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
- 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
- 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.
- 【Sturdy, Strong, Smooth, Safe】K8 self-balancing scooter is well built, adopt 700W dual hub motor, 10 inch wheel, Shock-absorbing, non-slip, wear-resistant, it can climb up to 20° slopes, the body comes with a parking bracket, Sturdy, Strong, Smooth, Safe, buy with confidence.
- 【APP Control and Easy to Ride】This self-balancing hoverboard comes with a hand bar and a leg bar to control the movement direction of scooter, plus APP to control its movement speed,control it so easy, beginners only need 10 minutes to figure out its functions, easy to get on and off.
- 【Remarkable Endurance, Fast Charging】K8 hoverboard for adults adopts 18650 lithium battery, high energy density, fully charged scooter can ride up to 21KM, the max. speed is 16KM/H, and it can be fully charged within 3-4 hours.
- 【Stylish and Cool, Full of Fun】Self-balancing scooter wheels with LED turn signals, warning lights, ambient lights, improve the safety of night riding, colorful lights, stylish, trendy and cool, built-in Bluetooth speakers,support music playback, just like walking CDs, ride on It, full of fun.
- 【Wide applications, Preferred Gift】K8 electric hoverboard with steering rod is suitable for learning, practicing, riding outdoors or in spacious indoors, such as campuses,squares,streets,pathway,sidewalk,road,and is highly sought after by teenagers and adults,cool gifts for your son,daughter,loved one.
- 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.
- The scifistyle encircling LED dazzling light is a unique visual symbol of 16x, which can leave a dazzling dazzling back at night, allowing you to concentrate on riding more safely
- The newly upgraded 16-inch pneumatic tires give the 16X a better riding effect, adapt to complex road conditions, the tires are more durable, and the driving safety is higher
- Equipped with a high-performance motor, the 16X has a top speed of 31 mph and a power of 2200W, which can output a steady stream of surging power to help you keep moving forward. Enjoy stable high-speed driving through the tuning of the whole vehicle with powerful power output.
- Through the Kingsong APP, you can pay attention to vehicle dynamics in real time and create intelligent travel. You can upgrade the firmware of the balance car through your mobile phone, set the color of the lights, or perform personalized settings such as speed limit.
- The battery capacity reaches 1554WH, which can achieve 93 miles of battery life. The battery is powerful enough to go where you want to go.
- ✔️【Special Desigin】Smart Self Balancing Electric Scooter, which set BlueTooth App control, adjust LED light's colors, sport mode, sensitivity, firmware update etc. Search and download APPs "FOTBOT" from App store. Self Balancing Scooter moving directions controlled by your body balance, your body center of gravity more forward, the hoverboard will forward.
- ✔️【Sturdy & Powerful】Self Balance Electric Scooter has 250W dual motors that can speed up to 9 miles per hour to climb slopes as steep as 15 degrees, max weigh capacity 220lbs, achieve up to 8 miles per charge. Over 10-mile range on a single charge and battery provide comprehensive battery safety protection.
- ✔️【Long Distance】36-Volt Lithium-ion battery provides longer range and playing time compared with 24 volts. BMS battery management system, comprehensive battery safety protection.
- ✔️【Protection & Safety】Frontlights and flashing wheel makes travel safer, customizable LED taillights provides high rear visibility for both daytime and night time. When you play in dark place, it helps you confirm the direction, safe and stable. Non-slip foot pads allow you to keep stability and traction.
- ✔️【Intelligent App Management】Self Balance Scooter build-in Bluetooth App control, adjust LED lights' colors, sport mode, monitor battery status, firmware update and sensitivity, etc (Please search and download "FOTBOT" at App store, then you can connect the Smart Self Balancing Scooter).
- 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.
- Unique 3 Wheel Design: The Sonic the Hedgehog Self Balancing Scooter is designed with 3 heavy duty, durable wheels that offer a smooth, and very steady ride. Ride comfortably on both smooth and uneven surfaces with ease.
- Self-Balancing for Stress Free Riding: This Scooter is built to take the worries of losing your balance away thanks to its 3 Wheeled Design. We designed this kick scooter with a stable platform and safe-roll wheels, making it a highly reliable self-balancing three-wheel scooter for kids. Your child can hop on and off and ride without any worries thanks to the scooter’s ability to stay upright on its own.
- Lean to Steer: With its Easy Tilt Steering Technology, our kick scooter is easy to master for all ages! Make precise turns with ease using your own body! The scooter reacts quickly, able to turn without any resistance!
- Featuring a Light up Wheels Your Kid Will Love: Surprise any child with a gift featuring their favorite character, Sonic! With bright LED lights in each wheel, your child will absolutely love their new ride.
- Safe and Fun: With its Extra Wide, nonslip deck, rear foot brake, and comfortable handlebars, your child will feel as secure as possible while riding the Sonic the Hedgehog Light Up Kick Scooter! Give your children the safest micro kickboard mini scooter experience you could ask for, with easy-to-use tilt controls, smooth turn steering, and a powerful foot brake.
- Designed for Children: From size to material selection, the Ninebot S Kids is optimized for children, giving them the best riding experience. The ninebot S kids delivers a speed of up to 8.7 mph, a max range of 8 miles. Recommended age is 8+years old.
- Reliable quality, Safe, and Guaranteed: 15-fold safety assurance technology strictly selects global high-quality components-4 rigorous tests guarantee, 4 types of smart voice reminders, 4 smart protection mechanisms, and 3 core high-standard components.
- Bluetooth Speaker: Real-time intelligent voice safety reminder. Slow down and be careful. Keep your baby safe. You can use your mobile phone to connect the S Kids via Bluetooth. Let's ride with your phone music! Ride slow especially when you’re reversing.
- Comfortable & Easy to Learn: 8.5-inch Non-slip and maintenance-free solid tires, easy to move forward in different scenarios. Ninebot live voice teaching system and Large-area pedal, easier to learn, stand and safer. Applicable height is 3’6”–5’9”.
- Quality Assurance: Connect to the Segway-Ninebot App and learn more about riding status. Free choice of three riding modes to control the safe riding speed of your baby. Please find below product details and contact us if you have any questions.
- Product 1: Eye-catching black design with modern aesthetic: Ninebot S is compact, weighting just 28 lbs with a max load of 220 lbs; Applicable Age 16 – 50 years; Applicable Height - 3.11 – 6.6 Inch
- Product 1: High-performance lithium-ion battery for extended use: 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°
- Product 1: Illuminating LED lights for increased visibility and safety
- Product 1: Rugged construction withstands various weather conditions for all-terrain use Portable and lightweight
- Product 2: Ready. Aim. Blast: You can experience the double fun of driving drift and shooting game from the Ninebot electric Mecha. From self-balancing vehicle to Mehca, the fun doubles and let shooting battle start! Three speed modes for different users.
Last update on 2023-03-21 at 07:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
