The hoverboard is a vehicle that, as well as for fun, can be used as a real means of transport for short distances to move around the city, to go to work, and school.
In this buying guide, we see the best hoverboards on the market for adults and children and how to choose the model that best suits your needs.
Among the alternative means of transport to move independently in the city and the bicycle and the scooter, there is also the hoverboard, also known as the self-balancing electric scooter, a two-wheeled device that both adults and children can use.
To travel for short distances. This device has a weight sensor placed on the platform on which the driver’s feet rest; these sensors recognize when you are leaning forward and allow you to advance the hoverboard at a speed higher than a normal walk.
The use is straightforward: to decelerate, it is sufficient to lean backward, while to make a curve, it is necessary to apply pressure with the right or left foot depending on the direction you intend to turn.
Although the operation is effortless, we recommend using the hoverboard for adults, or in any case for children aged no less than eight years, due to the speeds they can reach, up to 11 mph in the best hoverboard models.
There are also models of hoverboards for children on the market, designed specifically to allow children’s safe use and are characterized by a lower center of gravity and less weight to function.
Table of Contents
How to choose a hoverboard: Types and Characteristics
The hoverboard, also known as a “floating board” or self-balancing electric scooter, moves thanks to the feet’ commands and consists of two wheels and many platforms mounted on an axle. The right and left feet control the respective wheels. Just lean forward for starting and acceleration and lean back for braking and reverse.
Technically it is a self-balancing electric scooter whose operation is based on sensors and microprocessors that balance and stabilize the vehicle. In other words, it doesn’t seem very easy, but in reality, after a few attempts, using the hoverboard becomes simple and intuitive.
Before making a hoverboard, some important technical characteristics are considered to evaluate its quality and good construction.
The technical data sheet can help us because it contains engine power, movement speed, and battery autonomy. Weight and design are other important parameters, as the hoverboard must be stored and carried by hand when not in use.
Let’s see the main features to be evaluated to find the best hoverboard suitable for us.
Structure: We have seen that the hoverboard comprises platforms and wheels. There are hoverboards with handlebars that provide more driver stability and safer driving. Other models are equipped with a bracket that reaches the knees’ height and allows greater comfort and support.
Wheels and platform: With or without handlebars, the hoverboard type of wheels is generally similar, but if we’re going to have fun at the park or on uneven terrain, it’s worth considering hoverboards with extra-large wheels, designed to be used on rough terrain. The quality of the wheels is not the only factor to consider a high-quality hoverboard.
Obviously, the tires must be made to avoid frequent damages and replacements, but this must also apply to the platform. For example, the platforms are generally covered with non-slip material, usually rubberized, to allow greater safety and stability to the driver.
Lights: Greater security will also be given by LED lights’ presence to be more visible even at night. The lights are generally located on the back, front, and wheels.
Engine: It works with a double battery-powered electric motor. It is equipped with two engines, one on each wheel, and its power is expressed in watts. We can have 200W motors each, up to the best hoverboards with 400W motors for each wheel. The engine’s power naturally affects the speed, the battery life, and the vehicle’s stability when on steep or rough terrain.
Speed: To make an accurate choice, we must consider the hoverboard’s maximum speed to which we are interested. Most of the hoverboards for sale do not exceed the maximum speed of 12.5 mph, but it is a parameter that can vary depending on the weight of the driver. Naturally, the more the driver will be heavy, the faster the speed. Thus, the vehicle’s speed depends on the driver’s weight and the engines’ power.
Weight: Most of the hoverboards on the market are designed to support up to 220-265 lbs, while the latest-generation appliances can tolerate a greater weight, even up to 397 lbs. It is important not to exceed the maximum tolerance because this could cause malfunctions both for stability and performance.
Even the weight of the product is an aspect not to be underestimated. In times of inactivity, you can safely transport the hoverboard by hand. This is because the models’ weight on the market varies between 22 and 26 lbs.
Autonomy and Recharge: The last factors to be evaluated for our hoverboard’s choice are the batteries’ autonomy and the time needed to recharge them. These are aspects that should not overlook because they have a considerable impact on performance and practicality.
Generally, the various models have autonomy varying between 6 and 12 miles. Still, even here, the driver’s weight factor comes into play: the higher and weight, the more the battery will tend to wear out quickly.
Even the recharge times, another essential aspect, vary from model to model. Some can recharge quickly in just one and a half hours, while others require 2 or 3 hours to be fully charged.
Where can you use the hoverboard?
Can use the hoverboard to move in any private space (home, courtyard, parking, etc.), but not on the street. According to the law’s highway code, it is not a regulated means, so it does not have permission to move on roads or sidewalks. It all depends on the space available to our path, including a park or simply a large space of the carriageway, a cycle path.
Hoverboard and Children
Adults and children can use the hoverboard. Children will spend much more time outdoors with their friend’s thanks to it. Still, beyond this leisure function, we can define the hoverboard as an educational game. This tool improves reflexes, coordination, and awareness of the road rules and respect for pedestrians.
Hoverboard and Minimum age
There is no limitation, but it is advisable to avoid using a hoverboard with children under 8. They may have difficulty managing the speed and thus arrive at dangerous consequences. For further protection, it is advisable to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and cuffs for the vehicle’s entire duration, just as we would do to use skateboards and skates.
[divider style="solid" top="10" bottom="10"]The Best Hoverboard to Buy
Hoverboard prices range from $150 for an economic hoverboard to $400 for more advanced models.
Let’s see the complete ranking of the top 10 best hoverboards with related prices and technical features.
- A Great Choice for Gift - self-balancing hoverboard makes an ideal gift for kids, girls,...
- POWERFUL JOYRIDE – Gotrax EDGE hoverboard with dual brushless motors, you can take your...
- RIDING WITH CONFIDENCE - 6.5" solid high-quality tires provide comfortable and smooth...
- SAFETY ELECTRIC HOVERBOARDS - Gotrax self-balancing scooter have passed the strict...
- Off Road Hoverboard - Dual 250W motors offer powerful performance allowing it to climb 15...
- Light Your Way - Cool LED lights on the wheels of the hoverboard for kids ages 6-12 and...
- Music Speaker - Built-in high-quality Bluetooth speakers allow you to connect your...
- Advanced Self-Balance Technology - The SIMATE Self-Balancing Hoverboard is designed with a...
- Bluetooth Speakers & LED Lights - Comes equipped with a built-in Bluetooth speaker,...
- APP Control - Download our exclusive XsCar app for comprehensive control over your...
- SUPER STURDY and DURABLE – The Warrior 8.5 inch Off Road Hoverboard is made from a...
- ALL-TERRAIN RIDES - With 8.5 inch solid tires and 700 watts motor you can be sure of a...
- MUSIC SPEAKER INCLUDED – For the music lovers, we have added a Built-in branded music...
- ▶▶Safe for Riding- All SISIGAD hoverboards have passed strict electrical test and meet...
- ▶▶Unique LED & Bluetooth- Built-in wireless speaker can be easily connected to...
- ▶▶Self Balancing System- Full of technology and easy to learn for beginners and...
- FUN-FILLED PERFORMANCE - The Ranger zooms up to 7 mph and can scale inclines of up to 10...
- BLUETOOTH SPEAKER - The Ranger comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. Elevate your...
- APP ENABLED - The Ranger connects to our Hover-1 Hoverboard App to turn on learning modes.
- FUN-FILLED PERFORMANCE - The Rebel electric hoverboard reaches a top speed of 6 mph and...
- BEGINNER-FRIENDLY - Rebel is the perfect entry-level hoverboard for beginners to gain...
- LED HEADLIGHTS AND WHEEL LIGHTS – Rebel hoverboard with lights has bright, dual LED...
- 【Safety First】SISIGAD hoverboards are UL2272 certified, complying with all US...
- 【Self-Balancing Technology】The SISIGAD Self-Balancing Hoverboard features a...
- 【Bluetooth 5.0 & LED Lights】Equipped with built-in Bluetooth 5.0 speakers, allowing...
- EASY HOVERBOARD RIDING FOR KIDS – My First Hoverboard’s dual 150W motors propel it to...
- LIGHT YOUR WAY – This hoverboard with lights has bright, dual LED headlights that...
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY – My First Hoverboard balancing scooter features a built-in 24V/2Ah...
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