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
- UL 2272 certification ensures Ninebot S meets high standards for fire and electrical safety. The Smart Battery Management System provides reliable battery performance. IP54 waterproof protection ensures operation in various weathers.
- Sturdy & Powerful : Ninebot S is compact, weighting just 28 lbs with a max load of 220 lbs. Thanks to the dual 400W motors, it can easily reach a max speed of 10 mph. A single fully charged battery can run up to 13.7 miles, climbing a max slope of 15°
- Road Adaptive Design : 10.5" pneumatic tires provide a comfortable and smoother ride on bumpy roads. Knee control bar allows for precise steering and easy lifting. Applicable Age 16 – 50 years. Applicable Height - 3.11 – 6.6 Inch.
- Intelligent App Management : Download the Segway app for anti-theft function, speed limit and adjustment, vehicle self-diagnose, firmware upgrade, Ambient Light, vehicle remote control and more.
- 【All-Terrain Riding】The 10-inch off-road wear-resistant anti-skid wheels, more stable and better grip on riding, which can ensure easy and smooth riding on all terrain. Therefore, you can ride freely on grass, soil, gravel or wet ground.
- 【Powerful Power System】Dual 250W brushless motors can reach the max 9.3mph speed and climb inclines up to 15°, which is enough to meet the needs of school, work and short distance travel. The maximum load capacity is 220lbs.
- 【Long-Distance Range】Compared with 24 V, 36 V lithium-ion battery can provide longer range and playing time. It can be fully charged within 4 hours, and can ride more than 8 miles range per charge (the actual performance will be affected by user's weight, road, weather and so on).
- 【Intelligent App Management】Can be controlled on the phone with APP. After downloading "FOTBOT" in the application store and connecting the self-balancing scooter, you can adjust LED lights’ colors, sensitivity, sport mode, firmware update and monitor battery status on the mobile phone.
- 【Safer Design】The luminous colored LED wheels and LED lights increase the visibility of any rider at the most important time, making you feel safer even at night. The knee control lever can realize precise steering, and the fender can prevent the splash of mud.
- POWERFUL JOYRIDE – Gotrax EDGE hoverboard with dual 200W 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 2.5 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 GIFT - 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 gift for your friends and family. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we provide 24 hours online service and 180 days warranty.
- SUPER STURDY & DURABLE – The Warrior 8.5 inch Off Road Hoverboard is made from a perfect 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, feel free 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 high quality 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. If you feel this hoverboard is performing below this promise, feel free to contact us.
- ▶Self balancing technology to ensure that you can learn easily.
- ▶LED flash wheels and front lights help you enjoy riding at night.
- ▶Rubber tires to absorb shock, pedal is designed to be slip-resistant, avoid falling.
- ▶Certified long life battery help to maintain safety when you use it indoor or outdoor.
- ▶For riders ranges from 45~ 220lbs, it can go straight, rotate and rotate 360 degrees, everyone can drive well.
- 【All-Terrain Riding】The 10-inch off-road wear-resistant anti-skid wheels, more stable and better grip on riding, which can ensure easy and smooth riding on all terrain.
- 【Powerful Power System】Dual 250W brushless motors can reach the max 9.3mph speed and climb inclines up to 15°, which is enough to meet the needs of school, work and short distance travel. The maximum load capacity is 220lbs.
- 【Long-Distance Range】Compared with 24 V, 36 V lithium-ion battery can provide longer range and playing time. It can be fully charged within 4 hours, and can ride more than 8 miles range per charge (the actual performance will be affected by user's weight, road, weather and so on).
- 【Intelligent App Management】Can be controlled on the phone with APP. After downloading "FOTBOT" in the application store and connecting the self-balancing scooter, you can adjust LED lights’ colors, sensitivity, sport mode, firmware update and monitor battery status on the mobile phone.
- 【Safety and Protection】The luminous colored LED wheels and LED lights increase the visibility of any rider at the most important time, making you feel safer even at night. The knee control lever can realize precise steering, and the non-slip foot pads can help you to keep stability and traction.
- STABILITY CONTROL & EASY OPERTIONS: Two-wheel hoverboard with non-slip foot pads, has strong traction when turning, and maintains stability. The movement direction of the hoverboard is controlled by your body balance, so you can easily master the riding method.
- COOL LED LIGHT: It can be used for riding and playing at any time of the day, and you will not be afraid of riding in the dark. The two wheels will be accompanied by colorful and cool tunnel LED flashes during riding, and you can feel freedom and happiness in the breeze.
- HOWERBOARD WITH BLUETOOTH: To solve the boring process of riding, turn on the Bluetooth mode in one second, which can play music and books, making riding full of fun, and at the same time improving the quality of life and happiness at home.
- SUITABLE FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS: The double-wheel hoverboard can be used as a major surprise for children and friends. Suitable for children, office workers, amateurs, people walking cats and dogs. Let us experience the different colors that Felimoda hoverboard brings to our lives.
- PERFECT PROTECTION: UL2272 safety certification has been passed, you can rest assured about your riding. Our team puts customer satisfaction in the first place, with a 3-month warranty service, and you can contact us at any time if you have any questions.
- 【POWERFUL JOYRIDE】Fluxx FX3 hoverboard with dual 200W brushless motors power up to 6.2mph safe speed, max weight is 176lbs. Equipped with 50.4Wh low self-discharge rate battery pack offers up to 3.1 miles of continuous riding on a single charge (travel distance depends on rider's weight, terrains and so on).
- 【LIGHTWEIGHT BUT STURDY DESIGH】Bulid with a lightweight but sturdy frame that performs well, a durable and thick non-slip footpad ensure all riders to stand safely. LED front light keep your forward bright and viewable. You can easily take it with you everywhere you go and without trouble.
- 【SAFETY ELECTRIC HOVERBOARDS】Self-balancing scooter have passed the strict electrical, battery, and charger systems tested, and meet UL2272 safety standards to ensure safety. A UL certification label is affixed on the back of each Fluxx hoverboard.
- 【EASY LEARN AND CONTROL】With self balancing system, even beginners can easy to learn and control, 6.5'' solid high-quality tires provide with smooth and stable riding. put one foot on the board pedal, then put the other foot, once staying straight in a comfortable posture, you can be ready to go(Tips: the feet closer to the wheel, the more stability; get off behind the board would be safer). Go straight, fast turns, 360° rotation to show your skills.
- 【GIFT WITH SUPPORT SERVICE】Fluxx FX3 hoverboard scooter can be a cost-effectived and unique gift for your friends and family. Suitable for all ages. If you have any demands, please feel free to contact us, we provide 24 hours online service and 180 days warranty.
- Sturdy & Powerful: With the powerful dual motors of 400W, the Segway S-Plus can reach a max speed of 12.5 mph, travel up to 22 miles and accommodate a max load of 220 lbs after a single full charge. Ride your Segway S-Plus to enjoy the beautiful scenery
- Safety & Comfortable: Smart Battery Management System assures the battery safety and extends the battery life. Knee control bar allows for precise steering and easy lifting. The 11" pneumatic tires provide a comfortable and smoother ride on bumpy roads
- Remote Control & Auto-Follow Mode: Use the handle or the joystick on the multi-functional remote with intelligent chip to control the device. When you're not riding and need to have your hands free, turn on follow mode to have your S-Plus follow you
- Intelligent App Management: Download the Segway app for anti-theft function, speed limit and adjustment, vehicle self-diagnose, adjustable ambient lights, firmware upgrade, monitor battery status, vehicle remote control and more
- Safety features including battery shield for fire and overheat protection.
- Max weight 220 LBS. Solid 6.5 inch tires.
- Travels up to 12 miles at 7 mph after 4 hours of charge.
- 90 day limited against manufacturer defects.
- LED front sensor headlights.
Last update on 2023-09-24 at 19:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API