Hoverboard Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Learn the ins and outs about this new way of getting around

Simplify your daily transportation across urban spaces, trips down the street or traversing your office building with a hoverboard. Notably used for leisurely movement, these rideables can also get you from one point to another with little effort. These self-balancing devices come in different designs to meet the needs of various recreational seekers, tech enthusiasts and athletes. They also offer enhanced convenience, portability and support sustainable living. Read our complete hoverboard buying guide to help inform your purchase.

Wheel options

Each wheel type offers distinct benefits when it comes to the needs of a rider. The weight and the age of the rider are key determinants of wheel choice. Here are the different wheel options.

Broad-wheel hoverboards: Broad-wheel hoverboards come with 10-inch inflatable wheels. Their multiple grooves dig into the ground and channel dirt outwards, enhancing stability. The wide-set wheels also help you maintain a grip on any surface you're traveling over. With tire guards, these hoverboard models prevent you from getting splashed by dirt, mud or water during your commute.
Medium-wheel hoverboards: These hoverboards have 8-inch wheels that are big enough to move smoothly on most terrains and climb steep gradients. They can power along at reasonably fast speeds to quickly get you to your destination.
Small-wheel hoverboards: Hoverboards with 6- to 6.5-inch wheels are appropriate for children because they are light enough for a child to carry. Plus, their small wheels create a low turning radius making them more agile and nimble than models with larger wheels. The low-profile wheels also lower the center of gravity, which boosts rider stability.

Battery quality

The quality of the battery has a significant impact on the length of time used between recharge cycles. Batteries that enable long run times before needing to be recharged are convenient for regular and high-performance commuters. Most hoverboards have high-capacity lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries that offer the ability to cover more miles on a single charge. On average, healthy batteries last for two or three hours under standard conditions to ensure that you can get the most use out of your hoverboard.

Every li-ion hoverboard battery pack has a battery management system (BMS) that regulates drainage and tolerance levels for longevity. The system provides different indications to alert the user of a low battery level. You should pair any electric transportation device with a quality charger for optimal performance that matches your commuting needs. Regarding how to choose the right hoverboard, pick hoverboards with hot-swappable batteries that let you keep riding while replacing a spent battery with a fully charged spare on the go.

Speed

How fast your rideable goes depends as much on the riding style and hoverboard model as it does on the terrain you’re covering. Most hoverboards operate at an average speed of 8 mph, while high-end boards offer speeds up to 13 mph.

With experience and minimal distractions, any rider can go as fast as the hoverboard allows. A proficient rider can achieve high speeds within a short range. Traveling downhill and on flat surfaces optimizes speed, leveraging gravitational force and terrain. Pick high-powered and broad-wheel models to enjoy high speeds and comfort.

Weight capacity

A rider's weight impacts a hoverboard's overall maximum speed, which is why all models have weight restrictions. Standard hoverboards have a weight limit of around 220 pounds. If you’re looking for a model with the maximum weight hoverboards can accommodate, broad-wheel models will provide a greater stability for larger users.

It’s a good idea to check out weight restrictions prior to purchasing to avoid overloading or damaging the hoverboard. It's advisable to adhere to the maximum weight requirements to ensure the integrity of the device. This also ensures that the self-balancing mechanism works effectively.

Range

Range denotes how far a hoverboard will go on a single charge. Therefore, it’s prudent to consider whether you'll be using the hoverboard for commutes or leisurely fun. Most hoverboards have a 10- to 15-mile range while premium models might range from 13 to 17 miles per single charge.

In many instances, a higher voltage translates to a more powerful battery, which generates a greater hoverboard range. Similarly, the motor power impacts the range, since a more powerful motor minimizes battery drainage, especially when on inclined terrain with a heavier rider on deck.

Portability

While it's easy to assume that every hoverboard is portable, their overall weight can make a major difference. Many hoverboards are lightweight to enhance storage and transportation convenience. The standard hoverboards weigh between 17 to 29 pounds, which are easy to carry anywhere if the battery dies or there isn’t a clear path to travel There are also hoverboard bags that are specifically designed to carry and protect your gear.

Build quality

Standard hoverboards have durable metallic, plastic and rubber components that prolong use. When assessing build, look for quality internal components such as wiring, microprocessors and cooling systems that prevent overheating and electrical issues. With a good battery management system, you can regulate battery usage and detect problems early to facilitate routine maintenance. Additionally, it’s wise to use the original branded accessories, such as chargers and batteries, to limit malfunctions due to incompatibility.

Terrain and activity

Different types of hoverboards have unique attributes to support use in varied terrains or geography. A hoverboard’s wheel size and design both play a big role in navigation. There are also motors that match specific terrain types. For example, premium models feature powerful motors that move your rideable forward easily, whether on a fast commute or uneven pathways. Alternatively, motors in kids’ hoverboards have less oomph to prevent the speed from accelerating past a safe threshold.

Primary purchase concerns

Which brand of hoverboards is the best? An effective hoverboard should fulfill commuter needs or the purpose of outdoor recreation. The primary purchase concerns to keep in mind are convenience, performance and durability. To choose a viable hoverboard, stay focused on meeting these three elements. You should also check on the terrain, build quality and weight restrictions to ensure compatibility with your specific needs Use this information to find a hoverboard that checks all your boxes and allows you to get where you're going with ease.