If you’re tired of getting everywhere under your own steam, you might want to give your legs a break and consider one of these trending transportation options: electric skateboards or hoverboards.
But if you don’t know which one to get, or if you want to find out more details about each, keep reading, because by the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll know the difference between the two, and you’ll have hopefully made your choice!
We’re not telling you which one you should or shouldn’t buy. Instead, we’re only setting up a comparison between electric skateboards and hoverboards, so only you can decide which one is for you!
So, electric skateboard vs. hoverboard, which one do you get? Keep reading to find out!
Electric Skateboard
Electric skateboards have a lot in common with regular skateboards, with the exception that they have an electrically powered motor that drives them forward. You can use a hand-held remote control to open the throttle, adjust the speed, and brake.
The battery is located beneath the e-deck, and the motors are attached either beneath the deck or within the wheels. And as with a normal skateboard, you turn by tilting the board to one side or the other.
The Pros of Owning an Electric Skateboard
Users report many pros of owning an electric skateboard; here are the most popular:
● They are Fast
Some electric skateboards can reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour and have ranges of 10+ miles. That means that they can go faster than a city bus, which has an average speed of 14.1 miles per hour. In fact, they’re even faster than hoverboards, which make them perfect for an outdoor adventure.
● E-skateboards are Compact
Although they might be a bit heavier than regular skateboards, they are still easy to carry, take in a car, or carry on a train.
● Durable
When compared to hoverboards, electric skateboards can be much more durable.
● Pretty Easy to Learn
If you already know the basics of skateboarding, you’ll probably easily learn to maneuver your electric skateboard with practice!
● E-skateboards are Easier to Brake
Even if you’re going downhill, you can more easily stop your skateboard than a hoverboard.
● Momentum
An e-skateboard can gain more momentum than a hoverboard, enabling you to go over cracks and pebbles better.
The Cons of Owning an Electric Skateboard
● Made for Experienced Riders
Electric skateboards are made for professional skateboarders, so if you already can’t master a regular skateboard, be ready for some trips and falls until you figure it out.
● Range
Not all electric skateboards have a decent range, making them better for having fun at the park than making trips across town.
● Can Get a Bit Noisy
Electric Skateboards are equipped with polyurethane tires, which can make your whole experience pretty noisy.
● Risk of Damage
Like most electric wheelers, e-skateboards are prone to damage since their electric components are close to the ground. Because jolts or other vibrations might harm parts like the motor and battery, you have to be extra careful about where you use your skateboard.
● Weight Capacity
Unfortunately, e-skateboards have limited weight capacity, so they might not be a very enjoyable experience if you have a large stature. Also, when heavier people try riding electric skateboards, they run for a shorter amount of time before the battery is out of power.
Hoverboard
Hoverboards, or self-balancing boards, have frames that pivot right in the center. Each wheel contains an electric motor and sensors that monitor speed and tilt angle.
When you stand on the board with your feet flat, the light stays on, signaling that the logic board does not run the motors. Once you lean forward, the switch shuts off the LED light, and the sensor tells the logic board to spin its wheels.
And since the two sections of the frames have independent motors, a hoverboard allows you to twist and turn in place! Read here what other features you need to pay attention to when choosing a hoverboard.
The Pros of Owning A Hoverboard
- The self-balancing gyroscopic feature in hoverboards makes them much easier to ride.
- Hoverboards are a good, safe choice for kids as they can go at a maximum speed of 12mph.
- They’re fairly lightweight, with weights ranging from 20-25 lbs, making them easier for you to carry in your shoulder bag or to store at home or in your car.
- A little cheaper than e-skateboards, as they, on average, can cost you $200, while electric skateboards could cost around $300.
- Hoverboards include several cool features like LED lights and Bluetooth speakers, which will appeal to most kids!
- This vehicle makes you stand out from the crowd as they’re nothing like other modes of transport.
The Cons of Owning A Hoverboard
- If your goal is to find a simple electric vehicle to go to school or work on, owning a hoverboard isn’t a great option. They’re not that fast, and they don’t have the range that electric skateboards do.
- They rely on your ability to balance and learning that takes some time, so be prepared to fall off if you’re a beginner.
- On even slightly rough or bumpy surfaces, most hoverboards don’t work too well.
- Hoverboards won’t take you very far because they’ve got limited battery life.
- If your hoverboard’s quality isn’t that great, you might put yourself at risk of fire incidents, as cheaper hoverboards have risks of bursting into flames while you use them or recharge them. That could lead to burn injuries or cause damage to your house.
Electric Skateboard vs. Hoverboard: Final Thoughts
So, back to our question, which one do you choose? We say get whichever one serves your purpose. If you want a more practical vehicle for daily use on roads or to commute, definitely go for electric skateboards, but make sure you get one with a long range.
But if you want something that’s more like a toy, less practical, and has more of a fun, playful purpose for children to enjoy, you should go for a hoverboard.
We hope that solves the dilemma between hoverboard and e-skateboard. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make your pick!