The famous electric skateboard has been gaining more and more fans, but it is still considered a novelty in the market. Therefore, many people still have doubts about how to choose a hoverboard.
What features should be observed when purchasing such equipment? Do you have any idea? Well, there’s nothing to worry about. In this article, you will see 11 points that must be analyzed when buying yours.
Let’s go?
How to choose hoverboard?
If you have doubts about how to choose a hoverboard, you need to know the different aspects to consider when purchasing this equipment.
Among them are: dimension, angle of inclination, power, autonomy, weight capacity, resistance, charging and battery quality.
In this article, you will understand what must be observed in each of these aspects to ensure better functioning of the hoverboard and, above all, user safety.
1. Dimension
Let’s start with the size of the equipment. Currently, existing models on the market have 6 to 10 inches.
What not everyone knows is that, in order to choose the most suitable size, it is necessary to consider how and where the hoverboard will be used.
For those who intend to use the electric skateboard only in flat and paved places, whether for fun or locomotion, the models with up to 8 inches will do the trick.
However, for the more adventurous who want to face rougher terrain, dirt and/or sand roads, it is necessary to invest in an off-road model.
This version has between 8 and 10 inches and is therefore wider and heavier, thus offering greater traction, an essential attribute to ensure user safety.
2. Maximum supported weight
The maximum supported weight is also another aspect that cannot be ignored. In general, hoverboards support up to 120kg, but there are models that reach 130kg.
If this limit is not respected, in addition to significantly reducing the autonomy and useful life of the equipment, even accidents can happen.
What not everyone knows is that some models also indicate a minimum weight, which is usually around 20 kg.
3. Minimum age
Hoverboards are suitable for children aged 12 and over
Did you know that there is also a minimum age to use the hoverboard? In general, the equipment is usually recommended for children aged 12 and over.
This limitation considers the minimum weight that we mentioned earlier.
This is because, as the hoverboard works based on the pressure exerted by the weight distribution on the equipment’s axes, the sensor may not be able to capture the movements of smaller children.
4. How to choose hoverboard: pay attention to its portability
In addition to size, the weight of the equipment is another factor that affects its portability, a very important issue for anyone who will need to transport the equipment manually.
Especially for those who walk part of the journey on a hoverboard and the rest on public transport, for example.
There are models on the market that weigh up to 12kg, but there are also lighter options that weigh around 7kg.
So, be sure to note that the equipment is light and really portable.
5. Angulation
A very important detail that few people know is that the hoverboard angle is not necessarily the same in all models.
Therefore, if you are in doubt about how to choose a hoverboard, you also need to evaluate its safe angle, which can vary from 8 to 45º.
In practice, this means that the greater the degree of inclination, the more mobility the user will have in his maneuvers, since the hoverboard moves from the angle of the feet.
Consequently, this will also help to minimize the chances of the equipment making improper movements and the user falling.
6. Power
Most hoverboards are equipped with two motors, which can be 250W each or even go as high as 800W.
For those who will use the equipment only as a leisure option, models with 300W are sufficient.
On the other hand, those who intend to acquire it for locomotion, this would be the minimum power.
The logic in this case is: if you want to perform better and reach higher speed, invest in a more powerful hoverboard.
7. How to choose hoverboard: note the maximum speed
Did you know that Inmetro does not consider the hoverboard a toy, given that the equipment can exceed 8km/h?
That’s right. Most models available on the market reach 10km/h or more.
For beginners, a hoverboard with a maximum speed of up to 15km/h is ideal, even to avoid accidents.
For the more experienced, there are models that can reach up to 20km/h, remembering that the speed is controlled from the user’s posture.
8. Autonomy
Autonomy is an essential item for anyone who wants to use the hoverboard for day-to-day locomotion
The autonomy of the hoverboard consists of the mileage that the equipment can cover with just one charge.
Therefore, if you intend to use it for day-to-day locomotion and still don’t know how to choose a hoverboard, this is an issue that you need to pay attention to.
Generally, electric skateboards have a minimum autonomy of 8 km. However, it is best to opt for a model that guarantees at least 10km of displacement.
But there is no reason to be discouraged because there are also options with autonomy of up to 20 km.
Remembering that some manufacturers indicate this autonomy in minutes, usually 90min.
And an addendum: we cannot fail to consider that the user’s weight, the type of terrain and even extra accessories may impact this autonomy.
For example, the heavier the person is, the less agility the hoverboard will have and, therefore, the shorter the distance covered.
9. Resistance
Be sure to also look into whether the hoverboard you want is dust and water resistant. But here, a warning is in order.
As much as the manufacturer indicates such resistance, that doesn’t mean you can go out there going through puddles of water and getting rain.
The hoverboard has electrical components that can be damaged if constantly exposed to water or dust.
10. How to choose hoverboard: evaluate battery quality and charging time
Although the battery only appears at the end, we can say that this is one of the most important aspects, not only with regard to autonomy, but above all to safety.
So if you want to know how to choose a hoverboard, start by evaluating the battery charging time.
Generally, the average charging time indicated by the manufacturer ranges from one to four hours. In general, the ideal is to assess whether the charging time is greater than the autonomy time.
For example, a hoverboard that takes four hours to reach a full charge and has an autonomy of 90 minutes, will spend more time plugged in than in use.
This can be a complicator for some people, right? It is also worth investing in models that already come with a battery indicator on the panel to make life easier.
11. Security
Finally, another fundamental aspect for those who want to invest in a hoverboard: safety.
As far as the battery is concerned, keep in mind that low quality batteries can end up overheating while using the hoverboard and the equipment can even catch fire.
So, be sure to buy the hoverboard from a reliable manufacturer, mainly because the equipment is not yet regulated and does not have quality control by any body.
Another item that directly contributes to user safety are the LED lights, which can appear on the front and back of the equipment to alert other vehicles that have a hoverboard on the track.