, allowing you to slow down & avoid mishaps. Drive is UL2272 certified tested to applicable standards & deemed safe. Ride with peace of mind.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY - IPX-4 rated for water-resistance, this electric hoverboard features a built-in 37V/2.0 Ah Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (certified), fully charges in 6 hours. The safety shield battery enclosure prevents fire and overheating
Last update on 2024-11-14 at 08:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API