Hoverboards are easy to use, relatively affordable, and a great way to get around town economically without building up a sweat. They are a perfect gift for most kids, but parents should know what features should have a hoverboard to avoid headaches and injuries.
As with many other high-tech products, there are many low-quality imitators that are cheap, but dangerous. Low-cost hoverboards are prone to catching fire or crashing, so it’s vital to do your research before buying one.
Luckily, most hoverboards today are certified and tested, making them safer than ever before.
If you’re interested in a new and exciting way to travel, read on to find out how to buy the perfect hoverboard.
Features to Look for in Your Hoverboard
When you start shopping around for a hoverboard (or electric scooter), you may feel overwhelmed by the number of products. Many options will differ slightly, and it can be challenging to know which hoverboard to buy.
Each person will have different needs, so take the time to evaluate what is essential for you. However, don’t forget about hoverboard safety equipment as well.
1. Safety Certifications
The Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) certifies most hoverboards sold in the United States. This independent organization supports the production of products that are safe and environmentally friendly through rigorous testing.
The UL has a set of safety standards, and only hoverboards that meet all the requirements get UL-certification.
In general, there are four main UL certifications you need to pay attention to when looking for a hoverboard:
- UL 2722
- UL 60950
- UL 38.3
- UL 1642.
The UL 2272 certification, in particular, is important because it looks at the quality of circuitry and electrics in the device, ensuring that the risk of catching fire is minimal.
UL 60950 looks at the quality of the charger, making sure that it delivers the right amount of charge to the battery. Too much power can result in circuit damage, while too little will result in waiting for hours for your hoverboard to charge.
UL 38.3 and UL 1642 evaluate hoverboard batteries. Batteries represent one of the most significant fire risks on a hoverboard, and this certification ensures that the hoverboard uses the highest-quality batteries possible.
If you don’t see the UL sticker or logo on the product, stay away from that board. It is not worth the risk, even if that board costs less than most other options.
Luckily, most hoverboards on the market today have been evaluated and certified, ensuring that they won’t explode or catch fire.
Hoverboard safety should be the first thing you consider when looking for the ideal hoverboard.
Only consider buying hoverboards that are UL-certified. Since it’s an international standard, the same certifications apply in many countries, including the US, UK, and Canada.
2. Certified Battery for Hoverboard
The type of battery in your hoverboard will affect both the charging time and the range of the board.
Higher quality batteries will deliver more power to the engine, extend how long someone can use the board. They also recharge faster than low-quality batteries.
Reliable batteries are also less likely to explode or catch fire when not in use.
In general, you can expect to get a range of around 10 miles on a flat surface on one battery charge.
Recharge times vary significantly between batteries. Most hoverboard manufacturers will give an estimate of charging time on their hoverboard motor specs.
When it comes to reliability and safety, two manufacturers are leading the way in hoverboard batteries: Samsung and LG. They produce lithium-ion battery cells that are free from potentially life-threatening defects.
A common misconception is that these companies produce the batteries themselves.
While both companies produce their own branded batteries, they also sell battery cells, which third-party manufacturers buy and use to make their own battery pack. These third-party batteries still have the same high-quality battery cells, just without LG or Samsung branding.
The result is that there are plenty of batteries on the market, making it difficult for consumers to know which ones they should buy.
As with the hoverboard itself, UL certification is an excellent indicator of a high-quality battery.
Make sure that any battery you buy has UL 38.3 and UL 1642 certification. These standards look at hoverboard battery life, reliability, and safety – any battery with UL certification is a safe bet.
If you’re still unsure of what battery to buy, here are some of the most common, reliable ones on the market today:
- Black Samsung battery: Lithium ion batteries are the gold standard in terms of reliability, lifespan, and safety. They recharge quickly and have a long charge life, perfect for long-distance trips
- Blue Samsung battery: Also made with genuine Samsung cells, these batteries are smaller and more affordable than the black version. However, due to the difference in size, blue batteries need a separate battery bracket to fit into a standard hoverboard
- RockSaw, Halo Rover, EPIKGO: These hoverboard manufacturers make their own batteries from Samsung or LG cells. They’re durable, rugged, and designed for long-distance trips
3. Hoverboard Motors
A hoverboard’s speed and power depend mainly on the wattage of the motor. The biggest factor to consider when choosing motor wattage is the weight of the intended rider.
Hoverboard motors are available with average-wattage (not max) between 200 W and 500 W.
- 200 – 250 W: This range is best for children under 90 lbs.
- 250 – 350 W: The mid-range is the most popular and suitable for riders under 175 lbs.
- 350 – 500 W: Higher wattage motors are usually reserved for all-terrain hoverboards and can support riders up to 280 lbs. They should always be coupled with a 36 V battery. If you find a model in this wattage range with a weaker battery than that—stay away or expect it to spend a lot of time on the charger.
4. Wheel Size of Hoverboard
Hoverboard wheel sizes affect the weight of the board, how much weight it can handle, and where you can use it.
Hoverboards with smaller wheel sizes tend to have lower ground clearance, making them unsuitable for outdoor riding over rugged terrain. However, they also provide a lower center of gravity, making them more stable and easier to ride.
Here is an overview of how wheel size can affect a hoverboard.
Characteristics of 6.5″ hoverboard wheels
These are typically the smallest wheels you can get, but they are also the most popular choice. These hoverboards are lightweight and support up to 200 pounds with ease.
They’re excellent for indoor use or on asphalt or other smooth roads, but they don’t do as well on rough terrain or grass due to their lowered ground clearance.
If you’re looking for a beginner board that you can take around the block, 6.5″ wheels are sufficient.
Characteristics of 7-8″ hoverboard wheels
The second-most popular choice, hoverboards with 7-8″ wheels, can generally support up to 240 pounds. They’re excellent for rough terrain and have a slightly higher top speed than smaller wheels.
However, these boards also come with the drawback of taking longer to charge and having a smaller range. They also tend to be heavier, with most weighing around 26 pounds.
Characteristics of 10″ hoverboard wheels
Bigger isn’t always better. With 10″ wheels, you get amazing ground clearance, but lose a lot of stability, making this size unsuitable for beginners.
Most 10″ wheels come with inflatable tires, making them the ideal board for gravel and grass. Some boards even offer ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ suspension, allowing users to decide whether they want to go fast or stay comfortable.
5. Speed
The max speed of your electric scooter depends on several different factors. Not only do you need to consider the hoverboard motor specs, but also the type of terrain, wheel size, and weight of the person riding the board.
In general, smaller-wheeled boards are slower than larger wheeled boards. Most boards have a maximum speed of around six to ten miles per hour. Boards with 10″ wheels can go significantly faster, with some topping out at 16 miles per hour!
If you’re a beginner, speed shouldn’t factor into your decision. Some boards even come with learning modes that limit the hoverboard speed to ensure you don’t go too fast.
Instead, you can focus on technique and getting comfortable with the board before taking off into the sunset.
6. Budget
Hoverboard prices have come down in recent years as more manufacturers build high-quality boards. Ideally, you want a board that has a good motor, an excellent battery, and can handle your body weight.
Before you start shopping, set yourself a hard limit of what you’ll spend, and then find the best product just under your max.
Extra Features that hoverboard can have
One way hoverboard manufacturers set their products apart is with extra features. These range from silly to genuinely useful, and they may impact your hoverboard buying decision.
The two most common and useful features include Bluetooth connectivity and LEDs.
Many hoverboards use LEDs in the back and front to increase visibility and night. Some manufacturers install flashing lights, which are easier to see and provide a clear idea of your location to oncoming traffic.
Bluetooth connectivity is a great way to share your favorite music with everyone around you. Some hoverboards have built-in speakers, allowing you to jam to your beats while traveling around town.
Main features of the best hoverboard
The most important factor when buying a hoverboard is safety.
Make sure that the hoverboard you buy has all the relevant UL certifications for both the circuits and the battery. Avoid boards that sound too good to be true, especially if they don’t have the correct certifications.
Other factors to keep in mind are hoverboard wheel sizes, speed, battery life, and motor specs. You may want to spend a bit extra on features like Bluetooth or LED lights, but that will ultimately depend on your budget.
Now that you know what to look for when buying a hoverboard, check out these options to see which quality hoverboard is best for you!