The term hoverboard might be a little misleading if you think about “Back to the future,” but trust me, even Marty McFly would have loved the fantastic hoverboard available in the market these days.
Though they don’t levitate over a cloud of air and have wheels, they will give you a similar feel. Hoverboards are an entertaining and exciting toy that almost everyone wants to try out; however, buying a Hoverboard can be challenging.
There are so many options in the market, and it is hard to tell what features are desirable and which aren’t. However, you don’t have to worry because, in this post, I will tell you about the ten most important things that you need to consider before buying a new hoverboard. So, keep reading to learn more.
Check for a UL certification
Firstly, we need to discuss safety because riding around on an electronic device powered by a lithium-ion battery can be somewhat risky.
For example, you may have heard some stories about hoverboards exploding because of their batteries, and you may be thinking, are hoverboards dangerous? Well, where exploding batteries are a possibility, it is quite unlikely.
Lithium-ion batteries have caused concerns in other products, like vapes, smart luggage, and the Notorious Samsung Galaxy Note 7. However, if you buy high-quality products and take care of the batteries, the battery’s chances of causing problems are very slim.
So, follow these tips:
- First, only buy a hoverboard that is UL-certified.
- Be careful not to overcharge the batteries.
- Keep the hoverboard away from open flames and flammable items.
- Don’t use any third-party chargers for the battery.
Learn about the different types of Hoverboards
There are various kinds of hoverboards available in the market, and if you want to choose the best kind for your specific requirements, you need to know about all of them. This is because hoverboards are made with the same general purpose in mind, but their characteristics may vary.
Generally, there are three types of hoverboards:
- Classic: These hoverboards usually feature about 6.5-inch wheels. They are suitable for indoor use and riding on flat surfaces. They typically have smaller batteries, lower speed, and less weight as well.
- Off-road: these hoverboards have larger wheels that are at least 8 inches in size and larger. The motors and batteries are also more powerful. They are made for a variety of terrains and are even better are going on steeper paths.
- Self-balancing: self-balancing hoverboards can come in different sizes, and they are much safer for people who are riding a hoverboard for the first time. They have an inner gyroscope that allows the board to balance itself and stay level with the ground.
Check the Charging Times
Typically, hoverboards can take quite a while to charge, so keep this in mind before buying a hoverboard. If you are patient and won’t mind staring at your board for about three hours while it’s charging, you will be fine. However, if you can’t wait that long, maybe you should stick with your bicycle.
Consider the Speed
The speed of the hoverboard is also a significant factor that you need to consider before buying it. If you buy the hoverboard for your teenage kid, you should stick with one of the slower models, which can have top speeds of up to 7 or 8 miles per hour.
On the other hand, if you are buying a hoverboard for yourself and like to feel a little speed, you can get a bigger hoverboard that can go up to 12 miles per hour.
You should keep in mind that hoverboards aren’t like toys, and if you give a kid a fast hoverboard, they might injure themselves. Therefore, consider the speed and who you are buying the board for before making a purchase, and ride carefully.
Think about the range of the hoverboard
The next thing to consider is the range of the hoverboard. Many smaller hoverboards will only go around 3-7 miles on a full charge; however, if you invest in one with a bigger battery and more energy-efficient motor, you can go up to 13-14 miles on one complete charge.
Therefore, you need to ask yourself, how far do you want to go on your hoverboard? Are you going to use it for your commutes or just for fun? These questions will help you make the right choice.
The height and weight of the rider
Apart from the hoverboard features, it would help if you also considered the weight and height of the rider. The taller you are, the more difficult it can be to maintain your balance on the hoverboard.
Furthermore, considering the rider’s weight is very important because every hoverboard has a weight limit. Classic hoverboards usually have a weight limit of around 100-110 pounds, whereas off-road bars with bigger wheels can carry more weight.
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The weight of the actual hoverboard
It is also essential to consider the weight of the board because when you aren’t using it or run out of battery, you will have to carry it around. Typically, hoverboards can weigh about 20-30 pounds, so if you are going to be hauling your board around with you, go for a lightweight option.
Consider the Price
Of course, budget is also a factor to be considered when you are buying a hoverboard. Generally, cheaper boards can cost around $150; however, the price can go up about $200 to $400 for a mid-range board with better features, and materials.
However, expensive doesn’t always mean better: check out some reviews and find out which board is more “worth it” for the price.
Look for additional features
These days, hoverboards come with several additional features. Some of these features can be quite fun, and useful, while others might be for aesthetics, either way, considering the additional functionality is essential if you want to buy the best hoverboard.
So, check out the board with Bluetooth speakers and RGB lighting for some extra fun features.
Look at different colors and designs
Finally, when all the other factors are considered and selected a model you want to go with, consider the different colors and designs available. Most hoverboard companies make the same model in multiple colors, so, instead of going for the classic black or white, try out some new colors.
Would you like to read more about hoverboard-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
