Are Hoverboards Worth Buying [WORK]
Hoverboards do not actually hover, despite the iconic scene in Back to the Future II. They are equipped with highly sensitive gyroscopes and sensors that translate minute body movements into momentum and thrust. They may not hover, but they are a heck of a lot of fun. In other words, we think they are worth it. Additionally, you can read our Xprit Hoverboard review and see if you think it is worth it as well.
are hoverboards worth buying
Hoverboards are powered by lithium batteries that plug into a standard wall outlet. The electricity used by a hoverboard is minimal, particularly when measured against the power requirements of an automobile or even a motorcycle. Riding a hoverboard regularly will save you money on gas, particularly if you are using one to complete daily errands. Additionally, most hoverboards feature some form of foldable design, making them easy to store in a closet when not in use. Be sure to research the hoverboard thoroughly to ensure it features a foldable design.
Hoverboards are a bit pricey, but they are well worth the money if you take everything into consideration before purchasing. We guarantee if you purchase one for your child, you'll end up stealing it for a bit of your own fun.
First and foremost, we have to discuss safety. Because zooming around at 10 miles per hour on an electronic device charged by a lithium-ion battery can be a tad risky. Consequently, hoverboards are not meant to be used by children.
Generally, hoverboards are made with the same basic concept in mind, but several characteristics may vary. The main things to keep track of when comparing models are the battery power, speed, materials and internal motors. Each of these will have impressive impacts on the functionality of the hoverboard.
The Razor Hovertrax 2.0 has one important thing going for it: The brand name. Along with Swagtron, Razor is perhaps the best known maker of scooters (both hovering and non-hovering varieties). It also boasts a somewhat more powerful set of motors than usual; while most hoverboards use a pair of 250-watt motors or smaller, Razor uses 350-watt motors instead, which gives it a max capacity of 220 pounds and a maximum range of 60 minutes (about 8 miles, give or take).
Most hoverboards are made for all ages (including this one), but just by looking at its design, you can tell the Tomoloo Hoverboard was built primarily for kids. The main reason: this thing is eye-catching and colorful.
Some hoverboard models are water resistant, but they are not waterproof. Generally speaking, you should avoid riding your hoverboard through water or exposing it to excess moisture. But if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain, look for hoverboards with an IP rating that indicates water resistance.
In 2015 a new fad was born: hoverboards. Since then they've been through internet obsession, celebrity endorsements, bad press, and downright bans. And even if the hoverboards' popularity is dwindling down, they're still fun to ride and kids still love them.
We turned to Amazon for prices on legitimate hoverboards, and they varied from $105 to $775 for a typical model. The real hoverboards that are more like those in Back to the Future II (look like a skateboard that almost hovers above the ground) can be as expensive as $1,999.
The price is not the only thing on your mind when you're shopping for a hoverboard. There are definitely concerns associated with putting your 10-year-old (or yourself) on a self-balancing piece of plastic. Are hoverboards safe? How old should a child be to ride one?
According to a study published in Clinical Pediatrics, "from November 2015 to January 2016, 2.3% of all fractures were related to hoverboards." But while hoverboards are risky, they aren't necessarily dangerous. In terms of injury, hoverboards are about as safe as roller skates and skateboards---provided they're used responsibly.
As far as fire safety is concerned, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps a close eye on hoverboards and has recalled several models it deemed a fire hazard. The CPSC has also shared safety tips you should follow to reduce the risk of fire.
Most manufacturers say the minimum age to ride their hoverboards is eight years old; some don't recommend their hoverboards for children under 13. But keep in mind that certain cities and states may restrict the rider's age even further (for example, a California bill requires you to be at least 16 years old to ride a hoverboard).
If you look at the specs for different hoverboards, you'll see the riding time doesn't necessarily increase with the price. A cheaper hoverboard like the Cho model above can go for over an hour at maximum speed. And the more expensive Swagtron hoverboard [Broken URL Removed] will perform roughly the same. It travels up to eight miles per charge at a maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour.
Shopping for a hoverboard for kids? With tons of options on the market (that all seem to offer the same thing!) it can quickly get frustrating. How are the hoverboards different? Which differences even matter? Why is one more expensive than another? And are hoverboards even safe??
To get to the bottom of the issue, we spent two months personally testing eight hoverboards for kids. At the end of the day, we discovered that most hoverboards really are quite similar; you could spend hours online reading product descriptions and come away none the wiser.
Hoverboards catching fire has been an issue since they first came on the market in 2015, and continues to be an issue today. The first, and largest, recall occurred in 2016 when the CPSC issued a recall for over 500,000 hoverboards from 10 different companies. (CPSC = Consumer Product Safety Commission)
Since the 2016 recall, there were several additional recalls in 2017, and one in 2021, for a total of over 750,000 recalled hoverboards to date. In every instance, the recall was due to the lithium-ion battery packs that could overheat, catch fire, and/or explode.
Second piece of advice: UL 2272 certification does not guarantee that your battery will not overheat or catch fire. Many UL 2272 compliant hoverboards have caught fire. Exercise caution when riding or charging any hoverboard.
So if lithium-ion batteries are such a problem, why do most hoverboards use them? Despite the potential safety issues, they (1) are small, (2) have high energy density, and (3) are cost effective. Over the years, lithium-ion batteries have gotten safer, in part due to battery management systems (BMS) that prevent the battery voltage from reaching unsafe levels. However, they still have plenty of risk factors, even with the new BMS. Safer battery technology is simply more expensive.
LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is a newer type of lithium-ion battery that is considered to be much safer than the standard lithium-ion batteries used in hoverboards. Currently, Swagtron is the only brand to be using LiFePO4 batteries in their hoverboards. Despite the higher cost of these safer batteries, Swagtron has worked hard to keep the prices of their hoverboards affordable.
In our experience, hoverboards have a steeper learning curve with timid kids. While all kids should always wear a helmet when riding a hoverboard, additional protective gear like knee and elbow pads or wrist guards may also be a good idea for young kids just learning.
There is a little more to these devices than their strange name and appearance, and if you are considering buying a hoverboard, there are some more things you will want to know about this latest rage in self-mobility.
Compared to taking a car to work or school, hoverboards are much more beneficial because they allow you to get some exercise during your commute, ultimately making it one of the healthiest ways to commute.
While skateboards and roller blades are still popular, hoverboards are the hottest new trend. Not only are they cool and fun to ride, but they can also be an effective mode of personal transportation. Unfortunately, with all the numerous brands and models available in the market, it can be quite challenging to identify the best hoverboards.
To help you determine which hoverboard is the best for you, we have compiled a list of the top-rated hoverboards currently available in the market. We will also advise you on the features to look out for when choosing the best hoverboard for you or your kid.
With a weight of 22lbs, the board can carry between 44lbs and 220lbs, which makes it an ideal hoverboard for kids. However, a rider who is below 44lbs should not ride it since the weight will be insufficient to establish control and balance. It is not Bluetooth-enabled and has no learning modes, so that is worth noting. However, it does have LED lights at the front for safety.
This is one of the fastest hoverboards we have tested and one of the most stylish hoverboards on the market. Drawing inspiration from the supercars of the F1 racing, the Gyroor G-F1 hoverboard has a remarkable speed of 10 miles per hour.
The safety of the rider is the topmost priority for Gyroor thus all their hoverboards are UL2272 certified. The G-F1 model is no exception, and all its battery and electrical components have been thoroughly tested.
FutureSaw Pro is one of the best hoverboards in terms of safety and feature superiority. Every aspect of this balance scooter is exceptional, from its energy efficiency to its high hill grade and ability to support large weights.
Its sturdy build and strong motors allow it to carry more weight than other self-balancing scooters (up to 264 lbs). Hence this is one of the best hoverboards for heavier riders. It has a top speed of 7 mph which makes it safer for beginners and kids.
It also has Bluetooth speakers to allow you to listen to your favorite tunes as you ride. Also included is a battery life indicator that warns you when the battery is low. With the many safety features and superb performance, this advanced model is indeed one of the safest and most reliable hoverboards around. 041b061a72